Christmas Party!

Please join us this Tuesday night, December 13th, as we celebrate Christmas together. Perhaps your classes are done or work is winding down, so this is the perfect time to celebrate or if finals week is still approaching and work is crazy you need a break!. We'll meet at John & Elyse's house (1032 Swift Road, Apartment 1C, Glen Ellyn, IL) at 7pm. Bring some food to share, a friend, and some spare change. See the note from Cara below!

You thought the holidays were for giving gifts, right? Wrong. The holidays are a great time to steal spare change from your parents, siblings, or annoying cousins. :) I am hosting a coin drive for the trip I'm taking to an orphanage in Honduras in January. Although I don't condone any form of stealing, I am collecting any spare change that can be donated (yours or otherwise...no questions asked). A little spare change will go a long way! The collection will take place now through January 10th. You can give me the coins as they are--no need to roll them or convert them into bills. All proceeds will go towards buying supplies for the kids at the orphanage. As many supplies as possible will be bought while in Honduras to support local business there. Also, I could use your help in getting others involved. If you would like to post a flier in your office, apartment building, or church, please use this pdf.

Join us tomorrow, Tuesday June 21st (which by the way, is the first official day of summer, and the longest daylight of the year! Hopefully we'll see some sun!) at our weekly small group. We'll meet at the Shelleys' house (2125 N Summit in Wheaton) at 7:30pm for fellowship, study, and prayer. This week, Elyse will facilitate our discussion on the first chapter of 1st John. If you can, please take a few minutes to read this chapter -- it's only 10 verses long!

Here is the summer study schedule:

June 21:  1 John 1, Elyse
June 28:  Potluck
July 5:  1 John 2, Nicole DePue
July 12:  1 John 3, Heidi
July 19: 1 John 4, Nicole Johnson
July 26: Potluck
August 2:  1 John 5, John
August 9:  Worship/End of Summer Service

Speaking of planning, our next event is on Saturday July 23rd -- we're headed up to Six Flags in Gurnee Mills! We need to get a bunch of people together to get the discounted tickets, so invite your friends from work, church, school, or wherever! Check out the 20somethings Facebook group or talk to Nicole Johnson for more info and to RSVP.

Also, this blog will be taking a hiatus for the month of July, but 20somethings will still be meeting! If you'd like to stay "in the loop", send an email to pcc20somethings@gmail.com to be added to our weekly email update list, or search for the "20somethings" group on Facebook.

June 14th Small Group ... and BOWLING

Tomorrow night (Tuesday June 14th) we'll meet at 7:30pm at the Shelleys' house (2125 N Summit in Wheaton) for our weekly small group. This week we will be kicking off our summer plans for the group by discussing the history & purpose of the group (since many of you are more recent members!) and discussing where we're going from here. You'll have a chance to give your input on what ideas you want to implement this summer during our Tuesday night studies. It's a really exciting time in the life of this group, and we're excited for you to provide your input and perhaps find new ways to get involved in the group.

Also, this FRIDAY we'll be heading out for a night of fun! Throw on your best 80s costume and can join us at Chick-Fil-A (301 Danada Square East, Wheaton) for dinner at 8:30pm. Then around 9:30pm we'll head over to Fox Bowl (1101 Butterfield Rd Wheaton, IL 60187). You can pay per game (it's about $5 per game), or you can get unlimited bowling until midnight for just $15. If you have questions or need directions, call Nicole at 630 212 3721.

We will be meeting at 7:30pm tonight at the Shelleys' house (2125 N Summit in Wheaton). We've got a special treat this week -- Nate & Bethany Johnson will be leading discussion. They are a young couple that attends Parkview and is preparing to become church planters in Vienna, Austria. You won't want to miss it, so I'll see you tonight!

Also, start assembling your 80s clothing -- we're heading to Fox Bowl next Friday, June 17th for some 80s-style cosmic bowling! We'll meet at the Wheaton Chick-fil-A at 8:30pm for dinner and head over to Fox Bowl around 9:30. Bowling will be $15 for shoes and unlimited games until 12:30am.

May 31st Potluck

I hope you've enjoyed the warmth & sunshine on Memorial Day. Let's hope that the summer weather is here to stay, and let's celebrate it with a potluck! We'll meet at the Shelleys' house (2125 N Summit in Wheaton) at 7pm tomorrow night (Tuesday May 31st) to eat, catch up on life, and perhaps play a game or two. Bring a dish to share, and we'll see you there!

May 24th Update

Tonight we'll be meeting at Jill & Heather's house (460 Sunnybrook in Wheaton), rather than at the Shelleys'. We'll see you at 7:30pm! See the blog post below for more details.

May 24th: Leave Boldly

Hello 20somethings,

May is flying by, and we're entering our 4th week of the "31 Days to Really Live" discussion. This Sunday at Parkview, Ray preached a message on how to Leave Boldly. Check out the audio at http://parkviewcommunity.com/onemonthstudy if you missed it. There's an analogy in there between country music and Ray dancing in a tutu ... you don't wanna miss it. Please join us at the Shelleys' house (2125 N Summit in Wheaton) at 7:30pm for a great discussion! Also, remember that next Tuesday will be potluck, and June 15th we're going BOWLING...stay tuned for details!

PS - the email list has been whittled down to only those who updated their info at this website. If you'd like to be added, please fill out the survey!

Week 4: Leave Boldly
Read: Psalm 90:12; 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Discussion Questions:

1. As the Apostle Paul approached the end of his life, he describes himself as “being poured out like a drink offering,” i.e., his life was given fully in worship of God. As you reflect on your life, in what ways are you „pouring‟ yourself out for God?
2. Paul’s use of the word “departure” tells us something about how he viewed death. Based on your view, what word might you use?
3. Using boxing imagery, Paul describes his life [fought the good fight]. Do you connect with this imagery? How has your experience reflected such a struggle?
4. Read 2 Timothy 4:8 again. Since we don’t know what tomorrow brings, do you feel prepared to receive “the crown of righteousness?”
5. As Christians, for the most part, do we “long for his [Jesus’] appearing” as Paul says? Do you long for his appearing? Why or why not?

“The greatest use of life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.” – William James

May 17th Small Group + Updates

Hi 20somethings,

If you haven't yet updated your contact info here, go do it right now! Starting next week, the email addresses in that database will receive our weekly email updates.

Also, if you're reading this on Sunday before 7:30pm, please join us at Tom's house (764 St. Charles Road, Glen Ellyn) tonight for (indoor) games. Bring a game and/or snacks!

On Tuesday night, we'll continue our discussion of Parkview's "31 Days to Really Live" series with the topic Purposeful Action. If you don't go to Parkview or weren't able to be there on Sunday, you're welcome to check out the audio of Ray's sermon at http://parkviewcommunity.org/onemonthstudy. Please take a minute to read through the passages below and reflect on the discussion questions before Tuesday, when we'll meet at 7:30pm at The Shelleys' House (2125 N Summit, Wheaton).

Read: Psalm 90:12, Exodus 8:9-10; Matt 7:21-23; 2 Corinthians 6:1-2; Hebrews 3:15
Discussion Questions:

1. In the gray areas of life, we sometimes wonder if a decision is "OK or not OK?" vs "Is it wise?" What decisions have you faced where the best course of action was more about wisdom than clear cut right or wrong? Did you apply wisdom and, if so, how?
2. When faced with the decision to submit to and obey God, Pharaoh uttered the word, "tomorrow". Are there areas in your life in which you are applying the same word?
3. Good intentions are one thing, purposeful actions are another. Can you identify some matters in your life where you are filled with good intentions? What purposeful actions are you avoiding? Why?
4. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus tells of a day when people will stand before him claiming to be followers and he will say, "I never knew you. Away from me." What is that about?
5. When relationships start to get serious, there is often the Define The Relationship (DTR) conversation. What would a DTR talk be like between you and God?
6. Are there any purposeful actions you need to take in your spiritual life? What will keep you from moving forward with them?

Finally, please save these dates & invite your friends to these summer 20somethings events!

• Friday June 17th, 9pm, bowling
• Saturday July 23rd, 6 Flags!

May 3rd: Live Passionately!

On Tuesday nights this month, we'll be participating in Parkview's "31 Days to Really Live" series. If you don't go to Parkview or weren't able to be there on Sunday, you're welcome to check out the audio of Ray's sermon at http://parkviewcommunity.org/onemonthstudy. Please take a minute to read through the passages below and reflect on the discussion questions before Tuesday, when we'll meet at 7:30pm at The Shelleys' House (2125 N Summit, Wheaton) to talk about what it means to LIVE PASSIONATELY.

Also, we need to do some spring cleaning to our 20somethings contact info. If you want to be included in the group's directory and put on our email list, please respond by filling out this form within the next two weeks.

Finally, please save these dates & invite your friends to these summer 20somethings events!

• Sunday May 15th, 7:30pm, bonfire at Tom's house (behind the church)
  
• Friday June 17th, 9pm, bowling
• Saturday July 23rd, 6 Flags!

For Tuesday Night 5/3:
Passages

• Psalm 90:12, John 10:10, 2 Corinthians 6:1, James 4:13-14, Romans 12:9-21
  

Discussion Questions

• Would you say you're living life passionately? If so, how? If not, what would it look like if you did?
• What is paralyzing you & holding you back?
• Are you doing anything in life that requires faith?
• What consumes most of your time & thoughts during the day?
• Are there areas of your life you want to change but are struggling to do so?
• What are you clinging to that you need to let go of in order to move forward?

April 26th Small Group: VISION

Hi 20somethings,

This Tuesday, April 26th, we'll be having our weekly small group at Jill & Heather's place (460 Sunnybrook Ln, Wheaton), and we've got a special purpose for this meeting. Dave Davis, a pastor from Parkview, will be joining us to get to know us a bit better and to facilitate a discussion regarding our vision for the 20somethings group. While the primary purpose of the meeting is to have a forum for current participants to reflect on the group, it could possibly be an interesting discussion for you to get a glimpse of what the 20somethings are all about.

And if this week doesn't work for you ... join us next week!

April 18th Potluck

We are looking forward to seeing you TONIGHT (Tuesday April 19th) at 7ish for a potluck and perhaps games! I realize it's not the last Tuesday of the month, but we have something special in the works for next week so we're moving potluck up by a week. I apologize for the late notice, but I hope you can still make it with something edible to share (anything from a veggie tray or chips to creme brulee or pot roast is great -- we're not too picky!). John & Elyse Lamszus have graciously offered to host the potluck at their house (1032 Swift Road, 1C, in Glen Ellyn). Contact John (lamszus@gmail.com) or me (Jill, jillheaton@gmail.com) if you have questions.

April 12th Game Night!

Tonight we're going to switch it up a bit, take a short break from Bible study and have a low-key game night. It'll be a good time to catch up on what's happening in your life, perhaps get to know each other better, and have some fun. We'll meet at Jill & Heather's (460 Sunnybrook in Wheaton) at 7:30pm. If you have any favorite games, snacks, or friends who haven't been to group before, feel free to bring them along with you! And if you're not a game person, we won't force you to play -- but you should still come and hang out. See you tonight at 7:30!

April 5th Small Group

This Tuesday (April 5th) we'll have our weekly meeting at Jill & Heather's house (460 Sunnybrook Lane, Wheaton). You can identify it by looking for the one with Easter eggs hanging from the welcome sign.

Tom will be leading discussion this week, as we discuss the book of Ecclesiastes. On Sundays at Parkview, Pastor Ray is currently preaching through this book as we examine issues such as the meaning of life and evil. This week he talked about "Wisdom without Immunity" - focusing on Ecclesiastes chapters 9-11. If you missed this week's sermon and would like to listen to it before Tuesday's group you can check it out via podcast at (http://parkviewcommunity.org/dlgMediaPlayer.aspx?id=777).

Even if you don't go to Parkview and don't have time to listen to the podcast, you are still welcome and encouraged to come on Tuesday night. These topics are very relevant to our life experiences. Plus, we've got a special door prize for the first 12 people who show up. You won't want to miss it! See you Tuesday at 7:30pm!

March 29th Potluck

Hey 20somethings,

Although the weather hasn't fully realized it yet, it is now officially spring and the last week of March! That means that we'll be devoting our Tuesday night to sharing a delicious meal together. We'll meet at the Shelleys' house (2125 N Summit in Wheaton) at 7pm on March 29th for some good food and conversation. Bring some sort of food to share with everyone! See you Tuesday!

--Jill

March 22nd: Evangelism

Sorry for the lack of postings here on the blog - it has been too busy of a month for me. But 20somethings is still meeting and would love for you to join us! We have been talking about evangelism this month, and we'll continue that discussion tonight. Join us at the Shelleys' house (2125 N Summit in Wheaton) at 7:30 for a great night of discussion, prayer, and relationship-building. If you can't make it tonight, plan to join us next week for potluck!

--Jill

March 1st: Evangelism Discussion

Happy Almost-March! This month we're focusing on the topic of evangelism. This week we'll start by discussing our experiences with evangelism (with friends, family, coworkers, and/or strangers), what the Bible has to say about evangelism, and what it would look like to grow in this area. Hopefully you can join us on TUESDAY MARCH 1st at 7:30pm for what looks to be a fascinating discussion. We're back at the Shelleys' house, 2125 N Summit in Wheaton. You can park on the driveway or in the street.

Our plan for the next several months is to tackle "hot-button" issues (like evangelism, relationships, poverty, work/vocation, and media), and to discuss the issues that arise as we deal with them from a Christian worldview. If you have any topic suggestions, please send them to pcc20somethings@gmail.com or talk to someone on the leadership team.

February 22nd Small Group

Tonight we'll meet for a potluck at Jill & Heather's house (460 Sunnybrook Lane, Wheaton) at 7pm. After we eat, we'll play some games. Come & join us for a night of food, fun, & fellowship! If you're a guest, it's a perfect night to get to know people in an informal setting - and don't feel obligated to bring any food!

February 15th Small Group

We're looking forward to seeing you tonight as we continue our discussion on PRAYER ... Tonight we'll be talking about why we pray and how we pray. I think you'll find it very encouraging! I can't wait to see you there! (7:30pm at the Shelleys' house, 2125 N Summit in Wheaton).

February 8th Small Group

We are ON for small group tonight! This week we'll finally get to have that discussion on prayer, so come ready to share your experiences, joys, and struggles with this spiritual discipline.

Since there's lots of snow still on the ground (isn't living in Chicago great?), let's try to park either in the Shelleys' driveway or only on ONE side of the street so that cars can still drive through.

We'll see you at 7:30pm at the Shelleys' (2125 N Summit in Wheaton)!

February 1st Small Group

By now you've probably heard about the big storm predicted to arrive on Tuesday & Wednesday. At this point, we're still planning to meet on Tuesday night for a small group discussion on prayer, but if the storm is as bad as they're predicting, we might have to cancel. I'll send out an email on Tuesday afternoon, so send an email to pcc20somethings@gmail.com if you are not already on the list and want to be included in that email.

Hopefully I'll see you Tuesday night at 7:30pm, at the Shelleys' house (2125 N Summit, Wheaton)!

--Jill

January 23: Potluck

The end of January is upon us, and that means that it's time for our monthly potluck! We'll meet a little early this week (7pm), eat dinner together and maybe play a game afterward. Bring a dish to share, and if you know of a new game, bring that idea to share as well!

Last week's discussion generated some great questions for our Question Box (questions that we'll discuss in greater depth at later meetings). Keep those ideas coming!

See you at 7pm at the Shelleys' house (2125 N Summit in Wheaton) on Tuesday!

January 18th Small Group

Have you ever thought that you knew exactly what you needed in order to be happy? Maybe it's a new car, that dream job, to finally get married, or to lose those 15 pounds. Maybe you've asked God for something, only to be disappointed when you got it. Or he didn't answer right away, and you've started to question whether he really understands or cares. This Tuesday at small group, we'll be looking at the issue of whether God is really trustworthy and whether he really cares for us. We will watch a short video clip and then discussing these questions in depth. Come with your questions, stories, and struggles! Of course we'll also spend time praying for each other and catching up on what's going on in your life.

Remember to be thinking of QUESTIONS you have for future discussion topics at small group. Maybe it's a question about how faith relates to a specific area of life (relationships, social justice, etc.) or maybe it's "What does the Bible say about..." or maybe it's something more specific. You can send them to this email address, or write them on a piece of paper to put in the Question Box on Tuesday.

See you at the Shelleys' house (2125 N Summit in Wheaton) at 7:30pm on Tuesday!

January 11th: Prayer & Worship

How has 2011 been going for you so far? How are your new year's resolutions going? If you need some community, encouragement, accountability, or prayer, this Tuesday's 20somethings small group is the place for you. We'll spend time worshiping God through song, prayer, and confession.

This week we will be back at our usual meeting place, the Shelleys' house (2125 N Summit in Wheaton). Please arrive by 7:30pm, as we'll be starting promptly at 7:40 to allow time to socialize afterward!

January 4th: Looking Forward & Looking Back

Happy New Year!

20Somethings is kicking off 2011 tomorrow night (Tuesday) with an evening of "Looking Forward & Looking Back". We'll be reflecting on how God showed up in our lives in 2010, and we'll spend time thanking God for his gifts in our lives. We'd love it if you came prepared to share your praises and/or your reflections on 2010. We'll also take a look at what lies ahead in this new year, for the group and for us as individuals, and spend time praying for what lies ahead / what you're dealing with right now.

This week we're meeting at a different location - Sharon Voss' house in Lombard. The address is 1 S 436 Fairview, in Lombard. Your GPS or Google Maps doesn't get the location exactly right, so follow these directions:

If you're coming from Glen Ellyn/Wheaton area, head East on Roosevelt towards Lombard. You'll pass Main St and Highland, and a few other lights.

Turn right (South) on Meyers (you'll see a CVS and a gas station).

Turn right on 16th street (the second stop light on Meyers).

Turn left on Fairview - there is no light or stop sign, but it is the 3rd street.

Voss' house is the 3rd house on the right. Park in the drive or on the street.

Call Sharon's cell if you have trouble finding it: 630-699-2747


See you at Sharon's house @ 7:30pm on Tuesday January 4th!