Seventh Day

Three 5th graders and I traveled to Lynchburg in early March for the VA Synod event known as Seventh Day.  It was a wonderful adventure!  The theme of our time together was "Journey of a Lifetime," and we tackled the story of Jacob: his betrayal of Esau; his wrestling with God; and his reconciliation with his brother.  It was an action-packed two days that included much laughter and joy as we walked in our faith journey with new friends from all over the Synod.

And we're off!! 

Love this bunch!

We were lucky enough to spot a wedding in progress at the chapel on the grounds of the conference center.  Such a special treat to bear witness to such a happy occasion!

The sunrises and sunsets at this particular place are always gorgeous.

Singing during large group

Another wonderful event for the books!  

Valentine's Day Party

Valentine's Day fell on a Saturday this year - and what better way to celebrate than gathering together to talk about God's love for us?  That's just what families at St. Mark were invited to do.

The party began with a "guess the word on my back" icebreaker where guests asked yes or no questions to figure out the Valentine-themed word on their backs.  "Red Heart Candy," "Box of Chocolates," and "Sweetheart" were a few of the many words deciphered.  Younger kids colored large love-related murals.

Guests divided into two groups and were handed a bag filled with assorted objects, and were charged with the task of creating a skit using the items in the bag.  They were creative, to say the least!

We read the book "God's Love" by Desmond Tutu and talked about all the ways in which God loves us - and how we can share and show God's love to others.

We went on a fun scavenger hunt through the church, visiting places where God's love is very evident.  At each stop, we talked about the way we saw God's love at work, beginning in the Fellowship Hall...

"Hunt for clues and you will see how God loves you and God loves me!
Our Church is filled with lots of space.  Be sure to look in the right place:
Blankets and pillow:  God's love billows"  [PACEM closet]

Worship, praise, and choir member Larry.  You'll find God's love in the __________"
[Sanctuary]

Newsletters, bulletins, and a woman named Nancy
Help to spread God's love around - plain and fancy!
[Church office]

Were you hoping for something for your sweet tooth?
Go check out the room that's used for the youth!
[Youth Room]
There, the guests discovered a terrific surprise:  popcorn, hot cocoa, and cupcakes for all!

After our refreshments, we went back to the Fellowship Hall to sing songs about God's love, and to make a heart-felt craft.

Love abounds!

2014: The Year in Review

2014 was an amazing year in Youth Ministry!  Please enjoy a recap of our time together.

Just click here 

https://animoto.com/play/k1BGqpjlacS0RgKVhzf5Ug

to view!  

Youth Led Worship

The end of January included a special youth-led worship service.  There is something unique and wonderful about being led in worship by some of the youngest in our faith family.  It is powerful and meaningful for all; we are truly blessed that our young people are so eager and willing to share their gifts with us all.

Youth Choir

"Lift High the Cross" prelude

"Ode to Joy" - this trumpeter has been playing all of 4.5 months!

Duet - by Bach

Jump!

January's youth event was to the newest cool place in town - Jump!  We gathered on a Friday night for pizza at the church, then headed to the new trampoline park for hours of jumping fun.

Some pics from the event:

Chow Time

(we even managed a little youth choir rehearsal during dinner....!)

This was one of everyone's favorite moments:  a slow song came on, and Crosby and his girlfriend seized the opportunity to slow dance with one another.  A Godsight, for many.

Such a fun night!  Such a great crew!!!

Winter Celebration: Known By Faith

Five youth and two advisors attend the Virginia Synod event, Winter Celebration, in late January. What a weekend it was!  Our theme for our time together was "Known by Faith" and our focus was on 1 Timothy 1: 3-5.  

"I urge you, as I did when I was on my way to Macedonia, to remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach any different doctrine, and not to occupy themselves with myths and endless geneaologies that promote speculations rather than divine training, that is known by faith.  But the aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith."  

We grew together in faith as well as closer together as a group.  It was a wonderful time for all.  

Some pics:

Our adventure begins!

Dining hall... our group plus a photo bomber

Bishop Mauney's performace of "Pharoah, Pharoah" is one to see!

The sunsets are always breathtaking at Eagle Eyrie

Our awesome group!!

Worst part:  the end.

Join Us! SMP 2015

YOU are invited! 

Summer Mission Project 2015

Youth Ministry Hat

Like many of you here at St. Mark, I wear several different hats. The hat above is my Youth Ministry Hat.   It’s a fun hat to wear, and it’s one of my favorite hats, because it means I’m spending time with some of my favorite people here.  Speaking of which – I wanted to highlight an event that 8 of our youth and 3 adults participated in this past week.  On their day off of school, these kids met up with us at the church in the morning.  Together, we drove out to the Mobile Food Pantry distribution site in Lovingston, VA. We met up with other volunteers and spent the morning unpacking produce and canned goods from the food truck, repacking them in bags, then distributing them to grateful clients in need of assistance, serving a total of 250 families.  My youth ministry hat is a rewarding one to wear, and it’s also a fun one to wear.

PACEM hat

In the coming months, I’ll wear my PACEM hat as we meet together and plan the details of hosting the homeless women in our community for two weeks this February.  We’ll make sure our cozy blankets are laundered and ready to go; we’ll brainstorm ideas of how we will make our guests feel welcomed and loved; we’ll make sure we have all areas of hosting covered by a crew of volunteers.  My PACEM hat serves to remind me how fortunate I am, and that I can demonstrate my gratitude by helping to organize and support shelter for others.

Summer Mission Project hat

And then there’s this bright yellow hat, the one that is the best of both of my other hats.  This is a fun hat, a rewarding hat, and an important hat.  This is the hat I’ll wear for this year’s Summer Mission Project.  Have you heard the news? We are heading to Hartsville, South Carolinaand working with Habitat for Humanity on a blitz build – building one house in one week, start to finish.  We’re partnering with another congregation, Lewinsville Presbyterian Church, and working alongside them to build a house – a home – for a family in need of shelter.  (More on LPC here)  The Habitat for Humanity Summer Mission Project is an intergenerational trip, open to everyone who is age 14 or older. 

Now here’s a surprising and delightful little detail about this hat:  it’s a one-size-fits-all hat.  Do you have a heart for mission?  This hat fits you.  Do you know how to hammer a nail?  This hat fits you.  Do you have no idea how to hammer a nail, but you’re willing to learn?  This hat fits you.  Do you want to make a tangible difference in the lives of your fellow sisters and brothers in Christ?  This hat fits you.  Do you desire to respond God’s love for us through your service to others?  This hat fits you.

And so, I would like to invite YOU to join the SMP Team for the blitz build that will be life-changing for the family who will have a place to call home.  I’m willing to bet that this trip will have a profound and lasting impact on your own life, as well.  Planning is well under way for this trip, and I would love to add YOUR name to the list of participants.  There is a poster in the Narthex with more information, as well as a flyer in my office.  Please, try wearing this hat – I guarantee, it fits anyone with the heart to try it on.