CATB Student Ministry Blog

Rock the Universe

2011-08-16T04:17:00.000-04:00

We are going to Rock the Universe again this year. We will be heading out Sept. 9th at 2pm then we will be returning Sept. 10th at noon. The cost of the trip is $65 if you are registered by September 2nd and $75 after that. For the rest of the info, parental consent and medical forms, click on the links below.

Information, Consent and Medical Form

Schedule of Summer Events

2011-06-01T11:33:00.003-04:00

Its almost summer time and our student ministry is going to be busy. Here is a pdf of the first two months of events CLICK HERE. Also, we have a mission trip coming up in July and the info and registration sheet is HERE. If you have any questions about this summer or the mission trip:

email me at: hmayer@churchatthebay.com
call me at: 813.579.3978

Believe Conference 2011

2011-02-11T11:48:00.002-05:00

The Middle School students are going on a trip! We are going to Kissimmee, FL for an awesome conference/experience for middle schoolers. The trip is March 11-12 and the cost is $65. For more information please download the Trip Info and Medical Releaser HERE. If you have any questions please call 813-579-3978 or email me @ hmayer@churchatthebay.com.

CATB Student Christmas Party

2010-11-30T11:25:00.002-05:00

We are having our annual Christmas Party December 12th from 5-8pm at the Hevia's. We will be having a ton of food and sweets and stuff that probably isn't good for you. We will play a bunch of games and have a great time. The only thing you have to bring is a White Elephant Gift that cost's no more than $10.

What is a White Elephant Gift? It could be something good, it could be your socks from the day before. It doesn't have to be worth $10, $10 is just the limit. Please bring it wrapped. For more info about the history of all this - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_elephant_gift_exchange.

So please RSVP so we know how much food we are going to need to get. Hope to see you all there, its always a ton of fun.

Hevia's Address:

13715 Chestersall Drive

Tampa, FL

High School HomeTeam Kickoff Pool Party and BBQ

2010-08-31T19:03:00.002-04:00

We are kicking off High School HomeTeams this Sunday with a Pool Party and BBQ at the Hevia's crib. THIS IS FOR HIGHSCHOOLERS ONLY - so please don't bring your baby brothers or sisters. The cost is $0. We will be grilling out hamburgers and hotdogs, playing some games and hanging out. Supposedly there is also some sort of Wii competition going on with a game that I will be horrible at. Anyway, for more info FB Hal or call or email him. See you Sunday.

Hevia's Home

13715 Chestersall Dr, Tampa, FL

Summer Bible Studies Start July 11th!

2010-07-05T11:52:00.003-04:00

We are starting our Summer Bible Studies on Sunday July 11th. It is an opportunity for our students to go a little deeper in their walk with God. The students who join will be challenged at another level to get into the Bible and live their life as a Christ-follower. I hope that every student will be apart of this great study. The cost of the book for the study is $5.

We will be meeting at the Church Office (5008 W Linebaugh Ave #24) from 4-6pm starting this Sunday, July 11th. If you need directions or have some questions please email or call me (813-579-3978, hmayer@churchatthebay.com).

Mission Trip to Enterprise, AL

2010-03-17T08:27:00.003-04:00

We are going back to Enterprise, AL to help out Crossroads Community Church over spring break. We are heading out on April 11th and returning on the 15th. The cost of the trip is $100, which is not the true cost, but we really believe in the importance of students going on a mission. For more info about the trip CLICK HERE. For registration and medical release CLICK HERE. If you are interested or just want more information about the trip please email or call me at: hmayer@churchatthebay.com or 813-579-3978.

Jr. High Believe Conference

2010-01-27T09:43:00.004-05:00

The Middle School students are going on a trip! We are going to Kissimmee, FL for an awesome conference/experience for middle schoolers. The trip is March 12-13 and the cost is $50. For more information please download the Trip Info HERE along with the MEDICAL RELEASE. If you have any questions please call 813-579-3978 or email me @ hmayer@churchatthebay.com.

Middle School Experience and High School HomeTeam Are Happening!

2010-01-12T11:19:00.000-05:00

Video Scavenger Hunt

2009-09-24T14:02:00.003-04:00

We will be having a video scavenger hunt this Sunday (September 27th) from 4-7pm. We will be meeting at the Citrus Park Mall food court (next to the theatre) at 4pm, splitting up into teams, then we will head back to Hal's apartment to watch the videos and eat pizza. For parents picking up their students, Hal's Apartment - 12105 Lexington Park Dr. Apt. 206, Tampa, FL 33626. Students don't need to bring anything extra, just themselves. If you have any questions please email me or call @ 813-389-5359.

Rock the Universe

2009-08-24T11:48:00.003-04:00

We are going to Rock the Universe again this year! Just like last year, they have an awesome lineup. As a group we will be leaving out on Friday, September 11th to Universal Studios. We will be leaving at 2pm (you are allowed out of school early for religious reasons) from the Church Office. The cost of the trip is $65 which includes admission, transportation and lodging that night. You will need to bring money for dinner in the park and breakfast the next morning. For more info on the concerts you can go to www.rocktheuniverse.com. For the parental permission form and itinerary CLICK HERE. If you need any more info please call or email me at hmayer@churchatthebay.com.

30 Hour Famine Update

2009-06-10T09:51:00.003-04:00

First I would like to say Thank you to all the students and leaders who participated. You guys did an awesome job! We raised over $1,000 for starving kids all over the world. That amount could feed a kid for almost 3 yrs! We also decided at the famine that we would start to support a child. That is an awesome decision that allows one child who didn't have a chance to have big one. This is an event that we will be doing annually, so if you missed out on it this year, get involved next year. I think next year we could raise at least double the amount.

30 Hour Famine

2009-06-03T12:59:00.002-04:00

If you were wondering what 30 Hour Famine is all about, please watch the video below. 30 Hour Famine will be taking place June 5&6 from noon on Friday till 6pm on Saturday. If you are not apart of 30 Hour Famine, please pray for the students that are taking part.

Movie Night!

2009-05-21T11:46:00.002-04:00

We are going to see "Night at the Museum" THIS Sunday Night! We are going to the 5:10pm showing at the Regal Citrus Park in the mall. Please show up by 4:45 so that we can find seats together. The movie is 105 minutes, so plan appropriately. See you there!

Students Baptized during Easter Services

2009-04-21T12:11:00.004-04:00

Two of our students, Jahmal Steen and Stephanie Lopez, were baptized during our Easter Services. It was awesome to get to baptize two of our students and take part in their Next Step with God.

Brandy vs. Alex

2009-04-15T11:03:00.002-04:00

Kool-Aide,Alka-Seltzer and Ginger Ale - first one to open mouth, loses.

Mission Trip Information

2009-03-31T12:35:00.002-04:00

If you happened to lose any of the forms, you can download them here:

Itinerary
Consent Form
Medical Release

Pics from our Mission Trip to Tally

2009-01-28T11:42:00.002-05:00

We are going Spring Break of this year to Enterprise, AL. For more info click here

The Middle School Experience Starts Next Week!

2009-01-23T15:43:00.005-05:00

Goin' to some Games

2008-10-08T11:03:00.008-04:00

The last two weeks I have enjoyed going to two of our student's games, Brandy Venus and Evan Regateiro. If you have a game or event or something, please let me and our leaders know about it, we would love to get out there and support you. Just let us know ahead of time because despite what it seems, we do have some lives :) You can click on the pics for a bigger view.

HomeTeams have Started!

2008-09-21T06:33:00.004-04:00

HIGH SCHOOL HOMETEAM: Will be meeting from 3:30 to 5:00pm at the Regateiro's house. Their address is 1509 Lahinch Circle, Odessa, FL. For Mapquest Directions click on the address. High School HomeTeam is for grades 9-12.

MIDDLE SCHOOL HOMTEAM: Will be meeting from 4:30 to 6:00pm at Hal's house. My address is 12105 Lexington Park Dr. Apt. 206, tampa, FL. For Mapquest Directions click on the address. The Middle School HomeTeam is for grades 6-8.

The "JUMP" Video from the weekend with some people you might recognize at the end

2008-09-15T15:35:00.001-04:00

watch till the end...

WHAT SHOULD I EAT?!

2008-09-10T12:58:00.003-04:00

How should I break my fast? You get to vote. Whoever comes up with the best idea and I do it, get a free meal at the place that you suggested. Remember you can't just list a food, you have to convince me. Besides, getting to eat with me is priceless :)

Da Monk of Crunk

2008-09-04T09:37:00.002-04:00

Cool article on one of our students being a leader at school:

http://titanstomp.com/index.php?action=news&sport=17&news_id=100

Greatest Arcade Game of All Time

2008-09-02T15:06:00.002-04:00

What do you think the greatest arcade game of all time was? For me, its defiantly Area 54, the first one, not the bad remakes. Go ahead and comment your favorite, and tell me why you think its the best and the winner will get a prize. If you are going on the RTU trip, a free breakfast, if you are not going, a Starbucks card. LET THE GAMES BEGIN!!!!

and if you are wondering what the picture is to the right, its a portable version of PACMAN, awesome....

Hal's 21-Day Student Ministry Fast

2008-08-25T10:07:00.002-04:00

I am starting a 21 day fast today. Not a total fast from everything, more along the lines of a Vegan diet with a few changes. Why am I doing it? To focus and pray for our student ministry and the impact that I believe it will have in the coming year. What can you do? Check out the blog - www.halsfast.blogspot.com - for daily prayer requests and for fun you can check out what I'm eating. Also you can post your prayer requests and thoughts for our student ministry under each post by clicking comments. Or you can just make fun of the fact that I am a vegetarian for 21 days :)

Why I couldn't live in Georgia.

2008-08-22T14:54:00.003-04:00

if you can't see it, click on it to zoom in.

Rock the Universe Deadline

2008-08-21T15:38:00.002-04:00

Don't forget! This weekend is the deadline to sign up for Rock the Universe at the reduced cost. If you do not have you paperwork and money in by this week, you will pay the full price of $75 instead of the reduced price of $60. If you need the registration form click here: FORM. If you would like to pay by credit card you can use the PAYPAL button to the right.

Its going to be an awesome trip! If you need anymore info please email me: hmayer@churchatthebay.com.

Whats Happening - Week of 8/10

2008-08-12T12:53:00.003-04:00

This week, like last week, we have two things going on. As you can see from the poll Bowling won, so we are going bowling this Thursday. We also will be continuing in our summer Bible Study this Wednesday. The Schedule looks like this:

Wednesday - Summer Bible Study for Middle and High Schoolers. We will be starting a new study this week, and will be discussing Mormonism. It will be a very interesting week, all you need to bring is your Bible. Its from 6-8pm @ Hal's House.

Thursday - We are going bowling at PinChasers from 3-5pm. Why so early? B/c they have leagues every night. The cost will be $10 for 2 games and shoe rental. If you have trouble finding a ride, please let me know so I can try to arrange one. The address is :5555 W. Hillsborough Ave (click on it for mapquest directions)

Also, don't forget about our upcoming Rock the Universe Trip. The lower cost registration deadline is coming up! Also, I added a paypal button on the side if you would like to pay through credit card. Hope Everyone is having a Great Summer!

Rock the Universe

2008-08-09T16:28:00.002-04:00

We are going to Rock the Universe this year! Rock the Universe happens at Universal Studios where they have several of the top Christian Bands performing. The event runs from 4pm that Friday to 1am the next morning. We will be heading out at 2pm on Friday and coming back at noon on Saturday. The cost is $60 if you register before August 24th and $75 after that. The cost includes tickets, transportation and lodging. For more info you can visit www.rocktheuniverse.com and download the Information Sheet.

A Video that will make us all feel better about ourselves...

2008-08-06T13:50:00.003-04:00

she definitely has had light switching lessons from The Cheat...if you don't know what I am talking about click here.

Strongbad for El Presidente

Whats Happening - Week of 8/4

2008-08-04T09:33:00.003-04:00

Wow, we had an awesome weekend! And one of the reasons why the weekend was awesome, was the help of our students. Our students were up at the school every day last week helping out, doing the dirty work. Without them, I don't think we would have finished in time. So for all of our students that helped out, THANK YOU!

Now for what happening this week:

Wednesday: Bible Study for all youth at my house from 6-8pm. We will be continuing some in our New Testament Study and also will be spending some time talking about Islam. Its going to be fun, remember to bring your questions. Directions to Hal's House.

Thursday: We are going to play ULTIMATE FRISBEE at BayBridge Park from 6-8pm - the coolest part of the day :). BayBridge Park is easy to get to, just turn onto Montague as if you were going to church, take first left and follow it all of the way back...and you are there.

Alright, hope everyone is having a great summer...b/c school is coming back soon...

Whats Happening This Week

2008-07-28T11:24:00.002-04:00

Well, we are back from out mission trip to Tallahassee, and this week will definitely be a full one. We will be resuming our Bible Study this week (6-8pm @ Hal's house) for middle and high schoolers, but the main activity that is happening could use your help. As you know we are moving into the gym this week, and there is still much to be done. We will be working over at Davidsen Mon-Thurs of this week at various times. If you can help please email me and we will make sure you have something to do.

Also, don't forget NO MORE SATURDAY NIGHT. If you show up, you will probably be alone :)

Student Mission Trip Updates

2008-07-17T12:12:00.004-04:00

Our student team is leaving on Sunday after church. If you would like to be updated on what's going on during our trip there are two ways. One is to the right of this post titled "CATB Student Ministry Updates". I will be updating those during our time there from my cell phone. Also you can see pic's from the trip that will be updated nightly by clicking on this link or you can just watch them slowly on the slideshow to the right. Also, the main way you could help us on this trip is by praying for the students and the leaders as we serve others in Tallahassee. Also, if you would like to leave a comment about a picture or an encouraging word for the students or leaders please use the comment link below.

Info for parents for Mission Trip

2008-07-16T14:41:00.000-04:00

For medical release/info for trip please download from this link.

This Is Nuts - I've decided not to take up Karate

2008-02-14T16:51:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day - A Real Holiday?

2008-02-14T16:21:00.002-05:00

For those of you who stayed inside today, today is Valentines Day! Whoopee! Before I was married I referred to Valentines Day as "Singles Awareness Day" and really hated the day...mostly b/c i was always single on Valentine's Day. I also didn't like it b/c i thought it was a made up holiday that required me to spend more money. So...as far as Valentines Day goes, I'm not a big fan, does that mean I won't buy my wife a card...not if i value my life...

What do you think about Valentines Day? Is it a real Holiday?

Super Bowl XLII Predictions

2008-01-31T14:37:00.000-05:00

The Super Bowl is this Sunday and to make things a little more fun I figure I'd give away a prize to the person who gets the closest or acutally predict the score. So, in the comment section go ahead and give me your prediction, score wise, and we will see. Posts must be done at least an hour before game time!

Life Hurts...God Heals

2008-01-17T12:59:00.000-05:00

In our High School Small Group this Spring we will be starting a study called "Life Hurts...God Heals." We will also be talking about some of these topics in Middle School Ministry. I love this study because it reminds us that everyone hurts, but that God can heal us if we let Him. Here's a couple questions for discussion:

1. What/Who do you think is the biggest source of hurt in a student's life?

2. What are some of the main ways students mask their hurt?

3. How do you get over hurt?

If you want, you can put your name when you respond, but you don't have too. I hope this starts a discussion.

Why I love being the Youth Pastor - Vote

2008-01-17T12:46:00.000-05:00

There are many times when being the youth pastor is the best option. Many times it has to do with games and competitions where I get to decide who has to eat dog food or drink a gallon of mild. This was one of those times.

But, even though i already voted on this competition, its your turn. Remember the voting requirements - design, creativity, and moveability (not sure if thats a word). Which one do you think is best, and why? Girls or Guys?

ps. you can click on the pics to make them bigger

The Winners

2007-12-21T11:03:00.000-05:00

As you may have known, we have had two contests this last week that the winners must now be named. The first was who could come up with the best "fake job" for myself and my wife when we didn't want to tell other people that I was a pastor. Truthfully, I think the most well thought out one, along with being interesting, was the Monk of Crunk's entry. So if you want to read his you can look at the comments on that blog. The second competition had to do with the sign that you brought to the CATB vs Davidsen Charity Basketball Game. And after much deliberation, the best sign goes to Laura and Loretta, because it was uplifting for the team, and they actually rooted for us during the game. So...there are your winners.

Davidsen M.S. vs. CATB Men

2007-12-14T09:38:00.000-05:00

Yes, it sounds sad that the older guys of CATB are going to be playing the Davidsen Middle School boys basketball team. We will be playing after school (at 5:30) at Davidsen Middle School this Monday (Dec. 17). And since we figure most of the crowd, including the parents, will be rooting for the middle schoolers, I thought I would try to get some support of the old/out of shape guys on the court. So, the CATB student who brings the best sign and yells the loudest for our team will win the biggest prize ever rewarded to a CATB student under my reign as youth pastor. Now, the sign has to be appropriate, there will be middle schoolers and their PARENTS in the stands. Also, we are representing our church, so hopefully that all makes sense. So, i will see all of you out there on Monday.

And if you wanted to know our roster: Hal Mayer (III and IV), Neal McCullohs, Blaine Albright, Don and David Preiser, Brian Heckman and Todd Marks.

Moral Dilema/Prize Opprotunity

2007-12-14T09:22:00.000-05:00

Alright, here's the deal. I'm going to present you with a moral dilemma that i incurred while i was on my cruise. The person with the most creative answer that actually might work/make sense wins a Starbucks gift card. So...here it is. As you know, I'm a pastor. And I have told you stories before of what happens when I tell others that I'm a pastor (conversation changes, tell me how religious their cat is, that they have a long lost aunt twice removed on their mothers side who went to church once). Well, on my cruise Chrissy and I had to sit at a table with two other couples for five nights, before we went in we thought about changing out identities so that they wouldn't know that I was a pastor. I wanted to be a stunt double...probably not a good option, and b/c we couldn't think of a good option/and realizing that we would be lying (and thats bad) we went ahead and decided to not change our story. But, for the sake of argument, what do you think would be the easiest profession for myself and my wife to pull off? Why? How does it go along with what I do now? The most creative an plausible (that means possible) answer will win the starbucks card. (this is a picture of the people we sat with)

Its been a long time...

2007-12-14T09:08:00.000-05:00

Well...since the last time that i posted many things have happened in the CATB Student Ministry. Alex had a mullet (which was the highlight), Thanksgiving happened (always a good thing), and I went on a cruise...and ended up sitting next to another pastor at the dinning time (God does have a sense of humor). So here are some pic's to comment on, and i would love to know whether or not you think that Alex should have kept the mullet...

I LOVE this weather!

2007-11-08T09:37:00.000-05:00

Personally, I think this is the best time of the year. The weather is amazing, just cold enough to walk around in a t-shirt and be perfect. I know we live in Florida and its not supposed to be cold, but I am so happy it is. What do you guys think? What is your favorite time of year? Do you agree with my humble but accurate opinion? Comment Back on the "comment" button below.

...and isn't that one of the ugliest dogs you have ever seen...

The Starbucks Challenge

2007-11-05T13:08:00.000-05:00

Well, last night we had a very successful competition. I gave away 5 Starbucks gift cards and got to meet some of your friends. I must say that I was disappointed that two people, not going to say their names, didn't share their gift cards with their friends...(iark dna nonnac). I did however find out that coffee apparently makes everyone smarter, so I will leave you with the best line of the night, a line that will forever mean the world to me, a line that is just so profound that it must be true, a line that could only come out after an orange mocha frappuccino....

"Did you know that you could die." - Bethany Isaac

Random Stuff

2007-11-01T12:36:00.000-04:00

Here is a post of just some random stuff... The first one being the video and audio of Blaine (our Worship Pastor) singing the "Ode to Saturday Night". Here it is in video version, which was recorded at his house, or you can hit the like below for the "live" audio version.

Live Audio

Also, here are some random pics that I have of Loretta pigging out, Monk as a "Monk", Myself, Gino and Alex looking cool at the Baptism, and one just scary pic from our mission trip this last summer.

The Nightmare after HomeTeam

2007-11-01T12:27:00.001-04:00

Unless you like musicals, or you are a girl, "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is probably not for you. Especially when you go with some people who have memorized the entire movie and say/sing all the lines/lyrics before they come up (bethany), but...it was still fun to hang out with 20 or so high schoolers who were sportin' some really cool 3D glasses. And if you do go see the movie, there is one really funny part where some parents ask their little kid what Santa brought him for Christmas...

The First Prize (winners)

2007-10-22T09:44:00.000-04:00

These were the questions for the prize...

Middle School Question: What did I steal from the store when I was a little kid and had to apologize to the store manager about?
High School Question: What are the names of the two people whose birthday we were celebrating at HomeTeam?

These are the answers:

Middle School Question: breath mints
High School Question: Loretta and Gino

The winners are: Kim Juel (MS) and Kari McElroy (HS)

stay tuned for more contests...

Alex's Swim Meet

2007-10-20T11:44:00.000-04:00

Some of you wonder what I do as a "Youth Pastor" and often ask if I have another job b/c apparently the only time I work is on Saturdays and Sundays. Well, here is a glimpse of the amazingly fun things that I get to do, including going to Alex Ellis' swim meet. Just a side note, if Alex ever tells you what time something starts, know that its one hour later...

Church Party and Beach Baptism

2007-10-20T11:37:00.001-04:00

We had an awesome time at Honeymoon Island State Park. Unlimited hotdogs, volleyball and the ocean...what could be better. We had 16 people get baptized (including Laura and her bum knee) at the beach and over 130 people were there. If you missed out on this one, you have to make it to the next one.

The First Blog

2007-10-18T11:08:00.000-04:00

This is the inaugural blog for the "CATB Students Blog." I feel like I should say something inspiring, but I realize that its just a blog. So, I'll just let you know what this blog will be used for. Mainly it will be used to keep you updated on the events that are happening at Church at the Bay and in the Student Ministry. It will also be used to show embarrassing/funny videos and photos from some of the events. So...without further adieu I give you the CATB student ministry blog.

The Middle School Experience

2007-09-24T15:53:00.006-04:00

The Middle School Experience happens on Sunday mornings during the 11:00 service. It is for students in grades 6-8. We meet in the Chorus room, just to the right of the auditorium, down the hallway.

What happens during the MSE?

We play games and hangout for the first part and then have a short teaching time followed by some discussion in some small groups. The groups are split up by gender to help facilitate discussion.

High School HomeTeam

2007-09-24T15:47:00.004-04:00

Our high school HomeTeam meets on Sunday nights from 5:00pm-6:30pm at the Hevia's home. The address is: 13715 Chestersall Dr, Tampa, F L.

What is a HomeTeam?
Its a group of students that meet on a regular basis to learn, discuss and help each other out...and of course have some fun. Its the basis of our student ministry and where you will get to know the most people and make friends. Its a safe place, where students can talk about whatever is on their mind without feeling judged or made fun of. Its a place where we can help each other out as we grow closer to God.