The United Methodist Youth Fellowship North Central Jurisdiction - South Eastern Jurisdiction

Report on Christmas Institute to the Filipino-American Pastors of Northern Illinois Conference

I. Introduction The ber months have started and Christmas is surely just around the corner. For many Filipino and Filipino-American youths here in the United States and the Philippines, along with break and vacation, Christmas Institute is also an event to anticipate in December. On December 26-30, about 150 young people will gather in this annual event and together answer the call of duty by God. We are excited! This is the first time in NCJ-SEJ CIs history that we are holding the camp for five days. The journey of planning CI has been very challenging but fun. II. Theme and Objectives This year's CI theme is "Call of Duty: Spiritual Warfare." It is inspired by the theme verse from Ephesians 6:11, which says, Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devils schemes. At one point in our lives, we have all struggled to stay in God's wisdom and grace. To highlight today's fast growing game system, we have chosen the well known war game and have given it a twist. Indeed, we are at war with the temptations if this world as we continue to follow the will of Christ. Nonetheless, we all have the call of duty from God. We are called to know Him and make Him known. Together in one voice, the youth through this event seeks to: - recognize and affirm our roles in the church and the society; - empower ourselves through faith and the Spirit to face the spiritual battle of our lives; - develop servant-leadership among the young people; and - provide a venue of fellowship among NCJ and SEJ UMYF in celebrating the life and ministry of the church III. The Venue Location: Loucon Training and Retreat Center Address: 8044 Anneta Road, Leitchfield, KY 42754 *Kentucky is the state chosen as a venue for this year's event as it was decided in CI 2010 that the next CI must be held strategically in the middle of NCJ and SEJ participating states. The technical committee has scouted possible venues in Indiana as well, but many camp sites are closed during Christmas break. *The technical committee plans to visit the venue at least a month before CI. a.) Lodging (Robb, Orchard and Village) *Delegates will be accommodated in cabin areas. *Each cabin area has cabins that can house about 12 people each. *Each cabin area has a central bath house, which includes 4 toilets and 4 showers per sex. b.) Conference Hall (Turner Conference Hall) *The hall can accommodate up to 200 people at once. *The use of hall includes free uses of: a projector, microphones and keyboards c.) Mess Hall *The hall can accommodate up to 200 people at once. *This is the only place in the camp where Wifi is available.

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IV. Program (Please see attached tentative schedule) *As we seek to nurture our spiritual relationship with God and enjoy the company of our friends in our community of faith, this years CI consists of: - Worship Experiences - Interactive and Creative Lectures - Bible Studies - Interest Groups - Small Groups (according to age) - Fun, games and more! V. Communication Tools Website: www.ncjsejci.wordpress.com Email: ci.cod2011@gmail.com Facebook Page: NCJ-SEJ Christmas Institute Yahoo! Group: NC-SEJChristmasInstitute@yahoogroups.com VI. Registration a.) How to Register There are two ways to register to CI: 1. Register online on the CI website or Facebook page 2. Download the registration form from the CI website and send completed form to St. Johns UMC along with payment. *A confirmation email will be sent to registrant when registration information is received. *Registration is incomplete until payment has been received. *Delegates must still complete a Medical and Photo Release Form (available on the website) and submit it during CI. b.) Registration Fee Early Registration (August-October 15th): $90 General Registration (October 16th-December): $110 *Checks are to be payable to St. Johns Youth with memo: CI 2011 VII. Finance Current Balance: $1000.00
(Pre-registration for 9 delegates St. Johns UMC) (Donation of $10 St. Johns UMC)

*St. Johns Youth is currently holding CIs funds. According to Tito Pong, it is difficult for CI to set up its own Account, thus he recommended that CI money should be kept in another church account for the mean time. Last year, Cosmopolitan UC held the CI money. St. Johns Youth was decided to hold the money by the Finance Committee. *There wasnt any money left from CI 2010 according to Pastor Bener Agtarap. A finance report of the past CI could not be produced. a.) Fundraising Plans 1. Ballroom Event (Please see poster) Date: October 7th (Friday) at 5 pm Venue: Edison Park UMC Tickets: $10/person Target Revenue: $800 (extra profit will be distributed to coordinating youth groups) 2. CI Shirt 3. Manual Ads 4. NCJ Grant Tito Pong is the liaison for the NCJ Grant.

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b.) Future Expenses 1. Venue Down Payment (at least $2,000) due on October 26th 2. Supplies 3. Love gifts to Speakers 4. Subsidy to Adult Chaperones and Speakers if there is a significant amount of extra money VIII. Recommendations In lieu of our endeavors, we request the following recommendations to be approved: 1. that pastors will endorse and support the Ballroom Fundraising Event on Oct 7th as well as the other fundraising plans for CI 2. that a possibility of a centralized transportation plan for NIC delegates will be discussed 3. that pastors encourage and empower their youth groups representative and other youth leaders 4. that youth groups and pastors will also take part in promoting CI especially to Filipino-American youth groups in NIC IX. Closing Remarks The staff and council of this years CI has committed in doing their best to make CI 2011 meaningful and empowering to all delegates and leaders alike. We have taken bold courage to become completely accountable and responsible with the logistics and operations of CI. Nonetheless, we recognize the value of the wisdom and support of our pastors and adult leaders that we may achieve our goals. We thank God for all the blessings He has showered us, and we seek to give back all the glory to Him. Please continue to pray for this youth event.

Prepared by:

Kathlyn Talapian Head, CI Secretariat Committee

CI STAFF Program Committee Head: Jared Esguerra Members: Joash Mencias, Shalom Arellano & Kiyah Agtarap Secretariat Committee Head: Kathlyn Talapian Members: Pamela Fernandez, Mark Bibat, Audie Lomboy & Aaron Vidad Finance Committee Head: Danelle Baroja Members: Ann Mitra, Adrian Farrales, Alex Fitzwilliam & Wajana Moung-ngam Technical Committee Head: Zeph Fernandez Members: J.R. Ellasos, Abe Recile, Kim de Guzman & AJ Santos

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