Children & Youth E-news: April 29, 2022

Director of Children's Ministries Greeting

Looking back at our busy Lent and Easter, I can see how much our children have stepped up to support our Lenten Charity. Everyone came together to make 200 Easter baskets for LaTanya and the Youth of Englewood - a huge thanks to all who helped.

Our Easter egg hunt was as fun and busy as ever. We hid about 600 eggs around the church and the children had great fun on Easter Sunday running around the church to find them.

Sunday School

We continue to find creative ways to engage our Sunday school groups so that they can delve deeper into the meaning of Easter and of what it means to be part of Christ’s body. I continually praise God for our wonderful team of Sunday school leaders and am looking to expand the team next year. Please let me know if you’re interested in volunteering for this ministry.

Songs & Stories

We have had a great response to our in person Songs and Stories program which has enabled lots of new families to meet each other and we are so pleased to have a bumper crop of baptisms coming up this spring and summer.

Interim Associate for Youth Ministries Greeting

Although it may not look like Springtime outside, the Easter season will always keep our hearts and minds on the essence of Spring as we reflect on the newness of life and the light that has shined on the world through the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. I could say our youth have had valuable and life-giving opportunities in the last few weeks. Through the work done at St. James Meals ministry, their formation, and the work done to and for our partner organization, Latanya and the Youth of Englewood. It continues to be my goal to allow our youth a variety of engagement within themselves and their community and last month has been a testament to that. We look forward to what May will provide. The variety grows as we explore ministry beyond our walls for both our Junior and Senior high groups. We then will round out our program year with our Lock-In, June 4-5 at the Cathedral that will be punctuated by a special Pentecost Party Sunday, June 5 following our 9 a.m. service. There is so much to look forward to, so much light and life that Easter helps us find greater perspective in our lives. And although we may be reaching the end of the program year soon, it does not mean there will be nothing available for youth until September. Until then, let's celebrate this season as we move ever closer to the Summer.

Junior High Youth Group

The Junior High Youth Group will be taking on a Hiking Excursion, Saturday May 7 at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. Meeting at the Plaza of St. James Cathedral at 8:30 a.m., we will be carpooling to our location for a hike. Afterwards we will stop off for lunch before meeting back at the Plaza around 3:30 p.m.  Everyone should wear a face mask and clothes appropriate for hiking and the weather forecast for the day. Tennis shoes / gym shoes are recommended. If folks have a small backpack they'd like to bring and throw some water or snacks in, that's great. RSVP below. If your youth is able to attend, you will be sent a waiver to sign and return.  We are looking for parents to volunteer to drive. If you are able and willing to volunteer, please email Shawn Evelyn.

RSVP

Senior High Youth Group

The last few months have gone by pretty fast. Although we have joined with the Junior High group for service with our St. James Meals ministry, and for formation, we have had some time to develop as our own group. As summer approaches, we look forward to what the next program year will bring for this group. Before we take our break, the group will engage in a day of service, and learn more about creation with Plainsong Farm on Saturday, May 21. This outing will allow the Senior High group to go beyond the walls of St. James Cathedral to help broaden their spiritual identity and to do so through agriculture. It will be a fun experience. We will send more information soon, so be on the lookout. RSVP below! Also we finally will have our opportunity to have our Lock-In, June 4 through June 5 at the Cathedral.

RSVP

Lock-in Rescheduled

We have rescheduled the lock-in and are now opening it to both the Senior and Junior High Youth Groups! It will take place on Saturday June 4, through the 9 am service Sunday June 5. Mark your calendars!

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