The Youth Group is formally called The L-Effect. The L-Effect's name comes from the work of LOVE. The letter "L" begins with the vertical relationship of LOVE, between God and Humanity, through His Son.

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Because of such a great LOVE for us, we as disciples desire to abide in Him. The L-Effect does this through the studying the bible, prayer, and serving. Jesus calls us to lay down our lives in order to LOVE each other. Our motivation and example is in Jesus' own love for us.

John 15:12-14 - "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command."

Jesus Christ has also called us to LOVE beyond the church walls. God's LOVE for us extends to the Horizontal in loving others. The L-Effect does this through serving at church and various ministries in the Chicago community. The L-Effect is driven by the commands that Jesus presents as the greatest commandments.

Matthew 22:37-40 - "Jesus replied: '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.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

Worship

The L-Effect provides a more contemporary style of worship for the HPCRC community. Generally, the L-Effect prepares music on Friday nights and pre-worship on Sunday Morning. The L-Effect is also strongly dedicated to reading and studying God's word. Worship on Friday nights is conducted through music and bible study. All youth are invited to attend service and join the entire congregation for worship. After the children's sermon on Sundays, the youth join together for Sunday school. During Communion Sundays (the first Sunday of every month), the youth are encouraged to help with Activity Day for the younger children or stay in service.

The main worship event, hosted by the L-Effect, is the Summer Praise Night. The youth group prepares a few months in advance to sing a blended set of hymns and praise songs. Praise Night is designed to be a stretching experience in preparation and an outreach opportunity in inviting people in the community.

Service Project

The L-Effect cook and serve food at Joshua House, a division of Breakthrough Ministries that focuses on providing shelter and food for Chicago's homeless women. The youth also prepare songs to worship with the guests at Joshua House and share a message for their nightly devotions. After preparing and serving food, the youth group is encouraged to eat and talk with Joshua House guests to bridge the cultural, economic, and social differences. The youth are encouraged to engage and embrace such differences and share the gospel through conversation and action.

James 2:13-17 - "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Breakthrough Ministries - "Demonstrating the compassion of Christ by partnering with those affected by poverty to build connections, develop skills and open doors of opportunity." For more information, check out breakthrough.org

Events

The L-Effect is actively involved in multiple events throughout the year, including, Summer BBQ Picnic, Praise Night, Sushi Night, and other miscellaneous outings. The L-Effect tries to plan around 2 or 3 events every quarter. For further news on upcoming events and planning, check out l-effect.blogspot.com

l-effect.blogspot.com

This is the youth group's blog page. Please check out some posts by current and former students as they walk in Christ.