Sleep Deprivation Affects Emotions
The first neurological probe into the emotional brain without sleep study has found evidence that sleep deprivation causes our emotions to go haywire, says a study from the University of California, Berkeley, and Harvard Medical School. The study also suggests that lack of sleep elevates activity in the emotional centers of the brain most closely associated with psychiatric disorders such as depression, and may help explain the link between the often disrupted sleep of those with such disorders. College students need 8.4 hours of sleep a night, yet data shows that even if they sleep 8 hours, performance decreases. Younger adolescents need at least 9 hours. Orlando pediatrician Veenod Chulani, director of adolescent medicine at Arnold Palmer hospital for children, says this most recent study provides a biological finding to support what we see clinically, because, a lot of vital developmental processes in teenagers occur during sleep, yet most teens dont get enough. ( USAToday.com, Oct.22)
Are You Plugged In?
Are you up to date on the movies, CDs, DVDs and electronic games your youth are exposed to/participating in? An easy way to get info is to read the latest issue of Plugged In magazine. The SUMC Youth Ministry subscribes to this Focus on the Family Publication that includes monthly reviews on the media our kids are bombarded with on a regular basis. To borrow our copy, look on the youth section of the bulletin board outside the main church office. When you are through please return it to the same spot.
Youth Ministry Team
| Youth Pastor | Barbara Russell 703-451-8223 |
| Praise Band Coordinator | Rich Wunderlin, 703-690-8048 |
| Youth Counselors | Grant Greffey, Tom Lambert, John and Cathy White, Jeff Russell |
FAQs about UMYF
What does UMYF stand for?
United Methodist Youth Fellowship. UMYF is simply the youth in grades 7-12 getting together each week for a couple hours to worship ( with the Praise Band), food ( parents take turns providing a simple supper ), fun ( games and silliness), and time together to build relationships with God and each other. Friends are always welcome!
When does it meet?
Most Sunday nights from 5- 6:45pm. We start at the Sanctuary for worship time and move to Agape House ( the little brick house on Sydenstricker Rd.) for the rest of the time. Sometimes we meet to go off campus to do something fun but this is always published in the weekly bulletin and in the e-gram.
What is the e-gram?
The e-gram just as its name implies, is a weekly e-mail with youth announcements. It goes out to anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest weekly events, upcoming dates ( as far as six months down the road), and prayer requests. If youd like to be included just send your e-mail address to youth@sumcdisciples.org.
In addition to the e-gram we have a Hotline that you can call for last minute up-dates (especially during the winter months): 703-451-8223 and choose option 7.
How do I sign up for Mission trips?
Mission trip sign- ups come in the fall. Watch the bulletin, web pages, and e-gram for dates and deadlines. But we do sometimes have cancellations from people who have last minute changes in their schedules, so we keep a waiting list for folks who may join us mid-year.
What is a retreat all about?
Why: Twice a year we all go away for the weekend to retreat from the stresses and distractions of life in Northern Virginia ! We leave after school on Friday and get back about 3pm on Sunday afternoon.
Where: Our traditional spot to go is Summit Lake Camp, located north of Frederick MD in the beautiful Catoctin Mountains. The camp has heated cabins, a huge dining hall, and meeting rooms. There are basketball courts, paddle boats ( in season), a ropes course, a lake for catch and release fishing, and cool places to hang out with your friends.
What: there are five times during the weekend that we will be together fro a class session These are informal sessions based on the theme of the weekend and involve some playing, some thinking, some praying and some studying about the Bible and Gods truth. We also have a couple scheduled times to play games together as a group, but there is also plenty of free time to explore or do homework or simply hang out.
Sleeping and Eating: There are nice heated cabins with bathrooms and showers. They have bunkbeds with mattresses. Girls and guys sleep in separate cabins with adults from our church. Meals are provided from Friday night supper through Sunday lunch. The food is great!