St Stephen's Youth Newsletter
Volume 1:1, February 4th, 2007
Looking for Teachers & Door Persons
Our educational program can not exist without the help of Volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering your time and talent please contact Education Director MaryAnn Manion.
Rite 13
Rite 13 has had a great fall! These youth have read many scriptures, shared in great discussions, and participated in many activities that contribute to the discovery of themselves and creating a closer relationship with Christ.
In the following month, lessons will be geared towards "Talking to God" and the "Images of God". We'll be examining how and why we pray, what Jesus says about prayer, and Images that represent Christ. We hope Rite 13 continues to discover themselves and God. May we all help them in their path of discovery.
Journey to Adulthood (J2A)
This is a great group of young people! We've been working on a whole array of different topics under the general headings Spirituality, Self, and Society. That sounds pretty daunting but the lesson plans have been challenging and fun. We got into the subject of helping others less fortunate than us to prepare for City Reach in Boston where we joined 100 other kids our age over a weekend to learn about homelessness and to help out in a hands-on way. We will be doing a Lenten group of study to walk with Jesus through the passion tide and we are planning on movie & pizza nights, bowling, and later in the year an urban adventure.
Young Adults in Church
"Yakkers" include Chelsea, Matt, Ross, and Melissa. The team met several times on Sunday nights to discuss different community-oriented projects. After much debate and many, many pieces of pizza, they have narrowed it down to two possibilities: Habitat for Humanity or Camp Sunshine. On our next meeting, the Yakkers will decide on which one they will be involved with and begin planning their participation. Look for more details soon on our next meeting.
Other News
St Stephen's Family Tree
... is Growing. The Rite 13 class has taken on the role and continues to create family apples to add to our family tree. If you are a new member, or can't find your apple please let us know.
Bake Sale Siccess!
Thank you to all those that participated in the making and selling of baked goods. There was nothing but tablecloths and a box full of money left at the end the event. $300.00 was raised during the bake event and with the help of an anonymous donor the grand total was a whopping $600.00, which was donated to IHN to help families in need. Everyone's time, talent, and skills were greatly appreciated. For those that missed this event you were greatly missed. We look forward to seeing everyone and more return for the next fundraiser.
Old Sturbridge Village
When I went to Sturbridge village, it was very fun and worthwhile. It definitely told me about the past - Liliana Urso.
My trip to Sturbridge Village was so much fun!! We made many things like tin icicles and paper ornaments. We saw colonial dances. I'd like to go again! - Helen Gross
I enjoyed our Christmas outing at Old Sturbridge Village. It was great to meet with people from church that we don't usually get to socialize with. Some of my favorite parts were seeing Old Sturbridge Village at night lighted by candles and a big bonfire on the common. I really liked seeing and using the printing press. We were able to try printing a sleigh, which was neat. I would look forward to having this same event next year, too. - Charles Davis
It was really fun! I got to learn a bunch of cool stuff and hang out with my friends from church. The only thing I didn't like was the pictures with Santa were way overpriced. - Katie B.
Chrismas Pageant
Once again thank you to all the youth that participated. From the Narrating, acting, and singing, each and every one of you did a superb job. And a BIG THANK YOU to the production team.without you there would not be a pagent to narrate, act, or sing in. GREAT WORK!
City Reach
It was a really different experience learning about homelessness. I hope people never have to go through being homeless. - Logan Scharen
City Reach was a very insightful experience that really taught our group what actually goes on in Boston and everywhere. There are 744,000 homeless in America. Although there are a few shelters throughout the cities, they alone are nowhere near enough to solve this problem. City Reach is an out reach organization to help this cause. There were many ex-homeless people that talked to us on Friday night about their lives and reasons for ending up outside. Most spoke of drugs being the main reason, but reasons varied. We went out on the street to see for ourselves the conditions homeless have to deal with. In Two large groups, half of us made sandwiches, while the rest of us sorted out clothing. This was all on Saturday morning before 10:00. At 10:00, the homeless were welcomed into the church. This experience has helped me understand what it is like to be outside all the time. To truly affect this cause, more help is needed. All people must work together and pitch in a little. Only then, will these suffering people be house. - James Holland
Coming Up
Youth Creations
In the following weeks Godly play and Godly Time Classes will be creating Valentine's Day cards for St. Stephen's college students and shut-ins.
Valentine's Made from the Heart!
On February 11th we will be making Valentine's Day treats for your loved one. A bear for that special some one with Hershey Kisses, or chocolate hearts. Don't forget a card for that finishing touch. Proceeds will be donated to IHN and St. Stephen's Youth Program.