So what is a youth group anyway?
I suppose there are many ways that we could describe and explain what we are about…but when it really comes down to it…we may be best summarized by the fact that we exist to learn how we can “LOVE GOD and LOVE OTHERS.” We believe that everyone on planet earth is able to have a personal relationship with God. Think about that for a moment…That is awesome!!! A relationship with the God of the universe!
No matter where you are from, what you believe, or what faith background you are from, we want you to know that you are welcome here.
'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.
- Matthew 22:37-39
Leaders
The 2009-10 staff are excited to work together to get to know each of you and grow together in our walks with God, as well as join with you in meeting challenges head on.
Laura & John Pyne
John Pyne (Check out John's Facebook) grew up in Harrisburg, PA where he attended Bishop McDevitt High School, where he ran cross-country and track. After graduating in 2005, he decided on Kutztown University, where he entered the business program and later declared a concentration in Accounting (he must be crazy!). For the first 3 years of college he continued running for the college cross-country and track teams. He stopped last year because of being too busy, but he is currently the Accounting Club President. He is planning to marry his high school sweetheart, Laura, this January 2009, and will be graduating in May of 2009. After college he plans to work at a local accounting firm and to become a certified public accountant!
John enjoys any and all sports, and loves anything having to do with any Philadelphia team! His favorite time of year is March Madness. He still loves to run (even if it’s not for a team), and has been having a great time getting to know everyone at LinC! His main goal in life is just to follow whatever God has planned for him.
Laura Kauffman (Check out Laura's Facebook) grew up in Harrisburg, PA (attending First Alliance Church and holding the record for worst injury from a youth group event!) and attended Central Dauphin High School (Go Rams!). She had no idea what she wanted to do after high school but decided on attending West Chester University without going to see it first—not a good idea! After a year and a half she transferred to Kutztown, where she currently attends—and plans to graduate in May 2009—as a professional writing major/public relations minor. Meanwhile she is planning a wedding with her high school sweetheart, John, which will be in January 2009! She has no idea what God is calling her to full time, but loves working with the teens during youth group and getting to know them all much more!
Laura enjoys writing, scrap booking, playing and watching basketball (or any sports for that matter), movies, and doing pretty much anything outdoors.
Tara & Matt Durlin
Tara Durlin grew up in Pottsville, PA and attended Bloomsburg University where she met Matt! They got married in August 2004 & in the last 5 years have adopted a dog (Carr), welcomed 2 beautiful boys into the world (Toby & Tate). Tara is a stay at home mom and enjoys cooking, playing flyball with Carr, helping with various ministries at church and spending time with family and friends!
Matt Durlin went to Cedar Cliff High School & then Bloomsburg University, where he majored in Computer and Information Systems. Currently employed by Highmark Inc as an Application Developer, doing Java and PL/SQL programming in a production support environment on the web portals, his true passions in life involve his family, the family dog (and related events), and the Philadelphia Eagles. Matt also enjoys playing his trumpet on the worship team at FAC.