Northeastern Youth Conference 2024 (NEYC24)
On behalf of the young people and members of the Newark Church of Christ, we extend a hearty welcome to each of you. It is our prayer that this conference will be informative and inspirational. The theme for this year is:
Faith Over Everything! (Matthew 17:20)
He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (New International Version)
“Because of your little faith,” Jesus told them. “For if you had faith even as small as a tiny mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move!’ and it would go far away. Nothing would be impossible. (The Living Bible Translation)
GENERAL PURPOSE
The mission of the Northeastern Youth Conference (NEYC) is to provide a regional platform for youth who desire to fellowship with other like-minded Christian young people. The NEYC offers a space for connectivity, biblical education, and spiritual enrichment. Through the integration of new technologies, storied traditions, and sound doctrine, the NEYC has and will continue to develop the next generation of Christian leaders.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6
Speaker Bios
Since September 2015, Kenneth Anthony Spence has served as Minister-Evangelist to the Camden Church of Christ in Camden NJ. Born in 1983 and raised in Philadelphia, PA, he was reared at the 63rd & Vine Street Church of Christ, and the age of 12 was baptized on April 9, 1995. He preached his first sermon at 13 and has been preaching ever since. He is married to Dominique (formerly Vaughn) since November 2012, and they have one son named Nathaniel.
He is currently a matriculating Master of Divinity candidate in Ministerial Leadership at Amridge University as well as a Master of Arts candidate in Biblical Exegesis at Liberty University. He has taught and preached at various trainings, workshops, revivals, and gospel meetings for congregations in PA, NY, CT, NJ, DE, MD, VA, and the District of Columbia. He has mentored young men in the Greater Philadelphia Area, served in coaching marriages, counseling victims of sexual assault, and organized and participated in various clothing and food drives for the homeless and hungry through the Church.
Minister Gary Cunningham was baptized into Jesus Christ at the age of 14. He is a Christian educator and counselor dedicated to teaching the scriptures and strives to be a catalyst for positive change in people’s lives. He attended the Mona School of Preaching in Jamaica and received his Master's in Business Administration from the University of New Orleans. With 17 years of experience in the ministry, he has served in various positions, such as four years in youth leadership, five years as an associate minister, and five years as the lead minister of the Independence City Church of Christ in Kingston, Jamaica.
Minister Cunningham is an active member and coordinator of the International American Medical Mission (IAMM). The organization provides medical, dental, counseling, and evangelistic services through Church of Christ congregations in several Caribbean countries and the United States.
Since September 2018, he has been the minister at the Echo Lake Church of Christ, where he has worked extensively in outreach programs to serve the various needs of the local community. He firmly believes that the church should play a prominent role in positively influencing the community’s life, as it is the cornerstone of the community. Minister Cunningham has been married to Diana for 25 years, and they have two daughters, Amelia and Ashley.
Mycheal Burns is a minister, seminarian, and a devoted husband. He is happily married to Ariel Burns, his wife of seven years. He serves as the Assistant Minister at Kings Church of Christ and has devoted his life to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching and teaching God’s Word. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Affectionately known as Vince Ford II, Vince is a devoted husband, celebrating 12 years of cherished marriage, and the proud father of three energetic boys. Hailing from the vibrant city of Garland, Texas, Vince’s journey is marked by a deep-rooted commitment to faith, community, and service.
A distinguished graduate of Southwestern Christian College and Stephen F. Austin University, Vince’s spiritual calling led him to embrace the role of preacher and community leader in the heart of Columbus, Ohio. Raised in the nurturing embrace of the Greenville Avenue Church of Christ, he now serves as the esteemed Senior Minister at the Church of Christ on Genessee Avenue, fostering spiritual growth and community engagement.
With over a decade of dedicated ministry experience, Vince’s journey has taken him from the tranquil streets of Nacogdoches alongside Bro. Jesse Fogle to the bustling neighborhoods of Phoenix, Arizona, where he faithfully served at the Roeser and Vineyard churches of Christ before settling in Columbus. As the Director of Outreach for Foundations for Families, housed within the Genessee Avenue Church, Vince exemplifies compassion and empowerment in his advocacy for victims of domestic violence.
In addition to his spiritual endeavors, Vince is a catalyst for positive change in his community, holding a Master’s degree in Public Administration and serving as the Program Manager for the Linden Anti-Violence Program, combating systemic issues with resilience and resolve.
Vince’s commitment to youth empowerment extends beyond the pulpit, as evidenced by his pivotal roles as the community service chair for the National Youth Conference and the visionary founder of the Arizona State Youth Conference. His passion for mentorship shines through the creation of the transformative youth mentoring program “Man Up and Educate” which is enriching the lives of students at Cassady Elementary and Mifflin High School since its inception in 2019. With a steadfast dedication to faith, family, and community, Vince Ford II embodies the essence of servant leadership, illuminating hope and inspiration wherever his path may lead.
—THE SCHEDULE
Friday, April 12, 2024
Weequahic High School, 279 Chancellor Avenue, Newark, NJ (Indian Stone Gym)
5:00-6:30 pm Set-Up
6:30-9:30 pm Basketball Game & Cheerleading Contest
Game 1
Cheerleaders 1
Game 2
Cheerleaders 2
Game 3
Cheerleaders 3
Playoff Game
Cheerleaders 4
Championship Game
Vendor tables are available on Friday night only.
DRESS CODE ATTIRE FOR THE WEEKEND
Friday* and Saturday: Casual
*T-Shirts will be provided to wear on Saturday
Sunday: Dress in Sunday Best/ Modest Apparel
Saturday, April 13, 2024
Newark Church of Christ, 894 S. 14th Street/Dr. Eugene Lawton Way, Newark, NJ
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Welcome Address
Invocation
Master of Ceremony
Youth Speech Session
Nadia Arias
Terrance Wood, Jr.
Andre Hart, Sr.
1. (a) When my faith is present, the impossible is possible! (b) How my faith got me through my failures. (c) The consequences of lacking in faith. (d) All I needed was a little of the right faith. (e) I’ve come this far by faith. (f) My faith without work is dead. (g) I’m not ashamed of my faith in Christ. (h). Blessed by the power of my faith. (i) Without faith, the struggle is real. (j) Sharing my faith with my peers. (k). Having faith in the storms. (l) Don’t let life’s expectations waiver your faith.
2. Speeches will be judge on the following criteria: A. Time (not to be longer than seven minutes); B. Theology /Information; C. Biblical Passages; D. Application; and (E) Presentation.
12:15 pm-1:15 pm
Workshop 1
Vince Ford II
Columbus, OH
Title: “Living for Everything and Faithful in Nothing”
Workshop 2
Mychael Burns
Brooklyn, NY
Title: “Choosing Everything Over the One Thing”
1:30 pm- 2:30 pm
LUNCH- Newark COC Dining Hall
2:45 pm-3:45 pm Workshop 3
Mychael Burns
Brooklyn, NY
Title: “Who Am I and Why Should I Believe It?”
Workshop 4
Vince Ford II
Columbus, OH
Title: “How Do I Increase My Faith as a Youth?”
4:00 pm- 4:45 pm Panel Discussion (Youth Only)
Kenneth Spence
Camden, NJ
Title: “Truth or Dare, Let’s Talk About Faith”
Counselors Workshop (Adults Only)
Gary Cunningham
Westfield, NJ
Title: “Extending Our Faith to Our Youth”
5:00 pm- 6:00 pm Fellowship/Breaktime Dining Room: Refreshments
Open Mic
6:00 pm- 7:00 pm Departure
7:00 pm- 9:00 pm Bowling Outing
Paul Ballantyne
Bowlero Belleville
679 Washington Ave Belleville, NJ
(Includes 2 hrs. of bowling, shoe rental, food, and drinks) Sunday, April 14, 2024
Newark Church of Christ, 894 S. 14th Street/Dr. Eugene Lawton Way, Newark, NJ
10:00 am-10:50 pm Bible School- Newark COC Main Auditorium, Mychael Burns
11:00 am Worship Service- Newark COC Main Auditorium, Vince Ford II
1:00 pm Lunch- Newark COC Dining Hall
3:00 pm Gospel Singing Fellowship
Remembering Dr. Eugene Lawton
The Founder of the Northeastern Youth Conference
We thank you for over 50 years of dedication to inspiring our youth!
History of The Northeastern Youth Conference
The Northeastern Youth Conference (NEYC) was an idea of Dr. Eugene Lawton, who was assisted by ministers of the area. The NEYC started as the Area-Wide Youth Conference on June 27, 1964, at the Newark Church of Christ. Several years later, it became the Northeastern Youth Conference due to its growth beyond the immediate area.
YOUTH CONFERENCE INFORMATION
REGISTRATION & EVENT COSTS
$75 -Full Weekend Registrant (includes Basketball Game entry, Bowling Outing, T-shirt, bag, and Saturday/Sunday lunch)
$55 -Full Weekend without Bowling (includes Bowling Outing, T-shirt, bag, and Saturday/Sunday lunch)
$5 -Friday Basketball Game entry only
$60 -Vendor Table (Includes 1 table for Friday at the Gym)
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Newark Church of Christ
Clinton Avenue & S. 14th Street
Newark, NJ 07108
973.374.4563 (Office) 973.374.6704 (Fax)
https://www.newarkchurchofchrist.net
Weequahic High School
Indian Stone Gym
279 Chancellor Avenue
Newark, NJ 07112
HOTEL INFORMATION
Embassy Suites by Hilton
95 International Blvd
Hampton Inn & Suites
Newark Airport Elizabeth, NJ 07201 Elizabeth, NJ 07201
…for joining us! We pray God’s continual blessings upon you. Hope to see you next year!