MPC Youth
A Weekly Newsletter
Thought for the Week
Be at War with your Vices, at Peace with your Neighbours, and let every New Year find you a better man. - Benjamin Franklin
I don't know about you, but I am pretty awful at New Year's Resolutions. I either make them ahead of time and then abandon them by the wayside sometime before the end of January or completely forget to make them and give it up as a lost cause.
What are we trying to change? The answers are not surprising: lose weight, improve personal finances, exercising more, find a new job, cut back on smoking, and improving a relationship. Those are, coincidentally, also the top resolutions that people break.
A recent article by the Washington Post says that 25% of Americans don't make it a week(!) before moving on. About 19% made it to six months. Only 8% of people, Forbes says, achieve their New Year's goals. There is some good news, though. If you can make it to the six month mark with your resolution, you are 10 times more likely to keep it as a habit.
Some of us don't need New Year's Resolutions to make change happen. Those are the people who are self-motivated to get up and go running at the crack of dawn every morning, regardless of the weather. To those people I say: you are awesome and I am jealous.
For the rest of us, who might need extra incentive or motivation, keeping our resolutions is a little more difficult. People who research this sort of thing have some tips to share with us.
You need a "contemplation phase." This is the period when you develop an attainable goal that you can stick with, even if you slip occasionally. Take time and think about what you can add to your schedule without being overwhelmed or what your body can handle and set goals accordingly.
Tell people about your goals or involve them in your effort. This is not about forcing people into your resolution or recruiting them to hit the same goals you are. Rather, this is putting people in your support network who will touch base with and encourage you on your journey. Maybe they'll join you, who knows! At the same time, be that support for your friends and family who have set goals. This is a two way street.
Shamelessly bribe yourself. Studies have shown that a "serious financial stake in the outcome" makes people more likely to hit their goals. It is okay to reward yourself for hitting your milestones. Hitting a goal is not a punishment, it is a moment of celebration. Go ahead and celebrate with that thing you've had on your Amazon wish-list for ages.
Be kind to yourself. On average, it takes more than 2 months before a new behavior becomes automatic. We are used to moments of instant gratification that it is easy to get discouraged when we don't see results as quickly as we would like. It is okay if you mess up! You can always start again. Building a habit is not an all-or-nothing experience.
Even if you aren't into setting strict Resolutions, I encourage you to think about ways you can make this year better than the last for yourself or for the people around you.
I wish you all a year full of all the success, blessings, and happiness that you can handle!
Happy New Year!
- Liz
Upcoming Schedule
Sunday Morning Schedule
- Middle School Sunday School, 9:15 AM (Youth Room)
- High School Sunday School, 9:15 AM (Stephen Ministry Room)
- Confirmation, 9:15 AM (Room 102)
- Contemporary Worship, 11:00 AM (Sanctuary)
Sunday Evening Schedule
- Middle School Youth Group, 5:00 PM (Youth Room)
- High School Praise Team, 5:30 PM (Sanctuary)
- Middle School Praise Team, 6:30 PM (Sanctuary)
- High School Youth Group, 7:00 PM (Sanctuary)
Wednesday Evening Schedule
- Youth Gathering, 7:00 PM (Youth Room)
Friday Evening Schedule
- Middle School Lock-In begins, 7:00 PM (Youth Room)
Saturday Morning Schedule
- Middle School Lock-In ends, 8:00 - 9:00 AM pick up (Youth Room)
Wednesday Nights
Middle School Lock-In!
We'll gather on Friday, January 15 and be "locked in" until the morning of Saturday, January 16. Join us to celebrate the New Year with a lesson or two, games, movies, and, of course, food!
CLICK HERE for more information about this event.
Please RSVP to Liz via email or using THIS FORM so we can prepare for food and games!
Friday, Jan 15, 2016, 07:00 PM
Media Presbyterian Church, East Baltimore Avenue, Media, PA, United States
Calendar
January
- Sunday, January 10
Normal Sunday School & Youth Group schedule resumes - Friday, January 15
Middle School Lock-In begins - drop off at 7:00 PM (Youth Room) - Saturday, January 16
Middle School Lock-In ends - pick up by 9:00 AM (Youth Room)
February
- Friday, February 12
All-Church Retreat @ Harvey Cedars Begins - Saturday, February 13
All-Church Retreat @ Harvey Cedars - Sunday, February 14
All-Church Retreat @ Harvey Cedars Ends
No Youth Events
2016 All-Church Retreat
The retreat includes:
- Meals
- Program Sessions
- Speaker Dr. Ruth Laker
Check out the website, the MPC newsletter, or the pew inserts for more information. You can also call (610-566-3944) or email Cathy Brod in the church office with any questions.
Registration deadline is Sunday, January 17!
Friday, Feb 12, 2016, 07:00 PM
Harvey Cedars Bible Conference, Harvey Cedars, NJ, United States
Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering with the youth, either in Sunday School or Youth Group, please email Liz!
You are welcome to join us as often as you are able!
Follow Us!
Youth Program of Media Presbyterian Church
The Youth Ministry programs at MPC has long been a place that welcomes teenagers to embrace their questions and their struggles with faith in a healthy and safe environment.
The Youth Program is led by Ms. Liz Remelius, Director of Youth Ministries. Liz nurtures a deep love of education and believes that there is "a divine beauty in learning." She hopes that anyone who participates in MPC's Youth Ministry will be equipped to ask questions, search for answers, and turn that knowledge into action, both in the Church and the world.
Email: liz@mediapresbyterian.org
Website: http://www.mediapresbyterian.org/ministries/youth-ministry
Location: 30 East Baltimore Avenue, Media, PA, United States
Phone: 610-566-3944
Facebook: facebook.com/MPCYouthGroup
Twitter: @YOUTH_MPC