Youth Events and Education
The experience at church that youth, middle schoolers, high schoolers and even into the college age, can have an amazing impact on the rest of their lives. It can determine how they continue to follow God. Our education series, confirmation classes and YAC (Youth and Christ) enrichment discussions and events, help youth of all ages feel and understand the greatness of God. The youth are a huge part of our congregation and there is always something happening to keep them engaged.
Children's Sunday School
Our theme this year is "The Lord your God is with you wherever you go"
Join us at 9:15am.
Sunday school is for all children Pre-K, ages 3 through 6th grade.
All children are welcome!
Chili Cook Off
Thank you to all who provided delicious chili, cornbread, and desserts for our Chili Cookoff. Thanks to the youth and youth parents who helped with the organization of the event and to Paul & Jeanne Travaglianti and Amy Marek who decorated the Fellowship Hall in a chuck wagon theme. Thanks to all our members who donated to the raffle baskets and to Amy Marek for soliciting for donations to the baskets and for her creativity in assembling the baskets. See the March monthly insight for more pictures of the event.
Awards for the best Chili went to the following people:
1st Place People's Choice: Chaleo Pohle
2nd Place People's Choice: Cristina Wells
Pastor's Choice: Dan Marek
Youth Choice: Dana Vrcan
Kid's Choice: Joan Casteluccci
Thank you to all who donated to the event because we raised over $1700 for the youth summer mission trip to Indianapolis this summer!
Mission Trips
Youth Director Paul Travaglianti has a strong feeling that some of the youth in our area "live in a bubble" and don't realize that people in our own country are in need of help. Each year, except the National Gathering year, the youth go on a week-long mission trip to a city typically 4 to 6 hours from the church. Working with a Christian based organization, the youth begin the day with devotions before serving the youth and adults of the area. The days conclude with fellowship time, dinner, an evening activity (like serving dinner to people in need), worship and church time.
This year's mission trip is to Indianapolis in June.
Faith Formation Through Education
Youth of all ages are welcome to our Sunday School Classes which begin the first Sunday after Labor Day and conclude the last Sunday before Memorial Day each year. The younger classes are grouped by age. The 7th and 8th graders are in our confirmation program and the High Schoolers are members of our YAC (Youth and Christ) group.
Confirmation
We celebrated the confirmation of our youth on Reformation Day.
Congratulations to Aiden, Matthew, Ella, Elizabeth, and Ella.
Confirmation
Confirmation classes are taught by Pastor Randy and Joel Bussard on Sunday mornings in the Confirmation room on the lower level at 9:15am.
Calling all Acolytes
Attention ALL Youth Parents: We are rejuvenating the participation for ALL of our youth in worship by offering Acolyte training. Cristina Wells has held several training sessions. If you missed them and are interested serving as an acolyte, please contact Cristina at cris1781@gmail.com to set up a training session.
Lock-Ins
Lock-ins are an enjoyable event and are a great opportunity to spend extended time with the teens that attend. A typical lock-in features fellowship time, a age appropriate discussion, activities, plenty of food and, of course, sardines. Next one is Saturday night, February 21st! Join us!
Fellowship Activities
Over the years, the youth have done a variety of fellowship activities ... bowling, scavenger hunt, corn maze, movie, fundraising, whirlyball, Super Bowl party, campfires and just hanging out at the church.
Fundraising Events
The youth are active in the congregation and have several events throughout the year to raise funds. Christmas Candy (we make and package candy all day as part of a working lock-in), pancake breakfast (Easter and Christmas Pageant days), Rivalry Sunday (when the pastor is a Steelers fan and most of the congregation are Browns fans, it is a natural) plus several other fellowship events.
30-Hour Famine
Take a youth group lock-in with thought-provoking Bible studies, games, inspirational videos and more ... all while going an unforgettable day-and-a-half without food and sleeping outdoors in boxes and tents ... and you have our annual 30-hour famine experience.
Since 2011, I have been blessed to hear Gods calling to be our Youth Director. Through the years, I have learned that each child has a story, they each need a safe zone where they don't feel judged and they need to be shown that they are loved and can make a difference in our world. Through our many activities, we have some amazing conversations which help build confidence for the next chapter in their lives. I have been known to randomly text everything from a personal note, a spontaneous challenge, a random puzzle or an inspirational quote ... because I care!
The razor blade is sharp, but can't cut down a tree, the axe is sharp, but can't cut hair. Everyone is important according to their purpose.
If you don't have something nice to say, you're not thinking hard enough.
Paul Travaglianti, Youth Director