Class of 2014

YL Seniors- Class of 2014

Last night we wrapped up another semester of YL Club.  We honored and celebrated the soon to be graduating seniors.  We handed the reins of club over to them.  The best part was for our talk we had open mic and invited seniors to share what God has been doing in their life.  I was overwhelmed.  If I'm honest I've been in "go" mode since having our son.  But, this night got me.  God got me.  It took my breath away.  It brought tears to my eyes, a quiver in my voice, and I celebrated the Lord his goodness and his presence.  Over and over again seniors came to the mic and shared that before YL they knew of God and know they know Him.  So many of our students met Jesus in YL and it has given them life.  John 10:10 life.  They took time to encourage the underclassmen to leave a legacy, to be a part of the YL family, to start or grow that relationship with God.  Some shared of their struggles through high school and how YL was there for them, ultimately pointing them to Jesus.  Others shared of the depth of friendship YL gave them.  I presented the seniors with a link.  Just a metal chain link and challenge them to stay connected to Jesus and that they would always connected and a part of the YL family.  I had the honor of praying slash crying over them as they go out to the big crazy world.  I love this ministry and that God is at work.  I'm so grateful for a semester that God has exceeded our expectations with the number of students (and parents) involved in YL and exceeded our expectations in what He can do in hearts of his children.

Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.  Psalm 115:1

YL doesn't stop this summer.  Leaders will continue to do life with kids and point them to Jesus.   
We will be posting events to the website.  http://lsyl.weebly.com/

FInd out more of how to support LS YL

3 weeks

Let me update you on the last 3 weeks of LS YL. 

3 weeks ago we let LSCC know that we were growing and couldn't fit in the coffee shop and the hooked us up in the small auditorium in the basement.  And it may look as if we have outgrown that as well.  :)  170 students showed up to club and I had the honor of sharing the greatest love story ever told.  John Harris a local artist painted as I spoke and the art had an incredible impact on students.  The night was epic. 

2 weeks ago we had a fun event:  Instagram Scavenger Hunt.  It was hilarious and a blast. Students went out in teams to complete different challenges and documented them on Instagram.  Like kissing the Starbucks barista, sitting in a dumpster, making the YL sign with their bodies.  Great night of fun, new friendships, feeling included, and being kids. 

1 week ago we were back for YL Club and we had Wacky Tacky Prom.  One of our volunteer leaders, Allison Hunt, spoke about what it looks like to say YES to more, to truth, and to a relationship with God.  

And tonight.  We just had our 1st ever and probably now annual Old Life meets Young Life Club.  I'm going to be honest... this was not my idea.  Part of my job in YL is to raise funds to sustain and support our local YL and raise community support.  It's often hard to get parents in the door and people to show up to hear about what God is doing in YL.  So I was a bit reluctant when a student asked me to have Old Life Club.  I thought sure, but I doubt it will work.  Well I was wrong.  Kids invited and WANTED their parents there.  They wanted to share with them what YL is about, how it has been a huge impact in their lives, they wanted them to be there and to experience it.  They wanted them taking pictures, and see why every Tuesday the MUST go to club.  The wanted their family to experience the YL family.  Students wanted their parent to hear truth, to feel loved, to be a part of a bigger story.  It was incredible.   98 parents came.   So I love that God continues to exceed my ideas and expectations and uses this ministry to change lives of many young and old.  

 "God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."  Ephesians 3:20-21 (The Message)

Calendar of events:

http://lsyl.weebly.com/

Upcoming Golf Tourney
http://lsylgolf.weebly.com/

Give to LS YL:
https://giving.younglife.org/Views/dp/donate/controller.cfm?ministry=area&fundcodearea=MO55&isrecurring=0&appealcode=&fundcodeareadesc=Young%20Life%20Lees%20Summit

A Parent who Rocks

Roxie Lanier and her family

 Tuesday we had another great night at YL CLUB.  Over 120 students are showing up.  Some hours early to meet with their leader for coffee, real talk, and Bible study (campaigners).   Audrey Lanier, a volunteer leader, was gone on spring break so her mom stepped up and came to club to see some YL girls she has gotten close to over the years.  I am so impressed with her support of this ministry, her relationship to the girls her daughter is leading, and her fearlessness to jump right in.  Also on Tuesday, Roxie and her husband volunteered to provide a meal to our leaders- and we ate some delicious BBQ!  As the girls say, "Roxie rocks!"

I asked Roxie to share what Lee's Summit Young Life means to her:

"My big kids have been instrumental in my involvement with Young Life. When Audrey was in middle school I began driving her to WyldLife and eventually driving her and Lance to Young Life events.  As the parent I attend meetings, dinners, fund raisers, pray for young people, build relationships and support my children in their life events.  It’s like Young Life philosophy -to meet you where you’re at and help you grow in your faith.  Our home is always open and I love, love, love having the house filled with people, sounds, food, fun and faith."

"The best part of YL and something I always quote to others is what I heard Tracee say years ago, “every young person needs 5 adults in their lives” and that is what YL has offered to Audrey and Lance not only adults that provide experiences that have been life changing, and nurturing their love for Christ but even better now Audrey and Lance share their faith with others."

"Lance is a senior at LSN and will graduate in 8 weeks and has built relationships through YL and at camp that have been amazing. Audrey is a junior in college at UCM studying social work and for years has driven up to LS every Tuesday night to volunteer and love and encourage her girls.  Life presents many challenges and YL has been there to encourage my kids and other youth to stay connected to Christ during challenging and fun times in life."  - Roxie Lanier

A few YL girls who think Roxie rocks!

Roxie visiting some of her favorite girls at club.

If you are interested in giving LIFE to LS YL check out how here:

http://supportlsyl.weebly.com/

Merica

 'Mercia Club- U-S-A

This week our theme was America Club or as we say in a bad southern accent, "Merica."
Once again we packed the coffee shop full of high school students.  The energy in that room is priceless.  Kids were chanting U-S-A outside the club doors awaiting the countdown to get in.  Of course we sang "Party in the USA" and "American Honey."  What gets me every time is watching kids be kids.  Watching guys sing at the top of their lungs.  Watching kids grab hold of one another and sway to the music.  I love that at YL Club you get to be a kid.  I love that at YL club no one is "too cool" to not act like a fool.  No one is left out.  Our goals for YL club are simple:  1.  Kids have fun.  (check)  2.  Kids feel welcomed and part of the YL family (check).  3.  Kids hear the truth about our lives and about Jesus (check).

No club next week due to Spring Break.  We are back 3/18.  

Check out our YL calendar:  Be a friend and share it with a friend. 
http://lsyl.weebly.com/

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Wow.  We have had our first 3 clubs of the semester and they have been epic.  We are averaging 130 kids each week.  If they come... they come back.  Our camp trip to Lost Canyon YL Camp for this summer is SOLD OUT with 74 students and a wait list has already been started.  God is good.   Take a look through some pictures of the last 3 weeks and see what is happening through LS YL.

YL Camp is SOLD OUT!!!!  Record breaking numbers this year and excitement to experience the best week of our lives!

YL Club students hearing TRUTH... Week #1- The were created on purpose for a purpose.  Week #2 God came to us through Jesus.  Jesus was 100% God and 100% human. He wants to spend time with us. 
Week #3 Jesus meets us where we are, He runs to us.

LSN Senior girls after club with their mascot of the night- Phish. 

Kids being kids after club. 

A YL leader- Allison Hunt sharing her heart with a few YL girls (while holding my baby).  A great captured moment.  

Students all waiting to bust through the doors to Club!  

Find out more about what's happening and how to support LS YL.

Calendar of Events: 
http://lsyl.weebly.com/

Support LS YL
http://supportlsyl.weebly.com/

First Club of Semester

I am thankful for this team of YL Leaders!  These leaders give up their time, gas money, and energy to share life and Jesus with high school students.  Without these leaders YL would not exist.

Thank you to:  Brian Keller, Josh Fuller, Warren Frevert, Sydnee Mela, Jessica Burton, Paul Moore (hiding in this pic), Kelsi Worihaye, Curtis Edwards, Audrey Lanier, Allison Hunt.  

Thank you to those who volunteer to bring us a meal each week to show your appreciation for all they do.  Each week before club we the leader team meets, eats, and prays for students.  It has become such a blessing!  If you would like to donate a meal we have some dates left.  Contact me at:  traceecobb@gmail.com

Last night we had our first Club of the semester.  130 students showed up.  Three things (well four this week) happened:

1.  Students had FUN!  2.  Students felt welcomed and a part of the YL FAMILY.  3.  Students heard TRUTH about Jesus.  That God created them on purpose for a purpose.  That after He created them He saw it was VERY GOOD.  4.  We introduced Otto Cobb (my 2 month old son) with an epic intro!  He came in during the "Circle of Life" from Lion King and was held up as Simba.  He's got a big fan club of high school students and is so loved!

For more info on YL Club:
http://lsyl.weebly.com/

And so it begins...

And so it begins...

Life.  Isn't that what we are all about? Young Life is about John 10:10.  Believing that Jesus came for us to offer LIFE and life abundant.  Let me say that welcoming our son Otto Joesph Cobb into the world December 4th was a life changer and life starter.  We love him and he gives us so much joy already!  This winter has been full of life, new life, growing life, and celebrating life.  Thank you all to have shown such love for us and him in this time.  He is blessed to have hundreds of high school friends and a wonderful community.

This winter YL did not stop.  Ministry that is life on life keeps going.  Leaders hung out with kids, attended concerts, had bible studies, went ice skating, went to games, talked, texted and checked in.  Students began 514 our work crew training, leaders attended a KC Leadership day, and celebrated 2013 and the favor God has given us.  Not to mention on December 3rd we opened camp sign ups to students and only have a few spots left!  Over 69 students are headed to Lost Canyon Ranch this summer!

Please join us in praying and expecting God to great things in the lives of students this semester.  Check out our calendar of YL events and join us for 2014.

Blessing-
Tracee

YL 2014 Calendar:
2/4/14  YL Hangout @ Freddy's in LS- 7:47pm-9pm
2/11/14 RED Club @ LSCC Coffee Shop 7:47pm
2/18/14 Club @ LSCC Coffee Shop 7:47pm
2/25/14 Club @ LSCC Coffee Shop 7:47pm
3/4/14 Merica Club @ LSCC Coffee Shop 7:47pm
3/11/14 No Club- Spring Break- No school
3/18/14 Club @ LSCC Coffee Shop 7:47pm
3/25/14 Denim Club @ LSCC Coffee Shop 7:47pm
4/1/14 Club @ LSCC Coffee Shop 7:47pm
4/8/14 YL Instagram Scavenger Hunt starts @LSCC Coffee Shop 7:47pm
4/15/14 WACKY TACKY PROM CLUB @ LSCC Coffee Shop 7:47pm
4/22/14 Club @ LSCC Coffee Shop 7:47pm
4/29/14 Senior Club- Open Mic Night @ LSCC Coffee Shop 7:47pm

Helpful links below:

YL CLUB online calendar:
http://lsyl.weebly.com/

More info about our YL Camp trip:
http://lsylcamp2014.weebly.com/