A Brief History of CYL

CYL was established in 1994, and then formally incorporated in 1999.  The ecumenical mission of this group was to offer curriculum sharing, best practice interchange and development of joint activities for current and new youth leaders from all the churches in the area. 

Monthly meetings typically consisted of 10 - 15 people sharing information and planning joint activities.  Some of the events sponsored included winter ski excursions, summer water carnivals, the Creation Rock festival, community Christmas caroling and the Homeless Shelter "sleep out."

Reaching unchurched youth became a focus of discussion in 1996. We noticed that most of the kids in our church youth groups found their way there because of their parents involvement in their churches. But what about the kids whose families were not "plugged in;" the ones that see the "cold stone castles" as just another oppressive authority structure?

The idea to provide a safe place or a "CoffeeHouse" to meet those kids that "hang out,"  and also provide for an alternative form of entertainment outside of the established church became a reality in 1998. With 40 - 80 kids consistently gathering in the basement of the Church of Our Savior on Liberty Boulevard in DuBois, discussions soon followed on the need to develop additional activities along with a building to efficiently house the program. The Levine building located at 49 West Long Avenue exceeded the Building search committees requirement criteria and we moved to acquire the building now named Abba's Coffeehouse. 

CYL Inc. consistently  endeavors to contact all the churches in our area with personal contacts, and correspondence on activity coordination. Currently eight churches are active on a monthly basis and our hope is that participation will continue to grow across ecumenical boundaries in our community.

The long term success of Abba's CoffeeHouse ultimately rests in the hands of our Community Judeo-Christian leadership.  We are grateful to our business and service community for their support of our capital campaign, but it will be our church leadership that will sustain Abba's CoffeeHouse as a long term outreach.  As a local mission Abba's provides an open door to introduce kids to our Christian values.  Our hope and prayer is that these kids will then become networked with others active in our churches and get "connected" with one of  the great church youth groups in the area.

The CYL board recognizes the weight of Abba's responsibility and knows that only God can lift and direct this burden on us for the growth of His children.  We hope that with current and future program that Abba's can be a place for both "churched" and "unchurched" kids to grow and become part of the family of God.

Thank You ,
The Board of  CYL