Youth News

Breathe With Me

We are entering the church season of Lent, where we pause and focus on Jesus' journey to the cross. This Lenten season, I encourage you to really take the time to read the story of Jesus and reflect on WHY he was crucified. When we look back at the things Jesus said and did, it was clear that he valued the love and care and inclusion of people - especially the least and the lowest. Back in Jesus' time, that was a BIG threat to the powers that were. But Jesus, knowing that love, inclusion, compassion, and justice were (and still are) God's way - kept doing his ministry, even though he knew it would lead to his death. These are the things we reflect on during the season of Lent. If we call ourselves followers of Jesus, are we willing to take up that cross? Are we willing to love and do justice in such BIG ways that it makes us uncomfortable? Are we willing to let go of our ways and walk in God's way, even if it causes a scene or disruption? Think about these things over the next 40 days.

Relax, and find your breath. When you're ready, pray with me:

Inhale: Not my will,

Exhale: but yours be done.

Repeat that breath prayer as many times as you would like. End your meditation time with one long inhale and one extra long exhale. I pray that you take these 40 days of Lent to lean into Jesus and all that he was and is.

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

-Luke 22:42

Confirmation

Our Wednesday schedule is as follows:

6:00-6:25pm  Learning Time
6:30-7:00pm  Lenten Worship - Holden Evening Prayer
7:05-7:30pm  Learning Time

March 2: Ash Wednesday Service at 6:30 pm - NO CONFIRMATION
March 9: Confirmation Class
March 16: Pantry Prep
March 23: Confirmation Class
March 30: Confirmation Class

*PLEASE NOTE: Every Wednesday during Lent, there will be a Holden Evening Prayer service at 6:30 PM. This service is open to the entire congregation, and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. 

Middle School Lock In at Carol Joy Holling

On March 4-5, we are headed to Carol Joy Holling for a Middle School Lock In! It will be a quick 12 hours PACKED with fun, learning, games, and fellowship. Cost is $25 and you can register HERE. 

Confirmation Summer Trip 2022

SAVE THE DATE! Plans are still in the works, but the date is set! Mark your calendars for a super fun week Sun June 19-Thurs June 23, 2022!! Unfortunately, our plans for Confirmation Camp at Sullivan Hills Camp fell through. A new trip is in the works. Thank you for being patient!

Youth Group

Lent is upon us! Ash Wednesday service is March 2 at 6:30 pm - there will be NO Youth Group that evening.

I would like to invite high school youth and their families to our Lenten Worship service at 6:30 pm each Wednesday. We will be doing Holden Evening Prayer. High School youth will still meet for youth group following worship, from 7-8 pm. During the season of Lent at youth group, we will be using Serenity Cards from Diane Harpster Art to spark discussion, for meditation, breath prayer, and a way to connect with our faith. 

Youth Gathering 2022 - CANCELLED

After much prayer, conversation and tears, the ELCA Gathering Team has decided to cancel the 2022 Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, MN. You can read their full letter to congregations here. 

High School Summer Road Trip

Incoming 9th graders through current seniors are invited on our 2022 High School Summer Road Trip to Oklahoma City, OK July 24-28, 2022. We will spend our time together doing service learning work, sightseeing, learning, and having fun! Cost is $350, with a $150 due with registration paperwork (below) by March 13th. Financial assistance is available, reach out to Kelsey if needed. 

A detailed email was sent to parents. Contact Kelsey with any questions!

Music Opportunities

If you are in 6th-12th grade and are musically inclined - we have opportunities for you! Not only could we use your singing or instrument playing in worship on Sunday mornings, but Becky has some other fun opportunities for you that you can find HERE. 

Summer Opportunities

If you are a Senior in high school and are looking for a meaningful, fun way to spend your summer - consider being a Camp Hand at Carol Joy Holling Camp! Check out more about the opportunity by clicking HERE.

If you are any age of high school student, and wouldn't mind getting away for a week to enjoy God's creation - check out all of the Carol Joy Holling summer camp opportunities for high school age youth HERE.