The New Blog Website

Hey everyone, I have great news! Not only are we about to move into a brand new building called "The Block" but we also have a brand new blog. It's way better and way cooler and it's just for you! It has a brand new look and feel with much of the same information along with a lot more. Your parents will like it too because it will have more info for them as well! Jonathan Claytor is an expert in creative design so I think you are going to like what he has done!

THIS IS THE LAST POST FOR THIS BLOG!
However, the new blog is still www.edgehcc.com so nothing has changed there. The next time you come to this blog, you will be at the new one! Feel free to look around, explore, and let us know what you think!

It's poll time

On Friday, I went to Hudson Middle School and saw them put on the play "The Wizard of Oz." They did a great job, but this had special appeal to me because I've always had a little obsession with The Wizard of Oz.

This morning at Edge we talked about identity and it actually makes me think of the characters Dorothy meets in Oz: the scarecrow, the tin man, and the lion. Each of them desperately wants something they think they lack. The scarecrow wants brains, the tin man wants a heart, and the lion wants courage. What these lovable guys don't realize is that they already have those things in abundance! And they unknowingly use them to help Dorothy get home.

For us humans on this side of Oz, I think one thing we all desperately want is to be loved and accepted. But the truth is that God has already give us the greatest gift of love and has accepted us into his family if we choose him. How sad if we, like Dorothy's friends, went through our journey without realizing what our true identity is: we are children of God, loved beyond what we can ever comprehend.

EDGE RECAP

Last night at Edge we talked about hope. My definition of hope was "wanting something that you know you are going to get." As a believer in Jesus Christ, our hope is heaven. We want it and we know we are going to get it. If you know Christ, you have a hope inside of you that no one can take away. I hope you remember that and that it changes the way you live your life today!

Don't forget, last night was the last Wednesday Edge at HCC! Next week, there will be NO EDGE, and on MARCH 4th, we will meet at the Block for the first time. For more information on The Block, CLICK HERE!

Caption Contest

Have fun! Winner gets a prize at edge tomorrow.

Tough Stuff

Most of you know by now the situation that happened with Mr. May from Hudson Middle School. This morning at Edge, I talked about how we should respond to what happened. Here are a couple things for you to take away.

1. This if our chance, as Christians, to shine. It's our chance to have the courage to stop rumors and not make judgments about anyone.

2. It's also the perfect chance to encourage the boy who turned Mr. May in. It will be tough for him, but he did the right thing...stand up for him and love him...like Jesus.

3. Remember that Jesus never promised a life without problems or pain. But he did promise that he has overcome the world. Don't forget that!

John 16:33
"In this world, you will have trouble. But TAKE HEART! I have overcome the world."

Edge Recap

Last night was our second night in the series called "SO WHAT?" We talked about how the Christian life is so far from boring! Some people think that before you are a Christian, you look like this first picture and then once you become a Christian, you look like this second picture. Not true at all! When you begin to follow Jesus Christ, you only just start to live. Remember, you are someone that has gone from death to life!

Remember the line from the Transformers clip. "50 years from now, do you want to look back and say that you never had the guts to get in the car?" 50 years from now, do you want to look back on your life and regret that you never surrendered your life to Christ? Live the adventure today! You will never regret it!

The BLOCK is coming

The Block is our brand new student ministry facility located on Darrow Rd right across from the Hudson Regal Cinemas and Joann Fabrics. VIEW MAP HERE. The place is coming together and the is almost finished.

Edge will begin meeting at this newly renovated building on Wednesday, March 4th for that very first time! It's gonna be great! The Block will be a great place to hang out, have Edge, invite your friends, and relax. So get the word out!

Some people have questions about it, especially your parents...so I have answered some commonly asked questions about this place below.

WHERE IS THE BLOCK?

It’s located at 5374 Darrow Rd. in Hudson directly across from the Hudson Regal Cinemas and Joann Fabrics. It is the old Callahan’s carpet building.

WHEN WILL EDGE MEET THERE?

Edge will meet there during the Wednesday night Edge program and other special outreach events. Edge WILL NOT meet there on Sunday mornings (continue in the gym on the main campus).

CAN STUDENTS COME HANG OUT THERE ANY TIME?

It is our goal to set up week days where the Block is open for students to come meet together, hang out with their friends, be mentored, tutored, and more. These days would be supervised by trusted adults. These open days will not begin right away, but we will put out a schedule when it happens.

CAN I SEE THE BLOCK?

We plan to have a set open house for parents in the near future so you will have your chance to check it out.

HOW CAN I HELP?

At this point, The Block will not require a lot of extra help. We have our adult leadership team that will be around each Edge to assist just like here at HCC. We will let you know as volunteer opportunities arise.

would you rather...

I love "would you rather" questions. I think they're a great way to get to know someone's personality and I love the cut and dryness of them. You must choose one answer or the other...there's no wiggle room.

So here are a few for you to ponder.

1. Would you rather be able to fly or be able to read peoples' minds?

2. Would you rather live in your dream home in Antartica or live in a shack in a perfect climate?

3. Would your rather give up birthdays for the rest of your life or give up Christmas for the rest of your life?

Tell me what you think and tell me why!

Edge Games Week 3 Video Highlight

Here's the highlight video from the final week of the Edge Games!


Edge Games V - Week 3 Highlight from edgehcc on Vimeo.

So WHAT?

Tonight at Edge, we will be starting a brand new series called, "So What?" It's designed to answer the question, "What difference does Christ make in your life?" I am pumped about this series so don't miss out! Tonight, we also have the Edge Games week 3 highlight video, the presentation of the new torches, games, edge band worship, food, and more!

The most important thing is for you to be there and to bring some friends from the edge games. I would love to see students coming back and hearing more about the amazing love of Jesus Christ!

small world, huh.

When I was in Thailand a couple months ago, I got to do something really cool. I visited a home for orphans with HIV/AIDS called the Agape Home. The kids there had mothers with AIDS who passed it on to them through child birth. When their mothers died, the families of these children were either too poor to take care of them or didn't want them. In Thailand, most people don't understand AIDS and think they can catch it like the common cold. So, they don't want to keep these little kids.

Here's where we come in....

There are some really cool, strong Thai families that want to keep the children in their family who have HIV/AIDS. But, taking care of someone with AIDS is really expensive, especially for a poor Thai family. So, our church gives money to the Agape Home and they make it possible for these kids to stay at home!

I visited homes where children didn't have to go to an orphanage because people from our church in little Hudson, Ohio gave money to help them! It's amazing. I even visited a home that we built so this family didn't have to live outdoors in a shack.

What a wonderful thing to be a part of! We have SOOO much and we are all rich in the world's eyes. We should always be looking for ways to give and bring a little more justice to a broken world.

Click here to learn more about this part of the Agape home, called Project Lek.

Caption Contest

It's been a while since our last caption contest! So go ahead and have a blast, but remember to be appropriate.

Happy Snow Day Everyone!

If you are bored today, check out last year's snow day video...it will bring you much joy!

SNOW DAY VIDEO

What do you like to do on your snow day?

BY THE WAY, THERE WILL BE NO LEDGE MEETING TONIGHT!

Only the beginning...

CONGRATS TO TEAM ARUBA!

I know that some of you would love to have Edge games last for 3 months or maybe even your whole life, but all good things come to an end. However, there is good news. Its really only the beginning of sharing Christ with your friends. So many of you brought friends to the games and this was their first experience at church and their first time hearing about Christ. What an amazing thing! Don't let it end here. Your friends need to keep coming so they can experience the love of Christ for themselves. So, even though the Edge Games are over for this year, its only the beginning of what God is doing with your friends.

Edge Games Week 3

Here are the videos shown at week 3 of the Edge:

09 Edge Games Week 2 Highlight from edgehcc on Vimeo.


The Adventures of Harry and Larry Episode 3 from edgehcc on Vimeo.

Who wants it?

Tonight is it...everyone is competing for all the marbles. This is where dreams are made. Kids at HCC start dreaming about winning the Edge Game Torch at a very early age. The time is now. Who wants it? Who wants their name etched in the Edge Games torch?!? So invite some last minute friends (10,000 points for every new friend brought tonight) and get ready because it's anyone's game.

[that was very dramatic, wasn't it?]

Watch the first highlight video HERE to get yourself pumped!

Leader of the Month

As you may know, each month, we have been choosing a leader of the month to highlight on the blog. Our leaders are so important to Edge because they are the ones who invest their time into the lives of the students. They are here because they love Jesus and love middle school students. I am so grateful to them and I know many of you are very grateful for them in your lives as well!

THIS MONTH, we are highlighting Mr. Doug Hartline! Doug has been around Edge for a couple years now. Doug is the kind of guy who helps out anywhere he is needed. He has given so much time and energy this ministry and to the guys in his group. SO this month, we want to thank him. Doug can also be seen during the month of January if Fiji yellow.

Check Doug's picture and profile out HERE. As well as all the other leader...

Week 3 is coming

There is something distinct about week 3 of the edge games. Each year, crazy things happen on week 3....i mean crazy! Teams come from behind, teams fall, whole schools arrive for one team, etc. You just never know what will happen on week 3...

Remember, the points go up on week 3. We have decided to give 4,000 points for each person that is present on your team for week 3. We also are going to give 10,000 points for every brand new person that comes on week 3. So there are a lot of points at stake. A LOT!

Also, the games will all be worth more points. So listen, no one is secure, no one can coast. Everyone must step up their game if they want to take the torch!

WEEK 3, IT'S ON!

i dream of a genie...

It's a classic question, but I always like turning it over in my mind: If you could be granted any wish, what would you wish for? The only rule: No wishing for more wishes!

I've decided that if my wish had to be purely selfish, I would wish for an amazing memory...but not a perfect memory, mind you. I would only want to remember things that are helpful because there are lots of things in my life I'm happy to forget. Anyways, I'd never forget a name and I'd probably be awesome at Trivial Pursuit. : )

If you had only one wish, what would it be?

Week 2 Video Wrap-UP

Here's the Highlight video of Week 1 and the continuing adventures of Harry and Larry:

Edge Games V 09 Week 1 from edgehcc on Vimeo.


The Adventures of Harry and Larry Episode 2 from edgehcc on Vimeo.

EDGE GAMES ARE STILL ON TONIGHT!

I know that most schools are canceled today due to the extremely cold temperatures, but The Edge Games is STILL ON! Since no one has to walk to the Edge games or be outside for any period of time, we are good to go. What better place to be on a frigid night that having the time of your life at the Edge Games! See you tonight

Beyond the Glory

Week 2 is upon us and I hope you are pumped! Its going to be great!

Remember that its not about the games, its about what is beyond the glory of the games. If you have friends that need to hear about Christ, bring them! You never know what God might do.

Enjoy some pictures from week 1 (thanks to Bob Zeller)!

Harry and Larry!

In case you missed it, or just wanted to see it again, here's the first installment of the Adventures of Harry and Larry!


The Adventures of Harry & Larry Episode 1 from edgehcc on Vimeo.

the curious case of a third grader.

Last week, I revisited one of my favorite childhood movies: Hook. It's the story of Peter Pan if he grew up and I just love it. I really do. You should watch it, but with very low expectations so that you won't be disappointed. (Trust me, this strategy works.)

I've always loved stories with a little magic involved...Matilda, Lord of the Rings, The Wizard of Oz. I could go on and on. But, there is another reason I love Hook. You see, I've always related to Peter Pan because I, too, have never wanted to grow up. I distinctly remember that feeling from childhood and I still feel it. I wanted to be in third grade forever.

If you could stay any age for the rest of your life, how old would you want to be?

The Edge Games is STILL ON!

Some of you may have questions about the edge games since it is snowing outside, but the games are STILL ON! I was just out on the roads and they are not bad right now...therefore, we are still on. The majority of the snow is supposed to come over night.

BE CAREFUL ON THE ROADS!

The Edge Games Preview

Tomorrow is the first night of the edge games. I hope you are continuing to invite your friends this week. Remember to tell them what team they are on and what color to wear so that they come ready to go. If you are in a small group, you are already assigned to a team. If you don't know what team that is, please contact your small group leader. If you are not in a small group, you are free to pick any team you would like. There is only one rule...

NO SWITCHING TEAMS!

If you really want to get pumped for the games, check out last year's VIDEO here.

Let the Games begin...

Christmas is over, school is back in session, it's cold outside, it's Monday...but have no fear, the Edge Games are here. Starting this Friday night, the Edge Games are back for the fifth time in its storied existence. Enjoy some classic games mixed with some brand new ones. Your mission at school this week is to get as many of your friends as you can to show up. If their parent's have questions, send them to the website for information. Get ready, cause it's going to be the best Edge Games yet!