CrossQuest Youth

2012 Jesus We C Q Ski Retreat @ Winterplace Ski Resort

2012-01-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

Open to all 7 - 12 grade students at Mount Vernon
Dates: March 2 -3
Cost: $115 (per skier) $130 (per snowboarder) $75 (snow tube only)
Location: Winterplace Ski Resort in Wild and Wonderful West Virginia!
Sign up and registration: Sign up sheet on youth pastor's office door; $40 non-refundable deposit due before January 25; final payment due before February 19.

Upcoming News X 3

2011-09-29T08:56:00.001-07:00

1. CQ Hang Time October 8 @ MVBC for all 7-12 graders! Time: 7-9pm Cost: Free

2. Senior High Beach Retreat October 21-22! Senior high students (9-12 grades) will head to Carolina Beach for a short fall retreat intended to challenge them to be godly leaders in their sphere of influence! Space is limited and SING UP IS REQUIRED. Sign Up Sheet: on Kevin’s office door by October 19th. Cost: $20. Dates and Times: Oct 21 depart MVBC @4pm; Oct 22 arrive back at MVBC around 9:30pm

3. REMINDER – Students, your final drafts for “December Devotions” must be turned into youth office no later than October 26. If you are having difficulty please let Kevin know.

2011-09-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

ATTENTION ALL CROSSQUEST STUDENTS AND PARENTS: PLEASE Join us at CrossQuestYouthMinistries@yahoogroups.com for up to the minute information, forms, calendars, reminders, and more!!

2011-06-08T08:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, it is HOT here in NC and our summer activities are heating up just as fast. Over the next few weeks we will take a senior high group to Paraguay to visit our friends there, enjoy Go Tell Camp in Georgia, hunt like scavengers, basketball our selves silly, enjoy guys hang time, revel in girls hang times, share Jesus around Raleigh, and still make it to all youth group meetings on Sunday evening and Wednesday evenings! If you are in 7 - 12 grade, you should join us! It will be a WOW summer indeed!

2011-02-14T13:28:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Jesus We CQ Ski Retreat was fantastic! The Lord gave us safe travel, sweet skiing and snowboarding conditions, and unity throughout the weekend. A big thank you to our friends and family that prayed for us. Looking forward to next year already.

2011-01-25T05:49:00.000-08:00

The 2011 Jesus We CQ Ski Retreat @ Winterplace Ski Resort, WV
Dates February 11 - 12

Cost Only $115 (per skier) $130 (per snowboarder) $70 (per non-skier/boarder)

Includes Transportation, room, equipment, meal @ the resort, and priceless memories
Location Winterplace Ski Resort in wild and wonderful West Virginia

Sign up and Registration Sign up sheet is on the CrossQuest Youth office door. A $40 non-refundable deposit is due before January 26 and final payment is due no later than February 2.

We will depart MVBC the morning of February 11 and eat breakfast along the way. After we check in at our hotel we will head to the slopes and enjoy an evening of skiing under the lights! Saturday morning February 12 we get up and head back to MVBC so. You will be back in time to enjoy the rest of the weekend! For additional information contact Kevin – crossquest@embarqmail.com or 919-847-0160 x225.

CRAZY QUEST CAMPING

2010-12-15T06:51:00.000-08:00

Crossquest Students this is an event you will “FLIP” over! January 8 you will want to get your camping clothes on and be ready to “catch” your meal! If you thought “Medical Madness” or “Merry Mayhem” were exciting events, then you will flip for “Crazy Quest Camping”! This crazy evening includes food, fun, and fun with FOOD. The theme for the evening is Crazy Camping so you will want to come dressed for an excursion into the wilderness. Prizes for best camping costume and the student that brings most non-MVBC student guests will be awarded. Sign up sheet is located on Kevin’s office door. Date: January 8 Time: 6-9:00pm Cost: $5 (non-MVBC students are free) PS: Grizzly Bear Repellant is optional but recommended!

October Back 2 Back 2 Back!

2010-09-30T10:40:00.000-07:00

Attention Ladies of CrossQuest Student Ministries! Friday night, October 22 is just for you. The CQ young ladies will be getting together for Light Your World for Jesus. You will enjoy fun activities, food, and a special speaker to encourage you to shine for Jesus in your world. Date: October 22 Times: 6:00pm-9:00pm Location: Great Quest Youth Room Cost: $10 for craft supplies; you will be creating a candle to take home.

On October 23 the youth will embark on an a-MAZE-ing Journey: Searching for TRUTH! Students, when you were born you began a journey in search of TRUTH. Jesus is TRUTH and He wants you to seek and find Him. We are going to visit a corn maze on October 23 for a night of challenge and fun and to get a practical lesson on this journey we call life. Grab a friend and let’s hit the road in search of the TRUTH. Sign up sheet is on the CrossQuest Office door. Cost: $10 plus fast food meal Date: Oct. 23 Depart from MVBC for Benson NC: 4:00pm Return to MVBC: 10:00pm Bring: a Flash light required FORMS: CQ1 CQ2 CQ3 required

Fall Fling 2010 will be October 30 at Kevin and Sandra’s home. ALL (7-12 grade) youth are invited to Youngsville, NC where we will have a ball hanging out and enjoying the country life! After some games, food, activities, and getting to know our CrossQuest friends better, we will head over to Faith Baptist Church for the walk through drama The House at Anchorsoul Fork. Date: October 30 Times: 4:00pm-9:30pm Cost: FREE Bring: A friend! Guys bring: Salty snack Girls bring: Sweet snack

2010 CrossQuest Youth Gathering and the drama The House at Anchorsoul Fork: The War of Realms

2010-09-15T10:36:00.001-07:00

2010 CrossQuest Youth Gathering at the Moore’s Secret Lair and the drama The House @ AnchorSoul Fork: The War of Realms

Date: Saturday October 30
Times: Arrive @ the Moore’s at 4:00pm / Pick up @ the Moore’s at 9:30pm
Cost: $5 per participant (Non-MVBC 7-12th grade student guest are FREE!)
What to Bring: Guys-Salty snack / Ladies-Sweet snack

Would you like to know where Kevin and Sandra’s hidden bat cave is located? Come to Youngsville, NC on October 30 to find out? While there we will enjoy a walk through drama where fact is more riveting than fiction. The drama is presented by Faith Baptist Church in Youngsville, NC.
The night begins at Kevin and Sandra Moore’s home where games, food, and hang time are enjoyed by all. Later in the evening we will load up and head over to Faith Baptist Church for the drama -The House at Anchorsoul Fork : The War of Realms. After the drama it is back to the Moore’s to close out our evening.
Hey, why not bring a friend or a CrossQuest Member that has not been to youth group lately? The night includes games, food, hanging out with friends, and discussions about the drama.
What about sign up? ALL participants must sign up and pay their $5 by Sunday October 24, so that we can make sure we have enough vehicles and FOOD! Non-MVBC 7-12th grade student guest are FREE! A sign up sheet will be on the CrossQuest Student office door. You may also go to crossquest@embarqmail.com to sign up.

Hotdog lunch in Ephesians

2010-09-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

What good could come from a visit to the local hotdog restaurant on $1 hotdog days? As far as the family nutritionist is concerned, nothing! As far as Ephesians 4:1-3 is concerned, everything. On Tuesday a church friend and I met at the local hotdog place to indulge our craving for those little red dogs served hot and cheep. The event sounds mundane enough but it was special beyond words. Although I had known this young man for several years; I did not really know him. We associated at church but not beyond the few hours a week spent inside the four walls of the building. It was great to hear all about his young life and how he met his wife. I found out about his job, his interests, his family, and how he and his wife came to be such devoted servants of Christ at our church. All these wonderful things came about at a local hotdog eatery! As our conversation continued we found ourselves discussing concerns, desires, and vision for our ministries and our church. As you would expect, God’s economy is vastly more efficient than man’s. In all of man’s designed meetings and events, he wastes time planning and “making things happen.” God took an impromptu lunch meeting and turned it into a celebration of Christ in our lives and our desire to serve Him better, all while enjoying hotdogs and fries (did I mention the fries….?).
Check this out: “As a prisoner for the Lord, the, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentile; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV
All that and a hotdog! Give me a shout and maybe we can get a salad together (just incase the family nutritionist is reading this blog).

Canada Update

2010-08-24T10:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a wonderful time we had in Canada! The students and leaders hung tough during long hours in cramped vans. We thank the Lord for safe travel and for all the people we were able to meet. Jesus is Good News and we enjoyed sharing Him with the people in and around Toronto. While in country: We enjoyed the C.N. Tower (second tallest building in the world) the glass floor was intimidating, Bronte Park on Lake Ontario, Tim Horton's restaurants (the apple fritters are magic), the Escarpment was vast, and Niagara Falls was all it is cracked up to be (Pun intended). Most of all we enjoyed the people from all over the world that have come to call Canada home. Our hearts and prayers are with them still. Pray that the people we spoke with and the people that received Video's about the life of Christ will have tender hearts for the Gospel. Thank you to all who prayed for us while we were traveling and serving in Canada. You are the engine that drives the boat on it's mission. It was a PERFECT trip eh!

Go Tell Camp 2010

2010-06-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

What a great journey we have had! 21 members of our Youth Ministry enjoyed hanging out in Toccoa, Georgia. Our group had two salvations, five students surrendered to full time Christian ministry, and many other spiritual decisions were made during the week. Thank the Lord for wonderful students and their families!

BE PREPARED

2010-04-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

…But in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you… 1 Peter 3:15

BE PREPARED Scout motto since 1907

I am a fan of elevators but not for the same reasons as someone with a leg injury or a seventh grade boy after eating his favorite musical meal! I love elevators because it gives me a chance to talk to people without them diving into the nearest holly bush or dumpster. People who do not even know me seem to have a similar reaction, oh well.

I imagine my elevator ambush like a BOXED CANYON in the old westerns: “There ain’t no way out of this canyon Billy, give up and become a Christian or I’ll blind you with my smile and fill your ears full of churchy words!” If all goes well I will be riding into the sunset with another soul notched on the handle of my spiritual gun.

Let me share a recent elevator story that proves you must BE PREPARED. A friend and I had just left a hospital visit and were boarding the parking deck elevator on the ground floor and to my sadness the elevator was empty, what a waste of a good ambush. The elevator stopped on the next floor and a gentleman stepped inside. Things were looking up. I attempted to engage the man in some witty chatter but he was no stranger to elevator ambushes. He steeled himself and with the coldest of stares looked up at the light indicating the level and ignored us! The parking deck only had 4 levels and I would never be able to break him down on such a short ride. Actually, I am not sure a ride to the top of the Sears Tower would not be enough to get this tough Hombre to speak.

Fortunately on the very next floor a well dressed lady with a kind smile got on the elevator. As the door began to close I thought, “I’ll show this guy what polite conversation sounds like.” I spoke to the lady and she spoke back. Take that I thought as I watched the man in my peripheral vision. And just that quickly, the doors opened on the next level and the lady stepped past us to exit. Here was my chance! I shot the lady a blinding smile and hit her with a churchy phrase; “have a nice day” I said, all along hoping the man on the elevator would catch some of my spiritual shrapnel. As the door was closing, the lady looked back at me and said, “I have to go find a hospice care organization”. I was stunned to silence. The door closed and she was gone.

I kept thinking about the fact that I had recent experience with hospice. They helped my family through the difficult days of my father’s illness and death. How Christ had comforted me in the most difficult time of my life. How the kindness of Christians who were willing to weep with us and rejoice with us was so important. I needed to tell her that a relationship with Jesus was ultimately how one must BE PREPARED. When I realized the first man’s desire to be left alone I should have done just that and kindly I might add. I should have been more observant to the lady who was in need of hope. I failed.

Our failures are just that, ours. The Lord has the ability to reach into that person’s life. He has the power to affect the life of the other man also. I have no doubt about God’s ability to work and minister to all. He cannot fail! I am just sad that I was told to BE PREPARED and I wasn’t. Next time I will BE PREPARED. I thank the Lord for next times and elevators.

2010 GoTell Camp Basic information

2010-03-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

Don’t let the description below confuse you, talk to Kevin or a student who has been to GoTell Camp in the past for more details!

Mount Vernon’s Students attend summer camp at the Georgia Baptist Assembly facility in Toccoa, Georgia. Toccoa is located in the foothills of Georgia just across the state line off of I-85.

GoTell Camp is not a typical summer camp. Although the camp is full of fun and other normal summer camp activities, it also includes chapel services and Christian discipleship, and team building for the youth group. A typical day at camp starts with breakfast in the main dining hall. In the past the meals have been very good. After breakfast MVBC’s teens usually attend a breakout session with teens from one or two other churches. Next, everyone (1,000+ teens) head over to the auditorium to hear a Christian praise band and a speaker. Lunch and midday camp games and activities are next. After supper everyone gathers in the auditorium to enjoy a praise band, skits, entertainment, and guest speakers who usually share the Gospel or inspirational message. The day also includes a good amount of down time to get to know each other better.

Our group stays off campus at a local hotel that has a pool and great air conditioning!

Camp is open to rising 7th graders (those who will be going into 7th grade in the fall or have already entered 7th grade as a year around student) through 12th graders (including those who graduated in June)

FYI- Mount Vernon Baptist Church promotes 6th graders to 7th grade June 6, 2010.
The cost for camp is $250 and includes lodging, transportation, meals at camp, t-shirt, and camp materials.

Sign up: Begins March 21, 2010

Deposit: A $50 non-refundable deposit due by April 14 (Make checks out to Mount Vernon)

Forms: All forms are due into the Youth Office by May 16

Balance: The $200 final payment is due no later than May 24

Guys Open Gym Nights

2010-03-11T13:10:00.000-08:00

Dudes hang time in MARCH and MAY

Attention CrossQuest MEN, you are invited to open gym evenings in March! Mark your calendars (or have your Moms do it for you) for March 26, 2010 and May 7, 14 and 21, 2010. 7-8 grade guys open gym time is 7-9pm and 9-12 grade guys from 9-11pm. Can we bring a friend? I am glad you asked- YES as long as they are male and they are in middle school or high School!

2010-03-02T06:35:00.000-08:00

Hey CrossQuest Youth- Thank you’ve got game?

Then don’t just sing it, bring it (your A game that is) to CrossQuest’s BIG BAD BASKETBALL BONANZA BLOWOUT BASH 2! Prizes will be awarded to the student who brings the most visitors and to the student who displays the most team spirit. So lace up those smelly sneakers, come dressed in all your favorite team’s colors and gear, and get ready for a SLAM-Dunk of a party!

We are not talking about Mrs. Cheryl B’s granny-shot, Mr. David W’s white knee socks, Mr. Wayne S’s 1960’s uniform, or Mr. Steve C’s rec league kind of basketball- We are talking:

Dunk-a-Thon Krazy K.O. 3-Point Shootout Super P.I.G. Nuttin’ But Net

World’s Largest B-Ball Game 2 and MUCH, MUCH more!

Rumor has It that a half-court shot is worth big bucks!

Date: Friday March 19 Time: 7-10pm Cost: $5 Sign Up: On Kevin’s office door

GoTell Camp 2010

All 7-12 graders interested in going to GoTell Camp June 21-25 need to contact Youth Pastor Kevin Moore at crossquest@embarqmail.com for details and information. Our youth group has been attending GoTell Camp in Toccoa, Georgia since 1999. Many students have come to know Jesus as Savior and Lord at camp, many more have surrendered to God’s call for personal holiness, vocational ministry, or being more bold in sharing the Gospel with friends and family. Sigh up begins MARCH 21.

Operation Canada 2010

CrossQuest Senior High Students are going to Canada this summer! The students will be visiting the Toronto area while sharing the love of Christ with our neighbors to the north. CrossQuest Students that are interested in going on this trip need to contact Youth Pastor Kevin Moore at crossquest@embarqmail.com ASAP for details and cost.

2010 Ski Retreat

2009-12-28T21:34:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Jesus We CQ Ski Retreat @ Winterplace Ski Resort

Dates February 4th depart after school, 5th Ski (less of a crowd on weekday, 6th Return to Raleigh
Cost $115 (per skier); $135 * (per snowboarder); $80 (per non-skier/boarder)
Includes Transportation, room, equipment, lunch @ the resort, priceless memories
Location Winterplace Ski Resort in wild and wonderful West Virginia
Registration A $40 non-refundable deposit is due Jan. 7th
Sign Up Sheet On Kevin’s office door

The 2010 Jesus We CQ Ski Retreat is finally here! This will be the last time many of our graduating seniors go on this trip with the youth group. This will also be the start of a new tradition for many of our younger students who will experience the joy of skiing for the first time this winter. We will have a blast worshipping the Lord together, praying and playing together, and finding creative ways to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others while on the ski slopes!

For He Alone is Worthy...

2009-12-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord! What special Christmas tradition does your family enjoy? On Christmas eve does your family dress in costumes and perform the Christmas story found in Luke chapter 2? Does your family give presents to needy children anonymously? Maybe you gather around as a family and read the Story of the Christ child. Whatever your tradition, I pray it includes remembering why Christmas is so important. If your family doesn't have a tradition of recognizing Jesus on Christmas, why not start one? By focusing on Christ, the children will learn the significance of the Holiday, your family members who do not have a personal relationship with Christ will hear the Gospel, and Christ will be magnified by your faithfulness.

MERRY MAYHEM!!!

2009-12-17T07:07:00.000-08:00

Christmas has a purpose, and it isn't all the crazy commercialism that bombards us 24/7 from September until December 25! Christmas is a celebration of God reconciling mankind to Himself through Jesus Christ, His son. Our upcoming CrossQuest Youth Night will be a night of fun and "Merry Mayhem" but it will also have purpose. DO NOT MISS OUT ON THE "MAYHEM!"

Date: December 19, 2009 (Saturday)
Time: 5-9:30pm
Cost: $3

SCARY STUFF

2009-10-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

Attention CrossQuest Students:Do Not Miss AnchorSoul 2009

Date: October 31 Times: Arrive @ the Moore’s at 4:30pm / Pick up @ the Moore’s at 9:30pm

Cost: $5 per participant (Non-MVBC 7-12th grade student guest are FREE!)

Bring: Guys-Salty snack / Ladies-Sweet snack

Students, where will you be on Halloween night? Why not spend the evening with twenty or thirty of your CrossQuest Friends in Youngsville, NC? The House at Anchorsoul Fork is a walk through drama where fact is more riveting than fiction. The drama is presented by Faith Baptist in Youngsville, NC.The night begins at Kevin and Sandra Moore’s house. Later in the evening we will load up and head over to Faith Baptist for Anchorsoul and then it is back to the Moore’s to close out our time together.
Why not bring a friend or a CrossQuest Member that has not been to youth group lately? The night includes games, food, hanging out with friends, and discussions about the drama.
How much does the event cost and what should you bring? I am glad that you asked! $5 per student will help cover food cost; everything else is free (Non-MVBC 7-12th grade student guest are FREE!). Guys bring a salty snack to share and ladies bring a sweet snack to share (makes sense). What about sign up? ALL participants must sign up and pay their $5 by Sunday October 25, so that we can make sure we have enough vehicles and FOOD! Non-MVBC 7-12th grade student guest are FREE! A sign up sheet will be on the CrossQuest Student office door. You may also go to crossquest@embarqmail.com to sign up.

09 Senior High Fall Island Retreat

2009-10-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Location: Topsail Island, NC
Dates and Times: Depart From MVBC October 16 at 4pm and Return October 17 around 9pm
Cost: $20
Needed forms: Medical form / Liability form / Behavior form (located to the right side of this post in the links section)
What to bring? BIBLE! Sleeping bag, pillow, towel and wash cloth, and best attitude.
Students that have signed up need to get the proper forms from the box outside of Kevin's office or from the links section of this page.

Sundae Sunday!

2009-10-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a great response to the Sundae Sunday after the evening service! Students and their families enjoyed making and sharing ice cream sundaes in the GreatQuest Youth Room on the 4th. Thank you to the parents who brought sundae toppings to share - we are all a little more "complete" as a result. I have a feeling sundae Sunday will happen again!

Coming CrossQuest Activities for all Grades

2009-09-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

SENIOR HIGH MIDNIGHT MADNESS
Let the smack talk begin (…kind smack talk please) because the senior high students are going midnight bowling! The night begins at Buffaloe Lanes Family Entertainment Center at 5900 oak Forest Rd. Raleigh, NC 27616
Date: Friday night October 2, 2009
Time: Meet out front of Buffaloe Lanes at 10:20pm
Cost: $7 plus money for snacks and drinks
Sigh up: YES!!!!!
Contact Kevin Moore @ 919-847-0160 x 225 or crossquest@embarqmail.com

7-8th Grade Super Game-O-Rama

That’s right Middle school students, it’s on like Donkeykong! October 3 from 5-8pm you are invited to Wayne and Karen’s house of fun for games galore! You need to RSVP Karen at kstallingshsmom@nc.rr.com before October 1 so that you do not miss out on the cookout or games. Pacman, Wii sports, Scatergories, Pictionary, Madden and NCAA Football, and many more activities will be offered throughout the evening. DO NOT MISS OUT.

Attention CrossQuest Students:Do Not Miss AnchorSoul 2009

Date: October 31
Times: Arrive @ the Moore’s at 4:30pm / Pick up @ the Moore’s at 9:30pm
Cost: $5 per participant (Non-MVBC 7-12th grade student guest are FREE!)
Bring: Guys-Salty snack / Ladies-Sweet snackStudents, where will you be on Halloween night?

Why not spend the evening with twenty or thirty of your CrossQuest Friends in Youngsville, NC?

The House at Anchorsoul Fork is a walk through drama where fact is more riveting than fiction. The drama is presented by Faith Baptist in Youngsville, NC.The night begins at Kevin and Sandra Moore’s house. Later in the evening we will load up and head over to Faith Baptist for Anchorsoul and then it is back to the Moore’s to close out our time together.

Why not bring a friend or a CrossQuest Member that has not been to youth group lately? The night includes games, food, hanging out with friends, and discussions about the drama.

How much does the event cost and what should you bring? I am glad that you asked! $5 per student will help cover food cost; everything else is free (Non-MVBC 7-12th grade student guest are FREE!). Guys bring a salty snack to share and ladies bring a sweet snack to share (makes sense). What about sign up? ALL participants must sign up and pay their $5 by Sunday October 25, so that we can make sure we have enough vehicles and FOOD! Non-MVBC 7-12th grade student guest are FREE! A sign up sheet will be on the CrossQuest Student office door. You may also go to crossquest@embarqmail.com to sign up.

Indignant Thoughts

2009-06-11T06:29:00.000-07:00

Over the past few years I have had a reoccurring dream. The dream is not a bad one but at the same time it is disturbing. In my dream I am fervently preaching the Gospel to a crowd that I cannot see. I have the impending feeling that this is going to be my last time to preach on earth and I am desperate for the unseen audience to hear the message of Christ as clearly as possible. When I wake up, I am exhausted and agitated, and I do not know exactly why.

If you are wondering why I would mention my dream here, allow me to elaborate: Recently, I had a similar feeling of anxiousness and anger. The other day, I was in a Christian book store standing at the register counter when I noticed the featured book being prominently displayed. The title was Church Marketing 101: Preparing Your Church for Greater Growth by Richard L. Reising. Before I go any farther, I must say, I have not read the book and I do not wish to disparage Mr. Reising or his intentions. However, as I looked at the book sitting in its nice little stand, I became overwhelmed with anger. It was as if my Christian sensibilities had been deeply offended. I had the urge to rip the book apart and toss it in the trash!

How could the Bride of Jesus Christ be so callously handled? Has adding to the Kingdom of God been reduced to a basic (101) marketing formula? I walked away form that store feeling defeated. It was as if my Lord had been impugned and I had done nothing to correct the hurt done to His character.

Is this all the enlightened Christian community can come up with, marketing? Marketing what? Marketing who? What page of scripture tells the church that marketing is the solution to the problem of sin in the lives of individuals? When did Jesus engage in the practice and what was His formula? Have we begun to coalesce into an unrecognizable mass bent on self preservation and not the preservation of the Gospel?

Jesus must not have been as good at marketing as modern businessmen. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23); “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brother and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27); “So likewise, whoever does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33). Not exactly a modern idea of marketing, and yet He was God incarnate!

What must I do? How do I react to those who wish to boil down into a formula, the intricacies of a relational God and those He wishes to join in the worship of Him? Your thoughts are welcome, your tears justified, and your prayers needed.

CrossQuest Parents: FYI

2009-02-10T11:26:00.001-08:00

Parents, students are required to have medical, liability and behavior forms filled out prior to traveling with the youth group. Although students who sigh up for trips are given blank forms, the forms do not always make it home. Do not panic. On the right side of this site you will find links where you may download the needed forms at home. ALSO, medical forms need to be notarized. MVBC's administrative secretary can notarize the medical form for you if you call the office Monday through Friday and make an appointment.

Hope this information was helpful,

Kevin

Mission Bahamas 2009

2009-02-08T07:30:00.000-08:00

August 1-8, 2009 the CrossQuest Senior High Students will be going to the Bahama Islands to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our TEAM representative from Touch the World Ministries will be in youth group Sunday evening February 15 to share about the trip. ALL rising 9th graders through graduating seniors need to attend this meeting. Make sure you contact all the CQ senior high students you can and remind them that they need to attend this important meeting.

the Q: Midnight Bowling 2009

2009-02-03T08:48:00.000-08:00

Going midnight bowling with the youth group will make you feel better than picking up a spare on a 7 - 10 split! Friday February 13, the Q: hits the road. All 7-12 graders are invited to come and enjoy a night of Christian fellowship. Imagine a group of Jesus loving students dropped right in the middle of a Raleigh Bowling alley on Friday the 13th! Scary.

Arrive at the Bowling Alley at 10:30pm so we can get to our lanes. You will need to be picked up at 1:00am.

Sign up in the Great Quest Youth room so we will know how many lanes to reserve. ALL 7-12 graders are welcome, just be sure to sign them up! Cost: $8

The Q: Formerly Known as S.N.O.

2009-02-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

What is the Q:? In the past, the youth at MVBC have enjoyed events called Saturday Night Out (SNO). As you may have guessed, these events usually happened on Saturday evenings. Truth be told, these events are not always "out" nor are they always scheduled for Saturday evenings. In the future we will call these events the Q:.

The Q: stands for the "Quest" in CrossQuest student ministry at MVBC. Our quest is to share the truth of the Gospel with all 7-12 grade students; to disciple them in Christ; and provide opportunities for them to take the Gospel message to the world.

Q: nights will provide another opportunity to share the truth of the Gospel (Pictured in the cross) with students. Q: nights should also provide a method for students to have more ownership of their faith and ministry as they help plan and lead in Q: night events.

JESUS WE CQ SKI RETREAT

2009-01-08T09:11:00.000-08:00

Are you hoping to create a spiritual snowball effect in 2009? Then you will not want to miss the 2009 JESUS WE CQ SKI RETREAT! This retreat is for all 7-12 graders. Sign up today, space is limited.

Dates: Depart from MVBC Feb. 19(after school), Ski Feb. 20, return to MVBC Feb. 21.

Cost: $120 for skiers / $140 snow boarders / $85 non-ski or board (cost includes transportation, 1 lunch @ resort, equipment, and devotional materials).

Please note: A $40 deposit is due into the youth office January 28 and the final balance is due February 8.

SPLAT!

2008-11-10T11:55:00.000-08:00

I feel shame. Our guys are obviously afraid of the girls. For the first time in ten years the girls have been invited to play paintball with the boys and only a few of our young "men" have bothered to sign up. Guys, I implore you- sign up and pay by Wednesday and redeem what little bit of dignity you have left before the ladies take that away Saturday at the Gotcha Paint Ball course! It only takes $40 to SAVE THE MALES.

2008-08-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Do Hard Things. Done.

2008-08-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

I issued a dare and the students of Mount Vernon Baptist Church accepted. Great job CrossQuest Students! In two days you knocked on 312 doors and shared the Good News of Jesus Christ with two communities. Thank you for faithfully attending the training sessions, helping with the block party, and being a blessing to us as adult leaders. I hope you enjoyed the challenges of the high ropes course and the significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit. NOW THE REAL CHALLENGE BEGINS. Doing Spiritually Hard Things. I am sure you will take this challenge even more seriously than the high ropes course. You have your list, now go Do Hard Things for Christ. 2 Timothy 2:1

The GreatQuest Missions Week '08

2008-06-28T20:34:00.000-07:00

GreatQuest Missions Week‘08
I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU!
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7

Are you ready for the GreatQuest Missions Week ‘08? You had better be sure because the GreatQuest will be one of the biggest challenges you have ever experienced! Training is essential for success and failure is not an option. If you are up the challenge then the GreatQuest Missions Week ‘08 is for you!
Your GreatQuest training starts on June 26 and ends on June
30, 2008- the experience lasts for a lifetime.
DAY 1- The GreatQuest: Do Hard Things- Ropes Course and Team Building
Day 2- The GreatQuest: Know- Team Challenge and Training
(Day 3-5 Mission Quest Activities will involve several different mission opportunities.)
Day 3- The GreatQuest: Go Serve- Mission Quest Activities
Day 4- The GreatQuest: Go Share- Mission Quest Activities
Day 5- The GreatQuest: Go Stand- Mission Quest Activities
The GreatQuest Missions Week ’08 is the CrossQuest Youth Ministries week of missions outreach and training.
Date: July 26-30
Cost: $75 and includes ropes course and outreach materials. Sign Up: On Bulletin Board outside GreatQuest Youth Room and Kevin’s Office Door

NEW NEWS

2008-03-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

Go Tell Camp BEYOND BOUNDARIES 2008! Students don’t miss out on this point of contact with Jesus and His people in Toccoa, Ga. the week of June 16-20. This year’s camp has some new twists including late night coffee house, late night games, and even late night discipleship! Sign up today outside of the Great Quest Room. Cost: $250 Deadlines: $50 non-refundable deposit due April 16.

ALLLLLSOOOOO-
What were you doing this past Monday? Just a reminder to ALL CrossQuest Students and adult leaders, the 4th Monday of each month is our GROW outreach night. This is another great point of contact time to reach people for Jesus. Mark you calendars, put it on your iPod reminder list, and have your cell phone buzz you in advance so you will not miss out again! Yes, it is that important.

STUDENT NIGHT @ MVBC

2008-03-04T08:42:00.000-08:00

Tuesday March 11,is student night during revival. The night starts with a pizza blast at 5pm in the GreatQuest Room- then it's food, games, etc...each student should invite at least 5 friends. The guest speaker, Don McCutcheon, has personally asked to spend time with you, the students, on this evening. BIG Prize for the CrossQuest Student who brings the most VISITORS!

2008 Calendar Events

2008-01-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

February - Jesus We CQ Ski Retreat - Thurs, Feb 14-16
Sign up is here! Depart MVBC after school Thursday February 14, ski Friday and return home on Saturday. Cost: $150 per skier; $90 per non skier. Sign up on Kevin’s door or the youth bulletin board outside the Great Quest Youth Room. $40 deposit is due no later than January 20 and final payment is due January 28. Contact Kevin or e-mail here for more information.

Make sure your forms are filled out & up to date.

March
Saturday Night Out - Date TBA
Spring Revival - Mar 16-21

April
18-19, Family Conference with Dr. Danny Aiken
26, Saturday Night Out
27, Youth Sunday, morning & evening services
30, Youth Wednesday service

May
24, Spring Fling, Family Life Center

June
9-13, Go Tell Camp, Toccoa, Ga

The Way Of The Master

2007-11-06T14:30:00.000-08:00

Ever ask yourself one of these questions and could not find an answer?

“How do I witness to someone I know, like a family member?” Rom. 14:12
“How do I reach my neighbors with the gospel?” Prov. 27:10
“How should I witness to a homosexual?” 1 Tim. 1:8–10
“How should I witness to a Jew?” Rom. 3:1
“How should I witness to my coworkers?” 1 Pet. 2:15
“How should I witness to someone who belongs to a denomination, who I suspect isn’t trusting the Savior?” Matt. 8:14
“What should I say to someone who has lost a loved one through cancer?” Acts 9:37

Come join us at 5:30 on Sunday evenings for "The Way Of The Master". To find more information about this in-depth study of the Christian walk click on the banner below to check out their website.

United - October 12-13, 2007

2007-10-07T10:09:00.000-07:00

United

For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

Ephesian 4:4-6 (NLT)

United was a great weekend of fun, worship, praise, music, prayer, sharing, learning, eating, giving and even a few pranks thrown in. It really was a lock-in on steroids. Thanks to all that attended.

If you have any thoughts you would like to share just pass them along here.

Check out a few of the photos here.

It may take a few seconds to load (using dial-up, good luck).

Why CrossQuest?

2007-09-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

CrossQuest Youth Ministries is a Christ centered dynamic group of seventh through twelfth graders who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus and His people in vibrant worship, exploration of the Scripture, consistent prayer, Christian service in the community, local / national / international missions, and Christian drama and music.

The name CrossQuest comes from Luke 9:23 - Then He said, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me."

Teens that have surrendered their lives to Jesus as Savior and Lord are not the church of tomorrow, they are the church of TODAY! Their quest is to come to the cross of Jesus, receive the free gift of salvation in Christ alone, and then take the message of the cross to the world. If you are ready for an eternal quest come join us today.

The Plan of Salvation

2007-08-23T10:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Friend,

If God were to ask you, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” what would you say? If you are not sure or if you hesitated for a moment to answer that question, these two pages have the best news you could ever hear and will be the most important time you will ever spend!

Are you aware that God said you can know for sure that you will have eternal life and that you can go to be with Him in Heaven?

“I write these…that you may know that you have eternal life.”
(I John 5:13)

How can you know for sure? Here’s how…

Eternal life is a free gift!

When we hear something is free, we tend to think, “What’s the catch?” but God says . . .

“. . . the gift of God in eternal life . . .” (Romans 6:23b)

And because eternal life is a gift, like any other genuine gift. . .

It cannot not earned or deserved!

No amount of personal effort, doing good things, or religious deeds can earn eternal life for us. God says,

“It isn’t something you have earned, so there is nothing you can brag about.” (Ephesians 2:9)

So, why can’t we earn eternal life??

There is a worldwide problem

According to God this problem is called sin.

“All have sinned; all fall short of God’s standard.” (Romans 3:23)

We all sin: lying, cheating, evil thoughts, gossip, lust, greed, hatred, immoral behavior. And because we’ve all sinned, then it’s also true that . . .

We cannot save ourselves!

Have you ever wondered just how good you would have to be to get into Heaven? God said:

“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
(Matthew 5:48)

Even the smallest sin disqualifies us from Heaven, and makes it impossible for us to be perfect. We can’t be good enough, so . . .

There must be a completely different way . . . God’s way!

On the one hand

God is love. He loves us and doesn’t want to punish us. He says:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love.” (Jeremiah 31:3b)

But the same bible that tells us God loves us, also tells us that . . .

On the other hand

God is just, and so He must punish sin.

“He . . .does not leave the guilty unpunished.” (Exodus 34:7b)

We have a problem. God loves us and doesn’t want to punish us. But He is just and must punish sin. God solved this problem in the Person of Jesus.

Jesus Christ

Who would you say Jesus is? Jesus was and is God.

“Christ is the visible expression of the invisible God.” (Colossians 1:15)

Anyone who wants to know what God is like should check out the perfect life of Jesus Christ. But we may also ask . . .

What Did He Do?

Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to pay the penalty for our sins and to purchase a place for us in heaven which He offers to us as a free gift.

“We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him (Jesus) the iniquity (sin) of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

Jesus took our place. He paid the penalty. Does everyone receive this gift? No. This gift is received by . . .

Faith

Faith is the key that opens the door to eternal life. Many people mistake different things for saving faith:

Saving faith is not a “blind leap in the dark: Faith that gives us eternal life is based on what is true, not on “hope-so’s”.
Saving faith is not just “head belief”. We’ll never get to Heaven simply because we know about God or Jesus Christ.
Saving faith is not just a “temporary faith” in God for times of emergency, only to forget about Him until the next crisis comes along.

Saving Faith

. . . is trusting in Jesus Christ alone for eternal life and that includes a personal relationship with Him.

“For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

You can unlock the door to eternal life and Heaven with the “key of saving faith”. So the important question is:

Would you like to receive the gift of eternal life?

Because this is such an important matter, let’s clarify just what this involves: It means that you need to:

Transfer Your Trust

From what you have been doing to get to heaven to what Christ has already done for you on the cross.

Receive Christ as Savior
Open the “door” to your heart and invite Him in.

“Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my
voice and open the door, I will come in. . .” (Revelation 3:20)

Receiving Jesus Christ as Lord

Give Him the “driver seat” and “controls” of your life, not the “back seat.”

Repent
Be willing to turn from anything that is not pleasing to Him. He will reveal His will to you as you grow in your relationship with Him.

You can go to God in prayer

If this is what you really want, you can go to God in prayer right where you are. If you want to receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then call on Him asking for this free gift right now.

“For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. . .”. (Romans 10:10,13)

Here’s a Suggested Prayer
“Dear God, I know that I have done many things wrong and do not deserve eternal life. I believe You died on the cross and rose from the grave to purchase eternal life for me. Lord, come into my heart. Take control of my life. I confess my sins and now I place my trust in You alone. Thank You for giving me Your free gift of eternal life.”

If this prayer expresses what you believe in your heart, look at what Jesus promises you:

“. . .he who believes in Me has eternal life.”. (John 6:47)

Now you have eternal life and no one can ever take it away from you.

Congratulations! If you meant in your heart what you just prayed, then you have the promise of Christ, that your sins are forgiven and that you have the gift eternal life.

“. . . to all who received Him, to those who believed in His Name, to them He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

Today is your Spiritual Birthday

The date of your physical birth was probably marked by a birth certificate.

The Bible speaks of those who receive eternal life in these words:

“Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is
forgotten, and everything is new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

To help you recall what God did in your life today, please use the following

What’s Next?

Just as a newborn baby grows physically, in a similar way you can grow spiritually, by taking the following steps:

Read the Bible
Start with the Gospel of John, read a chapter each day.

“As newborn babes desire the pure milk of the
Word (of God) that you may grow . . .” (I Peter 2:2)

Prayer
Spend time each day talking to God.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.” (Philippians 4:6)

Worship
Regularly attend a church that honors Jesus Christ and teaches you the Bible.

“I was glad when they said unto me, “Let us go into the
house of the Lord.” (Psalms 122:1)

“GOD is a Spirit and those who worship Him, must
worship Him in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24)

Fellowship
Partner with Christians who will help you grow in the faith.

“We proclaim to you what we have seen, and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ.” (I John 1:3)

Witness
Tell others what Jesus Christ means to you!

“But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world” (Acts 1:8)

If you have appreciated the GOOD NEWS you have just read, please let us know. We want to rejoice in what God has done in your life and help you grow spiritually. Please call, visit or write our church using the link on this page.

Meeting Times

2007-08-23T10:30:00.000-07:00

Sunday Evening:
CrossQuest Discipleship (Sunday evenings all youth meet in the Great Quest Room 4216)
5:00 pm Prayer and snack supper
5:05 pm Announcements
5:10 pm Music (praise and worship)
5:15 pm Bible lesson time and small groups
Jr. High (7-8 graders)go to room 4214
Sr. High (9-12 graders) remain in the Great Quest Room
6:15 pm Closing prayer
6:20 pm Dismiss youth to attend evening worship service in Worship Center

Wednesday Evening:
6:30 pm All youth meet in the Great Quest Room 4216. This is a Praise and Prayer time set aside for 7-12 grade teens to share current praises of how God is working in their lives. Also, the youth group has a time of sharing prayer request and praying for one another.

What to Bring.....
Bring your Bible to ALL youth meetings! Also, bring something to take notes with and don't forget your best attitude.

"Encourage one another." Hebrews 10:25

As a teenager trying to live for Chirst in the world, wouldn't you like to be encouraged to stay strong? Would you like to encourage others in the same way? Come, spend time with teens from the area that truly want to grow in their relationship with Christ and be encouraged by their peers!

Maine 2005 Pictures

2006-09-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

(Click the picture for full size - it's beatiful)
Group from Mt. Vernon to Little River Baptist Church - Belfast, Me.

To view Little River Baptist website click here.

For bigger pictures click HERE!!!