Project Hangout

It was a good run...

2009-06-30T18:09:00.001-07:00

As you read below to find out about the end of Project Hangout as we currently know it - please understand that a seed must die for other things to give birth. The lifestyle mentor philosophy lives on in the lives of those trained and many good things that Project Hangout started. Many will still continue - Like Nova-Do martial arts, coffee groups and www.FEEDtheMUSIC.net (Ryan's latest project).

Please continue to root Ryan and Jenn on by showing up to FEEDtheMUSIC and participating in the intergenerational music community that happens every month. Ryan currently has found a job working with emancipated foster youth ages 18-24.

The Story:

June, 2009

Dear Project Hangout Supporter,

From the inception of Project Hangout Ministries, we have been accountable to the stakeholders, including the donors and those we have ministered to. Under that responsibility, the Board members have maintained a code of integrity in managing the ministry. One key element has been transparency in all we do. We honor the Lord by doing so and avoid issues that may undermine our ministry or call our purposes into question. With that desire to be forthright as to the status of Project Hangout, I must regretfully announce that the Board and I have determined that Project Hangout Ministries will end operations on June 30, 2009. The reason for our decision is not unlike those currently faced by other non-profits and businesses. Since the economic downturn, the ministry has seen a drop in income (contributions) of over 40%. This has caused drastic reductions in expenditures, including a substantial cut (80%) in the salary of our Operations Director, Ryan Zeulner. Beginning last month Ryan’s work at Project Hangout was reduced to a part-time basis. Understandably, as a father and husband Ryan needs a full-time position and cannot continue at Project Hangout under this arrangement. Without someone like Ryan running the day-to-day operations, the ministry is unable to continue. It is due to this and the other effects of the economic downturn on our ministry that we must in good faith end the operation.

While we are saddened by the turn of events we are not discouraged. Over the span of eight years we have seen hundreds of kids learn of the love of Christ, dozens come to a saving knowledge of Jesus and many more turn from destructive behavior. We know that the successes at introducing the Word into the lives of these youth will not return void. It is His grace and love that has made all of this possible and it is in the same that we continue on.

To wind up the operations, we have determined that the ministry has a cash need of $8,500 for our remaining obligations. This includes back-pay owed to Ryan. I would ask you to prayerfully consider sending Project Hangout a generous gift so that we can properly meet every obligation as we close our books. If through the Lord’s provision there are any funds remaining after fulfilling these obligations, we will transfer the balance to Terra Nova Church in Irvine, California after June. This church is where Ryan is the part-time youth pastor and where he will continue his work in Lifestyle Mentoring. If necessary we will continue to receive donations after June 30th until all of the obligations are fulfilled.

I cannot begin to express my thanks for your commitment to serving the Kingdom through your gifts and sacrifices for Project Hangout. I am extremely humbled by your involvement and the impact we have had for God’s glory.

With Blessings,

Dale Hedges
Founder & President
dwhedges@projecthangout.com

Project Hangout Does Martial Arts

2009-06-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

Nova-Do Martial Arts || The New Way of Life.

Meets every Wednesday from 4:30-6pm
Where: 7 Whatney, Irvine CA 92618
Range: All levels welcome
Age: All ages welcome
Cost: Try it out and get an info packet for more details
Sensei: German Hernandez
Why: Christ centered Martial arts to sharpen and focus your mind, body and soul.

I wanted to announce the martial art division of Project Hangout headed up by Sensei German Hernandez. It's called Nova-Do:: The new way of life // martial arts. We have taken out all the eastern philosophy and put Christ as the center of all we do. This is open to all so if you have ever been interested in learning karate - come learn with the best. German's credentials are to long to list but I can say that he did train the Govenator

First class ever of Nova-Do Martial Arts

FEEDtheMUSIC

2009-05-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

We are currently beginning our revolutionary concert line called FEEDtheMUSIC. The details are anything but boring as our first concert is May 14th from 7-9 featuring the PawnShop kings.

Check out our dedicated site: www.FEEDtheMUSIC.net and spread the word.

The good news is that we have it going on every month. Join us every 2nd Thursday of the month. But you knew that... because you checked out the website.

Night of Champoins

2009-04-18T23:27:00.001-07:00

April 24, 2009
Kingsfield Church in Laguna Niguel
Cost: FREE
FREE IN-N-OUT
6:30 - 10:00 PM

What is Next?

2009-03-31T20:50:00.001-07:00

A lot of people have been wanting to know what is up next for Project Hangout. Not only is it the year of the small church, but we have some transformational things stirring about. I can't go into to much detail, but I'll draw you a picture:

Diagrams Made Easy

2009-03-31T12:09:00.000-07:00

The church has to be the living body that it was created to be. Thus it has to REACH out into the community. Christ sent out the 70 in pairs of two. Sounds familiar, yet undone most of the time. Let's work together to change that.

A Church has generations in it as a strength. Wisdom cannot be faked and so it must be passed down. We have "boxed" ministries into age groups for good reasons, yet it is crippling our future generations. Let's build intergenerational ministries together!

Please learn about my friend

2009-03-21T19:51:00.000-07:00

Please learn about a most remarkable young man. His story is moving. You will love him and the God that he serves.

Click below:
Clayton McDonald

Dodgeball Tournament Review

2009-03-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

The first Hot Dog and Chocolate Dodgeball Tournament has come and gone. With 16 teams in rotation we had a great day. In the end the frontrunners, The Pretty Girls, ended going undefeated and walked away with some clout.

But it wasn't about winning. The tournament was a celebration of the relationships that were created prior to the tournament. The teams came together and their leaders lead them because of a desire to be together and experience something that cannot be done alone. With a handful of churches and Olive Crest coming together there was even more uniting that happened that day. It was a community event where everyone was blessed to be there. The people that had the greatest time (in my opinion) were the 10 plus referees that volunteered to supervise the epic battles. Next time we would love for you to join us. Thanks you for everyone who came out that day. For those who made this happen, the Kingdom of God will never forget!

From a Fan:
Hi Ryan, thanks to you and your team for a great Dodgeball day! Our
four teams had an awesome time. Please know that from our end, your
labor of love was well worth the effort you invested. I've had many
kids ask when we can dodge it up again! There was a lot of good pride
with our 2nd place team and our 1st place for t-shirts. We felt so
welcomed and a part of the Proj-Hang Family. What' up for next year...
Cider and tacos? Yoohoo and Hot Pockets??? Please keep us in mind if
there's anything else you and PH is up to that any of our kids could
join in.

You blessed us muchly, Frank

Frank Fried
Olive Crest Chaplain

The Sage Pt. 2

2009-03-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

After working on Project Hangout for about a year and a half I have discovered a number of ministry principles that are true to everyone’s spiritual life. One principle I’ve found is that longevity is spurred on by experience. Seems easy enough and yet in the real world how do we expect twenty somethings to continue in ministry if they are inexperienced in ministry. They are full of energy and have the time, but we all know that can fade quickly when things get tough...

That is where the Sage comes in.

The key to a healthy spiritual life is being connected with your vertical relationships. Those older than you and those younger than you (and of course God). Those older hold wisdom and experience - enough for someone younger to draw strength from in order to carry on. This kind of relationship is beneficial for both involved as we all need to give in order to receive. Wisdom is passed down ensuring successful development of those new to ministry to help them form those in their teenage years. Its a trickledown system that cannot be cut off if we expect positive results.

I’ve found that teenagers that have: (1) mentors and (2) pour into those younger than themselves, have a greater chance of making it through college. This is a natural conclusion as those that live and breathe their faith by walking with others older than them can glean the necessary tools to forge through life’s constant rough terrain.

My conclusion is that if we want young adults and college age students to live missional lives with high school students and junior high students we must first find those that can be their backbone of support. We need wisdom first and that can only be found through the tested, not the untested.

More to insights to come...

-- Let's build up the Church to be mobilize everyone within it to reach everyone not yet apart of it!

Hot Dog and Chocolate Dodgeball Tournament

2009-02-05T21:15:00.001-08:00

All Info on the dodgeball tournament (except for the rules, you have to email me) can be found HERE

To "pre-register" your team (or "sign-up") please email me at rz@projecthangout.com and let me know the team captain and who else is on your team. Also include info like what group you are from, the ages/gender of the team and a team name if it has been set.

We do have needs for volunteers. Here are some areas we could use your help:

Set-up
Time/Rank officers
Refs
Security
tear down team
and any kind of prize or food donations!

The Sage

2009-02-05T20:08:00.000-08:00

How does a boy without a father grow up to be a man? How does he learn to make the hard decisions he is going to have to make in life; the ones only a man can teach? - Sylar, Heroes, (NBC)

I've been asking myself the same questions. Good thing God gave us other men. I find the heart behind God is that great men take interest in those around them. Selfish men worry only worry about themselves.

The role of the "Sage," is laid out as the most important role a man could play at the end of his life in the book by John Eldredge, The Way of the Wild Heart.
"The Sage draws us to God. He offers a gift of presence, the richness of a soul that has lived long with God."

A few pages later John gets vulnerable and tells us a personal encounter with a Sage:
"And while this old saint's counsel was immensely helpful to me, there was something more given during our two hours that even still I find hard to describe. To sit with a man who has walked with God some seventy-plus years, to be in the presence of a father, to have the eyes of a wise and gracious man fixed upon you, to have his heart willingly offer you affirmation and counsel - that is a sort of food the soul of a man craves. All my years of loneliness and fatherlessness came into stark contrast. I could have wept."

A Sage offers hope and a way.

The church needs to get connected again. Connected to each other. The aging and the young need to cross paths.

We need to be intergenerational.

God designed us to feed off each other.

I heard of a study (I'm looking for the source and my notes) concerning similarities of teens and the elderly. Both showed the same characteristics of feeling depressed, isolated and unwanted. Why? Because one needs the other. I am not suggesting every teenager and elderly person need to hang out. Bingo and Hip-Hop have very little in common. What I am suggesting is a chain. The sage needs to meet and be with those who are in their 40's and 50's. This age range needs to connect with the young married/career and those need to meet with the life stage just below them - college. Young adults and college are the most natural fit for hanging out with high school students (even their schedules lend to this idea).

There can be cross over in every life stage but the point is that we are blessed to be a blessing and that means that we are in the lives of others to help show them the way as well as to soak up the wisdom that is available to us.

More on this. I am just scratching the surface and so is Project Hangout as we seek to reunite the church with each other and reach the unreached together.

Dodgeball Promo Video

2009-01-22T20:46:00.001-08:00

dodgeball tournament promo from Project Hangout on Vimeo.

For all the information click "Dodgeball Tournament" in the right hand side column under "tagged phrases." For a listing of all the rules please email Ryan and he will send you a .pdf
We also have flyers that we can mail out to you (please include your address in the email).

The Oak In My Front Yard

2009-01-21T13:09:00.001-08:00

A few years ago for Arbor day a mushroomed haired fifth grader wrote a poem that was published in the local newspaper. The poem titled “The Oak In My Front Yard,” penned in a cafeteria lunchroom, caught some attention for the yearly observance because of its elevation of nature. But like most poems, the real meaning wasn’t that obvious.

“The oak in my front yard
has seen more years than I
I look up at the old and withered tree,
and it tells me
stories of when it was young and strong.
Those stories tell what the earth
was like a 100 years ago.

All trees have stories
So stop cutting them down
and listen in,
to the history of our world.”

Yes you could say that the deeper meaning can be found in John 19 where Jesus says that if man remains silent the rocks will cry out to praise God. Which is true, but this came from a fifth grade boy that had little understanding of this passage. Where his heart was coming from was an eternal longing that all little boys and girls are given by God. Its the longing to look up to someone older, to learn from and feed off of. This 100 year old tree was not the oak in his front yard, it was the wisdom of his elders that he longed for. This boy was hitting on this idea of the Oaks of Righteousness found in Isaiah 61.

“ They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations.”

This is a people being transformed by the Salvation of Jesus that go out and set things right by bringing structure and order. They build into their surroundings, not abandon it. For generations we have left the youth to fend for themselves, excusing ourselves from the table and bowing out from engaging the youth. With that we took our wisdom, our failures (stories of redemption built in with warnings) and our support with us. Leaving this generation of youth to fend for themselves without defense, wisdom or any kind of context on how to live. This fifth grader with his poem knew the value of wisdom that could only be found in others. The responsibility to initiate lays upon the adults. We can be a backbone for students struggling through life. God has made the church intergenerational by design. It doesn’t work unless we our reaching out to others and walking with them through life because that is the true meaning of discipleship. You can help someone blossom and it can start today.

Top 10

2009-01-19T20:57:00.001-08:00

Teams are Training: Dodgeball Tourney Feb 21st

2009-01-15T23:00:00.001-08:00

The Hot Dog and Chocolate Dodgeball Tournament is a little over a month away. Teams are gathering. Practices have begun. Leaders are meeting with kids with to work on strategies. The ministry has begun! The leaders of the pack - those slated to be number one - is the momentum building team that calls themselves "The Pretty Girls" (name subject to change). Though we hear that Calvary Church is building a monster of a team. If you are interested in participating in our tournament or volunteering please email us at: RZ@Projecthangout.com.

Tournament info in earlier posts. Click on "Dodgeball Tournament" on the RHS column for all the information.

The Deut. 6 Challenge: Bandanas

2009-01-15T22:39:00.000-08:00

Project Hangout is looking to take the Deut. 6 passage literally and see that kids are putting scriptures on their heads and wrists. One way to do that is through a Project Hangout bandana (kids wear them on their heads and wrists). The front of the logo displays our ministry name, but the back has the "Salvation" message written out in story form with accompaning verses.

You can help us by purchasing a pair of bandanas for $15. We'll send you one and then give another to a student in our ministry. By purchasing the bandanas you are spreading the Word of God as well as the name of Project Hangout. You get a reminder of the ministry and the student gets a gift validating that people do care. Not to mention its the latest fashion!

you can send us $15 by using paypal. Send increments of $15 to RZ@projecthangout.com

Thanks to sevone.org for their biblestudy bandanas!

The Greatest Season Warrants Its Greetings

2008-12-04T21:13:00.001-08:00

Thank you for letting us serve Orange County in 2008! Raise your glasses high to 2009!

Hot Dog and Chocolate Dodgeball Tournament

2008-12-04T12:15:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars, gather your teams and start training.

The 1st annual Orange County Wide "Hot Dog and Chocolate Dodgeball Tournament" has been set. We all know ministry is not a competition, but this one is!

The Date: February 21st (Saturday) - Must register by February 20th to get the price break

The Time: Tournament play starts at 9:30am and goes till about 1:30

The Place: The gym and outside courts of Calvary Church of Santa Ana (1010 N. Tustin Ave, Santa Ana)

Who: Everyone who wants to put a team together including: youth pastors with youth groups, Young Life Leaders, Lifestyle mentors, Small groups

Cost: Pre-registration is $5 a person and $10 at the door. (that is per person, not team, prizes will be given - including best uniforms)

Reason: Create a great opportunity for as ministry leaders to love on kids and create a great experience with them.

TEAM Size: 6 on the court with optional 2 subs. Only two people can be over the age of 18 on the team. These teams can be co-ed.

Please pass this email to other group leaders!!!!!

General Rules of Dodgeball

Volleyball With Impact.

2008-12-03T21:46:00.000-08:00

I wanted to call this blog post "Purpose Driven Volleyball," but that has probably already been trademarked. Here is a great story from a great guy who is doing incredible things down at Doheny:

"Beach volleyball. Words that bring to mind images of busy summer days, Top Gun, or even Summer Olympic gold. What these words do not make you think of is ministry, unity, and salvation. But these are exactly what beach volleyball has brought to the college group at our church. My wife and I spent the past year playing regularly with a couple of friends and after Misty May and Kerri Walsh put the sport back on the
map this summer, we decided to give our college students an opportunity to learn how to play. It was a pretty simple set-up: meet at 8am, warm-up, teach a few skills and play some games. Week by week we were having what we expected, a lot of fun and some memorable moments.

Soon we started grabbing lunch together afterwords and some incredible results began to manafest. What started as a fun interest began to bear a lot of fruit. Here are three realizations as we began to look at what was happening:

1. Ownership. The people who came to volleyball began to take ownership of the group and their faith. These where the ones that became the most excited to participate in our other Bible studies and even planned additional times to get-together to hang-out building up the unity of our group.

2. Evangelism through relationship. Some of our students started to stick around and join up with the Saddleback college class that meets at 10 am. As they built relationships based on volleyball, they started having opportunities to actually show Christian love and share the good news of Jesus, inviting people to church and other
gatherings...

3. and lastly... after playing volleyball, a girl from the college class accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior with one of our college ministry students who had taken a particular interest in volleyball and living out his Christian faith.

The idea of living out our Christian faith is living missional! Praise God for reaching others through us by a fun and silly game!"

A story from Derick Zeulner, a pastor at South Shores, Dana Point.

A Lifestyle Mentor's Support Goes A Long Way

2008-12-03T21:20:00.000-08:00

I'd love to share one story from a relatively new lifestyle mentor:

My group currently consists of 3 young ladies and we all are becoming very close. I love it! There is one person that I've been focusing on who I'll call "Mary." Her parents are homeless and they want Mary and her little sister to live with them. Unfortunately this means staying at a motel or in their van in a store parking lot. The kids have been bounced back and forth between their parents and a family that would love to become foster parents to Mary and her sister. Recently Mary had to attend a custody hearing in court, which would decide if Mary and her sister would be able to stay at the foster parent's house for good. I went to court with Mary to give her and her sister support. It was very difficult for Mary because she had to tell the truth about her parents and Mary knew it would expose her parent's faults. Mary had to tell about her parents alcoholism and that they let her and her sister drink with them. It was a very tough time for Mary. We are still waiting to hear what the court's decision is in this heartbreaking situation.

I know God is using me to touch Mary's life. For two weekends in a row Mary has not taken a drink even when her parents offered it to her. She says she does this as a promise to me. Mary also cuts herself and as we've talked about it she has promised to stop that too. Two months ago I couldn't get Mary to talk to me. Now she tells me everything that is going on in her life. It is the same way with the other girls too. Sometimes they give me way too much information but I count it a privilege that they are so open with me. I thank the Lord for giving me this opportunity to serve these girls.

Pastoral Reference

2008-12-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

"I really appreciate Ryan's creativity and passion for the church to develop authentic disciples of Jesus Christ. His vision for mentoring needs to be embraced by this new generations of youth leaders."

- Bill Staffieri
Youth Pastor at Beachpoint Church, Fountain Valley (He has been there for like 19 years)
Adjunct Professor at Biola University in the Christian Education Department. (6 years)

Project Hangout: Youth Pastor Advocates

2008-11-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

We offer many ways to help the church body, especially the youth pastor, as we want your youth program to succeed!

Let us talk to your church about how we can provide:

Youth Leader Recruitment - Get more leaders from your existing church body
Youth Leader Training/Structure - Train those leaders with tools and a vision - then keep them going
Community Events - Spend more time with the students and less time planning events by using the opportunities we provide. These are a great way for small group leaders to connect with their group outside of the church.
Fundraisers - Find out how you can use our turnkey fundraiser that brings in big bucks for your students so more kids can go to your camps,
mission trips or service projects!

The Relational Tangible Object

2008-11-20T14:48:00.000-08:00

In ministry some have found that its hard to measure effectiveness because relationships are viewed as intangible objects. I however disagree! I believe a relationship is a tangible object. Its who you turn to and lean on when things get tough.

Its our relationship with Jesus that has saved us. We needed saving and Jesus, in relationship, put skin on and came to our rescue. A guy named Thomas once put his hands in His nail holes - that's tangible.

We have been sent to be the tangible Jesus. Help us make that possible. Your donations and support help us to train up and send out college and young adults that are committed to walking students through their toughest years. We want to train up and send you out as well. Lets begin our relationship. Times are tough. Let's lean on each other.

From the mouth of our mentors:

Davey and I have been sailing for a few months now at Lake Mission Viejo. God has given me a catch twenty-two circumstance in our sailing outings. The wind at LMV isn't the greatest, not to mention the most reliable. But as it turns out, that's not a bad thing. Sometimes we have a hoot, hiking out (that's when the boat is tipping, and you lean out over the water to keep from capsizing) - those are the times we come for the adrenalin rush.

Others times the water is dead calm. Times like these are when the deep spiritual conversations spark and I really get him. God has blessed me by using me in Davey's life, and he is slowly becoming more comfortable with our conversations.

Eric - Lifestyle Mentor
Passion: Sailing
Church: Terranova
Lives out Passion: Mondays

The Highest Recommendation

2008-11-20T14:19:00.001-08:00

If your faith is looking to be challenged and grown or you are seeking to understand why we do what we do at Project Hangout then I have a recommendation for you. This is the kind of book that I am telling everyone about and am thankful that Al Seibert told me about it. The book is an easy read as it is broken down into devotional (1 page style) morsels that you can chew on each day. The author, E. Stanley Jones summed up the book in its title, "The Word Became Flesh." It will challenge a person of any faith to live the way God intended and yet it flies in the face of the traditional church structure. Enjoy the reading, I hope it turns your world upside down.

The Word Became Flesh, By E. Stanly Jones

Up Next: Howie's Game Night

2008-10-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

Currently we have a"no-show" banquet going on to raise some funds, check that out at www.phmnoshowbanquet.blogspot.com

November 26th - Game Night @ Howie’s Game Shack (Mission Viejo) 7-11pm, $5, The first 40 to RSVP get a guaranteed seat, pizza and monster energy drink! RSVP by Nov. 19th. (www.howies.com) Must mention Project Hangout to get the special price.

RSVP to: RZ@projecthangout.com

Project Hangout At Howie's November 26th from Project Hangout on Vimeo.

Paintball was a blast

2008-10-29T13:14:00.001-07:00

So many war stories and memories. One thing I learned; never borrow a church van without checking to see if the registration is still valid. The people at Camp Pendleton didn't like that fact. So the van sat outside the gates as we shuttled people in.

Memories... I saw fathers connect with sons and I saw a father connect with his daughter. I saw leaders and pastors connect with kids and I saw friends connect deeper with each other. 37 people in all came out from multiple churches. Some have never been to a a church.

My highlight was the fact I was able to bring my neighbor. My neighbor is 22 years old and has lived next door to me for about a year. A few months back I finally learned his name and have been looking for ways to connect. We run into each other once in awhile and the conversation is always good but brief. Never had I had an opportunity like this, and so I asked him to paintball. It was his first time and we carpooled together. We started the day at 6:30am and ended at 6pm which gave us plenty of time to get to know each other better. He loved it! Our story will continue as we have more context to rely upon. He will be at Howie's Game night and I won't be surprised if I'm the one driving.

Project Hangout works because it gives you chances to connect on a personal level in a way that can only happen when the body of Christ mobilizes to work together to create something bigger than itself. Thanks to everyone that made paintball happen.

Pictured above: The Collins Duo

"We didn’t know anybody going in, the group was all inclusive and we didn’t feel like strangers at all and we had a super time. Philip and I look forward to doing it again." - Gordon, on how he and his son enjoyed paintball.

Project Hangout Paintball at Camp Pendleton OCT. 25

2008-10-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

Paintball At Camp Pendleton from Project Hangout on Vimeo.

Project Hangout Presents Paintball Day. 9-4pm at Camp Pendleton, (www.cppaintball.com - the waiver forms are found online and must be filled out).

$50 for people without gear includes 500 paintballs, and $25 for people with gear. Extra paintballs cost $15 for 500. The first 15 to RSVP via email get 100 free paintballs. We suggest you bring a lunch. All ages welcome

I suggest leaving around 7:30 and getting there early to get gear. You'll be responsible for transportation. When we get there we'll put wristbands on and make teams.

Here the best way to get there:

View Larger Map

Dessert 9/24/08

2008-09-24T10:20:00.000-07:00

As we continue to reach Orange County we are looking for people to join in our united front to reach the youth in our area. The Project Hangout model combines "evangelism" and "discipleship." We are looking for young adults, Pastors, youth workers and youth advocates who care about the next generation to please come and listen to the work that God is doing through Project Hangout. Together we can partner together and make the biggest impact that the world has ever seen. Please RSVP by emailing RZ@PROJECTHANGOUT.COM
9.28.08, 7:30pm-9pm at the Fireside Room of Calvary Church of Santa Ana

Click on the map for a larger version of the directions:

Upcoming Events (Sept - Nov. '08)

2008-09-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

September 26th - Concert @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Featuring Third Day, Switchfoot, Jars of Clay and Robert Randolph and the Family Band. For Tickets go to: www.transparentproductions.com

September 28th - Project Hangout Dessert - Where you can bring friends to find out more about Project Hangout. 7:30 -9pm in the Fireside Room of Calvary Church of Santa Ana www.calvarylife.org

October 4th - Ignite @ BIOLA - leadership training event for teams of high school students. 8:30-3:30pm $10 www.igniteteam.org A great thing for Mentors and Pastors to bring their kids to

October 11th – Leadership Training #1 @ Hub (7 Whatney, Irvine 92618) 10a-12:30. Please RSVP - Thinking about being a lifestyle mentor? This is for you!!! Its risk free.

October 25th – Paintball @ Camp Pendleton, 9-4pm Approx. $60 to rent. First 15 RSVP get 100 free paintballs. RSVP By OCT. 23nd. Flyers/video will be out shortly.

November 23rd - Concert for a Cause @ Geneva Pres. to raise awareness for Project Hangout, 6-9pm $10, This concert has been postponed due to the premier of 24, redemption 8-10 pm on Fox 11. We highly respect the good work of Jack Bauer.

November 26th - Game Night @ Howie’s Game Shack (Mission Viejo) 7-11pm, $5, The first 40 to RSVP get a guaranteed seat, pizza and monster energy drink! RSVP by Nov. 19th. (www.howies.com) Must mention Project Hangout to get the special price.

RSVP by emailing: RZ@PROJECTHANGOUT.COM

The "Living Missional" Challenge

2008-08-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

Our challenge to you is to live missional. Try it. See how it changes your view on life and see if it makes the red letters of Jesus jump off the page. I know it has for me. After all it was he who said, "Come, follow me ... and I will make you fishers of men. (MT 4:19)"

Have you gone man fishing lately? Probably not, but you can - and we are here to help because Jesus also said to "make disciples. (MT 28:19)" We believe you have what it takes, after all God has given you specific gifts/talents/passions to connect with people. (Mt 25:14-30, Psalm 139: 13-16)

LIVE MISSIONAL, live with intention and purpose. Be invitation and relational Make opportunity of the places you are and the things you love. Dive deep into pursuing relationships with others WITH the goal of LOVING THEM like Jesus did.

Remember, this is what Project Hangout is all about. We are here to help. We have training, resources and people to guide you. You will never feel more gratification than serving your God in the way that His Son did.

Leave your stories as comments. Let's hear about them as we encourage others to live without boarders by following Jesus and being all about relationships.

Project Hangout Testimony from Project Hangout on Vimeo.

This Is What They Are Saying About PH...

2008-08-23T11:23:00.000-07:00

Former Young Life Area Director Of South Coast, Ken Clark, had this to say about Project Hangout, "I love the simplicity of Project Hangout. Adults being trained to use their gifts and interests to connect with lost and hurting kids. No program, no camps... just a quick and efficient deployment of adults to catch the kids that slip through the cracks of other ministries."

Concert For A Cause : August 24th

2008-08-21T20:13:00.000-07:00

Project Hangout has the biggest opportunity it has ever been handed and its happening in just a couple of days. Calvary Church of Santa Ana is throwing a concert with Tyrone Wells, Trevor Davis and Erika Soto to raise awareness of Project Hangout. On August 24th we will have the opportunity to explain our drive to connect people with their passions and see them played out in community. Following Jesus is all about relationships and God has given us special gifts and talents (tools) to help us connect with people. Our challenge to "Live Missionally," will be given and people will have the opportunity to hear stories and testimonies. Come on out at 6pm and we'll be there in full force to answer any questions you have and give you plenty of opportunity to get involved.

www.calvarylife.org/concert

*please note that the ticket price does not benefit Project Hangout in anyway but goes to supporting the artists

PS - fathom thirty-three clothing will be selling two new designs at this event. For every shirt purchased $10 will be donated to Project Hangout. Shirts retail for $20.

2am Success!

2008-08-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

BroomBall brings out the crazies!!!! We had such a blast last Friday from 11:59 till 2am. Thanks to all 52 people that came out to play until the wee hours of the morning. We had the perfect variety of students from junior high to college. Thanks to all the wonderful lifestyle mentors, church leaders and parents that brought their kids! These memories will last forever and your bonds of friendship were strengthened.

Stay tuned because we will do it again. Keep the calendar open for a concert on September 26th featuring Switchfoot, Mercy Me and Jars of Clay at the Verizon Ampitheatre. Project Hangout is teaming up with Transparent Productions to create another great community event to bring people together in a healthy environment where relationships can grow.

Broom Ball Night Aug. 15th

2008-07-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

Broom Ball At Aliso Viejo Ice Palace, August 15th, 11:59 pm till 2am for only $10. Teenagers and College age welcome. Youth groups and lifestyle mentorship groups - this event has been put on for you!
9 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 (www.avicepalace.com).

We suggest Helmets. Snacks and beverages included.

Project Hangout Quote

2008-07-11T08:54:00.000-07:00

"Project Hangout captures the essence of Jesus' ministry: life-on-life mentoring and discipleship that happens naturally out of close friendships. It ought to make even a lot of pastors rethink how they do ministry." - Brent Dedmon, College Pastor, Calvary Church of Santa Ana

Open Mentor Training July 12

2008-06-21T13:32:00.001-07:00

Please RSVP By July 7th to rz@projecthangout.com for our free training

Mentor Spotlight (June): Andrew Hartman

2008-06-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

Senior Mentor: Andrew Hartman
Andrew Hartman is currently the Senior Project Manager at Caliber Media Group, prior to joining Caliber, he was the Director of Leadership Development at Biola University. With a Masters of Education from Azusa University, Andrew has always had a love for developing and mentoring others. Andrew joins Project Hangout as a Senior Mentor, a way for career focused individuals with a love for the next generation to stay involved with mentoring. Andrew connects with lifestyle mentor Matt Yriarte and is invested in Matt's kids through prayer and intentionally connecting with Matt. Our structure helps all involved to show God's love through every relationship.

Here is Andrew in his own words:
"I'm excited to be a part of what Project Hangout is doing in the lives of high school students by investing into the lives of the lifestyle mentors. It's incredible to be a part of kingdom expansion as we senior mentors pour into lifestyle mentors,and watch them pour into high school students. "

Andrew and his wife Kelly just recently had a daughter, Emma. They also run a Rock Harbor life group out of their home.

Age: 28
Town: Irvine
Church: Rock Harbor, Costa Mesa

Media Spotlight V.1

2008-06-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile we run across incredible stories in media that demonstrate the lifestyle ministry model of Project Hangout. The articles don't call it that, but the stories of transformation are filled with people reaching other people through relationships based around passions. Take for instance the story of Harmony Dust, a former stripper, in the March ('08) issue of RELEVANT magazine. The following is an excerpt taken from the article by Ashley Dodson called, Scars & Stilettos: (click on article to enlarge)

The story of Harmony's life is a great work of God. She has now started a ministry to help girls in the sex industry. Please visit www.iamatreasure.com and check out more of her story. She also recently won the social worker of the year award and is married to Hip-Hop artist Pigeon John. The unsung hero in this story is Tanya, who loved Harmony and connected with her over their mutual love for dance. She was not afraid to seek out and initiate relationship in order to incarnate Jesus Christ. She is living the way of a lifestyle mentor whether she knew it or not. Thank you Tanya for helping change another life!

New Mission Statement and Logo Announced

2008-06-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

In order to communicate the new structure and focus of Project Hangout and the board and all involved agreed that the mission/vision/values and logo needed to be changed. Last Board meeting the "red couch" logo was put into action as well as the following mission statement:

Project Hangout equips and mobilizes Christ Followers for relational
lifestyle ministry as agents of change in the hearts and minds of today's youth.

We will continue to better express the heart of Project Hangout as we continue to develop our new vision and values. Thanks for all of your support!

Upcoming Events (August '08)

2008-05-24T11:33:00.000-07:00

August 15th - Broom Ball at Ice Palace, Aliso Viejo ($10) for an hour and a half. Open to all.

Email or call us for flyers and more information.

Mentor Spotlight (May): Ashley Silver

2008-05-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

Ashley Silver
is our first second generation lifestyle mentor. She joined us in January. Listen to her story:

My lifestyle mentor during my high school years was Jenn Zeulner. Seeing how great Jenn turned out after all her obstacles she had overcome as a teen gave me hope, I looked up to her. She was an anchor for me as I stumbled through high school - a friend in my times of need. I believe every high school student should have someone older in their life (besides a parent - because let’s just be honest - what high school student listens to their parents?). I am now apart of Project Hangout and loving on a small group of girls. “Kim” is a great example of the type of ministry Project Hangout is offering. Kim came to a youth group only because she had gotten in trouble in school. Her parents forced her to come. It was either being locked up in a house with her family, or church. She chose church, to come and sit in a corner. Kim and I connected at a winter camp that I was asked to counsel. Through a 7 hour car ride and endless hours in a hotel room with the power out and a storm raging outside, we grew close. I became someone she could relate to and open up with. She began to spill her heart and ask me questions she didn’t think she could ask her parents or even friends her age. After the trip was over, we began to hangout and I got to know her in her own environment. One day I received a call from Kim’s mother. She called to tell me of the great impact I had on Kim. Her mom explained in detail the transformation that was beginning to take place every time we hung out. The mom stressed how much Kim looked up to me. I am committed to my relationship with Kim and I’ve learned that it takes time; teens just want someone to listen, someone to talk to, to laugh with and someone to trust. I am a lifestyle mentor and one day my hope is that Kim would follow in my footsteps.

--Ashley

Age: 20
Town: Lake Forest
Church: Saddleback, Lake Forest
Group: 2-3 core, relational including coffee, hanging out and shopping.
Meet: Weekly

BIOLA UNIVERSITY PRESS

2008-04-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

BIOLA's Campus newspaper the Chimes recently did an article on Project Hangout. Please check out the full article at: HERE

"Some might consider Project Hangout a type of haven or Christian utopia, but to Director of Operations Ryan Zeulner, it is a place where kids can find answers.
Project Hangout has two main goals: to train leaders within the church and to “reach the unreached.” Through rigorous training, the leaders of Project Hangout hope to create strong, godly leaders in the church, who will use relationships in the church to reach non-Christians. Project Hangout currently has its focus in Orange County, but they are looking to spread their ministry to other nearby locations..."

HUNNI DARTS MAJOR SUCCESS

2008-04-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

Project Hangout Fueled two churches coming together and shooting each other with hunni darts all in the name of love. Geneva Pres. and Terranova brought around 50 people for a great night over Easter Vacation. The pictures tell the rest:

Marshall (a hunni dart master) always goes all out.

This ninja has even made duct tape ninja stars!

The greatest time came in the "safe room" where every shared their "war stories."

Hunni Dart Event, 4/10/08

2008-04-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

Come one come all!
Project Hangout Presents: Hunni Darts

April 10th

6-7pm bring some food, eat and make darts
7-9pm Hunni Darts (imagine airsoft guns meet blow guns)

Held at The HUB

7 Whatney Suite A
Irvine, CA 92618

BRING PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR!!!

Mentor Spotlight (April): Matt Yriarte

2008-03-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

Matt Yriarte

Age 25
Town: Aliso Viejo
Church: South Shores,
Dana Point
Group: 20 plus guys - skate, surf, snowboard, Bible studies, concerts, working out
Meet: Mondays and sometimes all other days

From Matt himself:

The reason i think this style of ministry is so effective is because of the kids I've seen changed because of it. One example of this is in a kid named Patrick. Patrick came to church for an overnight event we were doing. He had just moved and didn't have a lot of people he knew. We hung out a lot that night and connected. From there we started going to concerts and having lunch with the other guys which got him connected to a larger group of friends. He became a regular in our group and found Jesus. Shortly after that Patrick was convicted for crimes he had committed before he started coming to the group and was put in juvenile hall for 3 months. The day he went in, his mom called me and told me that he was ministering to the other inmates about Jesus. Patrick is doing well now and still apart of our group. One of the things I learned from Patrick was that kids want relationship and someone they can hang out with and trust. I have found that when I am willing to meet them on their level they are in turn willing to trust me more, thereby opening up a relationship where I can minister more as a friend than as some guy that counsels them. I feel that the most effective way for me to have an impact on the lives of my boys is to be real with them, hangout by going to shows, snowboarding, lunch, and by praying with them. Stay gold!

Lifestyle Mentor Training/ How to get involved

2008-03-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

When we partner with a church or university we will come in and make a pitch to its members. Those interested will get an application and go through an interview process. If you don't need to hear the pitch, but are already interested we can send you an application via mail.

Once accepted and background checked we have about 7.5 hours of training. This is such a great way to help you start living a missional life. We teach how to initiate, live a life that is invitational and how to live out of your strength zone and passions. We believe we can teach you how to feel alive and fulfill the call that Jesus has given us: Follow him and make disciples.

Our training is an eye opener to God's will for our lives! It's broken up into three easy parts. Training session 1 & 2 (spread a month apart), a take home part we call "ownwork" and quarterly refresh sessions based on the Truth Project.
email me with any questions: rz@projecthangout.com

History Of PH

2008-03-28T10:31:00.000-07:00

In The Beginning…
The Lord gave me a seed of an idea in the summer of 2000. One particular show at the Glass House in Pomona changed my world. On the trip home one of my son’s friends asked, “Hey, did you see that guy in the stairwell? He was all by himself, sitting on the stairs and doing drugs!”
That statement hit me hard. How could this kid be surrounded by so many people, some of them Christian, and not be helped? It troubled me that this kid was screaming for help but no one came along side of him to engage.

The Seed Is Planted …
For over a year, I talked about my idea, looked for other ministries with a similar mission, and presented the idea to any one or group willing to listen. With the help of the Barnabas group, Project Hangout established itself as a non-profit organization and the first Board meeting was held the evening of September 10, 2001 .

And The Seed Sprouted …
In 2004 we began to look for possible Lifestyle mentors. The first group established was a guy’s skateboarding group lead by Nate Klein. Later on, we added a guy’s surfer group lead by Josh Lloyd and a gal’s surfer/skateboard group headed by Mandy Eschenmann. As we entered 2005 we had well established groups and we saw God moving in the hearts and minds of those participating.
By the end of 2005 we had added a fourth lifestyle group. I have called it the, “coff(ee) & talk” group lead by Jenn Zeulner. Jenn meets with a dozen young ladies on an individual basis at a local coffee shop and talks about their lives.
As we entered into 2006 God lead us to Cornerstone Church in Anaheim, CA. With their help we started the Backyard in the summer of that year. This was a monthly event that included bands and a great environment that included food and video games. At times we had 40 people show. At other times we had 300 people crowding the room. All in all, we were able to show that this type of event could draw a good size crowd and that the unchurched would come.
On September 15, 2007, Ryan officially became the Director of Operations for Project Hangout in order to expand our lifestyle mentoring model into churches and facilitate community events.

With A Bright Future Ahead Of Us.
In the future, as God guides us and provides the means, we desire to one day operate our own facility. A building in the middle of the local community that provides after school programs, summer activities, weekend events all focused on the Lifestyle Mentoring model.

Written by founder: Dale Hedges

What is a Lifestyle Mentor?

2008-03-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Project Hangout builds the church and reaches the unreached. We do that by training college and young adults how to be lifestyle mentors. We believe that God has made us all unique individuals with our own passions and desires.

We teach people to use their passions to develop relationships with the next generation. So lets say I like surfing. I need to surf every week just to feel alive - so I spend 2-3 hours a week surfing. Our model is to find a HS Student in the youth ministry that also likes to surf and to invite them along. Build that relationship. Disciple them. When there is a firm foundation their then explain to them how you want to help reach their friends. You have three more seats in your car when you go surfing - so you say I bet you have three friends at school that would love to come surfing. Over the next couple months you are now mentoring 3 people that would never step inside a church. The 5 of you are living life and you are loving on them connecting over coffee or bagels or mountain biking, painting, cooking, snowboarding - whatever it is. That is the gist of it (there is more).

There are benefits to becoming a lifestyle mentor that I can tell you about. Its really great. I'll be speaking at churches, so stay posted if you are interested in hearing more about it. Or we can talk via email or the phone. The (PH)one number is 714.602.1032 - or just press the call button on the blog. We are looking to partner with as many churches as we can to spread lifestyle mentorship - after all its how jesus worked. Maybe you and your church or University would be interested?
-Ryan Z

What is Project Hangout?

2008-03-28T09:59:00.000-07:00

A group of us who believe that the way to reach the next generation is to do what God has created us to do and bring along side those who love it as well. This is the definition of lifestyle ministry. Its a passion based ministry that transcends generations through discipleship and mentoring.

Project Hangout is a non-profit mentorship umbrella that aids the church in the training, supporting and the encouragement of lifestyle mentors. Our Life-style mentorship groups are passion based with a relational emphasis to model the way of Jesus Christ. Project Hangout strengthens the church through young adult and college leadership development, lifestyle mentoring for relational impact and community events.

(To find out more about lifestyle mentoring, please read "What is Lifestyle Mentoring")

Our community events are a chance to get everyone together for a great time! We pull off concerts in places that have space to relax and experience a healthy environment. We don't just stop there, but we are also working on broom ball nights, fashion shows, dodgeball tournaments and the like.