Monday, February 10, 2014
Pizza and Skating!
At the end of January, our group met up on a Friday night for an evening of delicious pizza and two hours of ice skating. What a fun night!! Highlights included playing tag around the rink, racing each other while dodging the masses, "ghosting" people as they skated, and generally goofing off and being silly. We decided that next time, we want to be the ones to drive the Zamboni around the rink... (which might appeal to N. a bit more than the skates did!)
It was a fantastic night of fellowship and friendship. Yay!
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Summer Mission Project Bake Sale
In December, our Summer Mission Project team (along with the terrific help and support of many more of our youth) hosted its first fundraising effort for our trip to Washington, D.C. in June. The bake sale was a *complete* success! The congregation was generous in donating baked goods for the "free will donation," and even more generous in its financial support.
Wow!!!! We, the Summer Mission Project team, are feeling incredibly lucky and blessed by the support and encouragement so clearly demonstrated in the bake sale.
Many, many thanks to each and every one of you who made this event such a success!
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| Paul (one of our advisors on the trip), hard at work! |
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| 4 out of 6 of our awesome SMP team youth!! |
Youth Group Christmas Dinner
A "wintry snow event" forced us to postpone the much-anticipated Christmas dinner at Anne's house, but when we were finally able to gather, the evening proved to be lovely and jolly. We began the evening with a little "sing off" of sorts. Working in two teams, each group came up with as many Christmas carols as possible and jotted them down on a piece of paper. After the allotted time was up, the two groups met again and took turns singing the first line of a song from their sheet. If the other team had the same song, neither team got credit. The team with the most points at the end was declared the winner - and got to help themselves to dinner first.
TEAM A:
TEAM A+ (the winning team):
We enjoyed a meal of lasagna, salad, and bread....
And after dinner, we gathered in front of the cozy fire to watch this sweet sweet video:
Click here!
(Later, someone sent me this "full version" story, also beautifully and wonderfully told...)
We listened to the story of Jesus' birth from the Gospel of Luke, and we talked about what it means to shine our light into dark places during this season of literal - and, for many - figurative darkness. Following some good discussion and sharing, we sang happy birthday to the baby Jesus and enjoyed some cake. (In case you were wondering or didn't know this about the Baby Jesus, his favorite kind of cake happens to be yellow with chocolate frosting.)
Our time together ended too soon, as good times often do.
TEAM A:
TEAM A+ (the winning team):
Click here!
(Later, someone sent me this "full version" story, also beautifully and wonderfully told...)
We listened to the story of Jesus' birth from the Gospel of Luke, and we talked about what it means to shine our light into dark places during this season of literal - and, for many - figurative darkness. Following some good discussion and sharing, we sang happy birthday to the baby Jesus and enjoyed some cake. (In case you were wondering or didn't know this about the Baby Jesus, his favorite kind of cake happens to be yellow with chocolate frosting.)
Our time together ended too soon, as good times often do.
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A Very Merry Christmas, indeed!
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Sweeter than Honey
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
-Psalm 19: 7-10
This past weekend, our 5 Confirmands, plus two adult advisors and two LSM students serving as small group leaders, headed to the ELCA's event called Lost and Found. It was an amazing weekend filled with laughter, respite, and spiritual renewal. The theme of the weekend, "Sweeter Than Honey" from Psalm 19, taught us to focus more closely on the Law of the Lord, learning and remembering how much we can feel God's guidance, acceptance, and love when we follow God's way of living.
We made new friends in our small groups and in our cabin mates; we praised God in the many songs we sang during large group gatherings and worship; we celebrated each other's gifts in watching the talent show; we asked questions, offered our own perspectives, and listened to others, shaping and growing in our own faith.
The youth spoke overwhelmingly about making connections to others in their group, and the contentment they felt in being able to "go deep" with their groups. For some, this was the first experience they'd had in doing so. They also shared how much they loved the music we sang, and enjoyed the sermon offered during Saturday night's service of worship. They each expressed feeling even more closely bonded to and connected to one another in the time we shared as a St. Mark group. Indeed, this was the highlight of the weekend for me - the chance to grow closer to each one of them individually, as well as the opportunity to strengthen the bond that we share together as a group:
Other joys include...
...This Godsight, spotted on our second night in the beautiful twilight sky:
...the leadership of Tony and our LSM students. It was a particular joy for me to be able to share this ministry with three passionate, engaged, and enthusiastic leaders. I am most grateful to each of them, for the trip would not have been the same without their guidance, faithful example, and good humor.
...Bearing witness to hundreds of seventh and eighth grade students, defying many of the worst stereotypes with which they're commonly labeled. I saw so much kindness, respect, and acceptance among the youth: words of encouragement and praise after an unusual talent show performance; deliberate reaching out to small group members who didn't quite fit in as well; cheerful acceptance and genuine love for peers of every kind.
...and our 5 Confirmands are particularly wonderful. When I think of these 5, I think of them as kids who let their light shine bright, who brighten up dark passages, who reflect the love of Christ, and who seek to help others to know the fullness of God's love for each of us.
Is it any wonder they make me think of bright, shining, twinkling light in dark places, when this is what they choose to do during free time?
Good and Gracious God, thank you for the gift of these young people. Help them to feel your presence in their lives; help them to live in ways that are pleasing and faithful to You. Preserve the kindness, acceptance, tolerance and respect that they so clearly offer this world. Let them continue to fill this dark world with their shining light, and their laughter. Amen.
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
-Psalm 19: 7-10
This past weekend, our 5 Confirmands, plus two adult advisors and two LSM students serving as small group leaders, headed to the ELCA's event called Lost and Found. It was an amazing weekend filled with laughter, respite, and spiritual renewal. The theme of the weekend, "Sweeter Than Honey" from Psalm 19, taught us to focus more closely on the Law of the Lord, learning and remembering how much we can feel God's guidance, acceptance, and love when we follow God's way of living.
We made new friends in our small groups and in our cabin mates; we praised God in the many songs we sang during large group gatherings and worship; we celebrated each other's gifts in watching the talent show; we asked questions, offered our own perspectives, and listened to others, shaping and growing in our own faith.
The youth spoke overwhelmingly about making connections to others in their group, and the contentment they felt in being able to "go deep" with their groups. For some, this was the first experience they'd had in doing so. They also shared how much they loved the music we sang, and enjoyed the sermon offered during Saturday night's service of worship. They each expressed feeling even more closely bonded to and connected to one another in the time we shared as a St. Mark group. Indeed, this was the highlight of the weekend for me - the chance to grow closer to each one of them individually, as well as the opportunity to strengthen the bond that we share together as a group:
 |
| "Group High Five" at dinner |
Other joys include...
...This Godsight, spotted on our second night in the beautiful twilight sky:
...the leadership of Tony and our LSM students. It was a particular joy for me to be able to share this ministry with three passionate, engaged, and enthusiastic leaders. I am most grateful to each of them, for the trip would not have been the same without their guidance, faithful example, and good humor.
...Bearing witness to hundreds of seventh and eighth grade students, defying many of the worst stereotypes with which they're commonly labeled. I saw so much kindness, respect, and acceptance among the youth: words of encouragement and praise after an unusual talent show performance; deliberate reaching out to small group members who didn't quite fit in as well; cheerful acceptance and genuine love for peers of every kind.
...and our 5 Confirmands are particularly wonderful. When I think of these 5, I think of them as kids who let their light shine bright, who brighten up dark passages, who reflect the love of Christ, and who seek to help others to know the fullness of God's love for each of us.
Is it any wonder they make me think of bright, shining, twinkling light in dark places, when this is what they choose to do during free time?
Good and Gracious God, thank you for the gift of these young people. Help them to feel your presence in their lives; help them to live in ways that are pleasing and faithful to You. Preserve the kindness, acceptance, tolerance and respect that they so clearly offer this world. Let them continue to fill this dark world with their shining light, and their laughter. Amen.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
A-MAZE-ing Adventures
Sunday afternoon was a perfect fall day.... to get totally lost in a corn maze! A slew of youth and St. Mark folk stayed after worship on Sunday to eat a bag lunch, then head to Liberty Mills Farm in Orange for an afternoon of winding our way through an enormous corn maze.
Per the pre-maze agreement, every person pledged their promise to not leave me, lost, directionless, and therefore hopeless, in the corn maze. No one really believed me about how directionless I am... until the ride over to the maze when I managed to turn around THREE times because we'd gotten lost, even with the aid of a GPS.
(Is it any wonder? When I asked "which way?" this is the response I got:)
Anyway. The weather was gorgeous, the trees were beautiful, and everyone had a fantastic time in the maze. We split up into 5 different groups and completed the medium-challenge maze in varying degrees of speed. Some groups dashed quickly through, making it out in a record 17 minutes. Other groups took upwards of 90 minutes, but stopped and found every quiz question hidden inside the maze's wall, ultimately solving the riddle and earning a small treat.
The number of reeeaaallly corny jokes we managed during the adventure was impressive. None of the kids seemed to appreciate how punny we advisors were being, which meant we just kept telling them.
We had to be careful what we said, for there were many ears in the maze.
At times, we felt as though we were being stalked.
Indeed, it felt rather eerie....
There was a kernel of truth to what we were feeling.
During the hayride, there was a bit of mischief happening with some hay-throwing. "Hay!! Hay, Hay! That is enough. I've had it. That's the last straw," I announced.
The hayride was great fun, along with playing corn pone and games of checkers on a giant-sized board, using gourds as pieces. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon, but the very best part for me was watching how other people watched our group. Sometimes, when I'm out and about with my young family, I'll get sweet smiles from strangers who overhear conversations with a four year old, or watch how nicely they are behaving (at the moment). This time, I enjoyed those same sweet smiles from strangers as they watched our youth group, the kids so completely enjoying themselves, being fun and playful, sweet and kind to one another. It was a deeply gratifying moment for me, making me feel so proud of our youth who represent our church so well, filling me with gratitude as their leader.
With this group? Of course it was an a-maze-ing adventure!!!
Per the pre-maze agreement, every person pledged their promise to not leave me, lost, directionless, and therefore hopeless, in the corn maze. No one really believed me about how directionless I am... until the ride over to the maze when I managed to turn around THREE times because we'd gotten lost, even with the aid of a GPS.
(Is it any wonder? When I asked "which way?" this is the response I got:)
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| B's technique: walk backward through the maze |
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| I totally know where we are!!! |
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| Lost. |
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| Where are Lewis & Clark when we need them?! |
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| Triumphant at the finish! |
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| Racing over for the hayride |
The number of reeeaaallly corny jokes we managed during the adventure was impressive. None of the kids seemed to appreciate how punny we advisors were being, which meant we just kept telling them.
At times, we felt as though we were being stalked.
Indeed, it felt rather eerie....
There was a kernel of truth to what we were feeling.
During the hayride, there was a bit of mischief happening with some hay-throwing. "Hay!! Hay, Hay! That is enough. I've had it. That's the last straw," I announced.
The hayride was great fun, along with playing corn pone and games of checkers on a giant-sized board, using gourds as pieces. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon, but the very best part for me was watching how other people watched our group. Sometimes, when I'm out and about with my young family, I'll get sweet smiles from strangers who overhear conversations with a four year old, or watch how nicely they are behaving (at the moment). This time, I enjoyed those same sweet smiles from strangers as they watched our youth group, the kids so completely enjoying themselves, being fun and playful, sweet and kind to one another. It was a deeply gratifying moment for me, making me feel so proud of our youth who represent our church so well, filling me with gratitude as their leader.
With this group? Of course it was an a-maze-ing adventure!!!
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Cookies!
In this constantly changing, technology-driven universe in which we live, I am delighted to know that the quintessential care package from home will never lose its appeal - cookies on a computer browser have nothing on cookies in a care package! On Sunday, youth and advisors met after worship for an afternoon of cookie baking and card making for our recent high school grads. Before getting down to the business of creating care packages, we were first well-cared for by Corinne, who lovingly and generously made a feast of a lunch for us, and by Ann, who assisted Corinne in setting up and serving the meal. What a treat it was, from the beautifully decorated tables to the scrumptious food that was served, including decadent cupcakes to top it all off.
Satiated and content, the kids worked hard at making gorgeous, personalized cards for every one of the seven seniors to whom we sent care packages. The cards were colorful, thoughtful, and well-made. Meanwhile, we had three Cookie Bosses in the kitchen who churned out over 10 dozen (!!) cookies of 5 different varieties. We were excited with the end results of our efforts, and so pleased with the time we shared with each other in creating the contents of the care packages. Our time together ended with the "unofficially official" game of youth group, Apples to Apples, where I continued my losing streak, never managing to win a SINGLE hand during ANY game. :o)
Some photos from the day:
All of the packages went out Monday afternoon... which means that, with any luck, those cookies are now being devoured and shared with friends!
Satiated and content, the kids worked hard at making gorgeous, personalized cards for every one of the seven seniors to whom we sent care packages. The cards were colorful, thoughtful, and well-made. Meanwhile, we had three Cookie Bosses in the kitchen who churned out over 10 dozen (!!) cookies of 5 different varieties. We were excited with the end results of our efforts, and so pleased with the time we shared with each other in creating the contents of the care packages. Our time together ended with the "unofficially official" game of youth group, Apples to Apples, where I continued my losing streak, never managing to win a SINGLE hand during ANY game. :o)
Some photos from the day:
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| Gorgeously decorated table, awaiting us |
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| Corinne serves up a feast! |
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| Hard at work, making cards |
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| Cookie Bosses |
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| what a great helper!! |
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| the gang! |
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| Impressive results |
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| Ready to be shipped! |
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