JANUARY-JUNE
2006
Coming into 2006 our Senior Youth
Group took a rather informal shape. All but two of the six
members had jobs, the same youth also were very involved in volunteer
programs as well as evening classes. Also, three of the members
were working towards High School graduation. Many of our
‘meetings’ were online, networking through emails and many, many phone
calls. The group felt frustrated with this situation, but there
seemed to be no resolution to the scheduling difficulties.
However, we were able to gather three times as a group before the
summer. Two members also participated in the Youth Presbytery
Conference that our church hosted the end of January. Going into
the fall, only three group members remained and it appeared as though
it would not be possible for them to gather.
Junior Youth Group had a strong lift
off in the beginning of 2006 with eight core members. It was a busy,
enthusiastic group. Occasionally less than eight would be at a
meeting due to conflicts with extra curricular commitments, but all
consistently turned up for events often with friends in tow. The
goal to organize monthly events was very successful with activities
such as Laser Bowling, a hike and wiener roast at Alice Lake, as well
as another hike at the Estuary, and our very wet wind-up at Shannon
Falls. The potential to ‘grow’ this group is very exciting. As
everyone knows I have been away this fall to spend time with my new
little beautiful wonder; I have really missed being with the
youth. In December, we did manage to pull together a float for
our annual participation in the Santa Parade. Everyone worked
very diligently and we were rewarded with first prize in our
category. The float was very full of youth – eleven I
believe. I was not able to be present all day, but thanks so much
to all who gave their time to a very important part of our Advent
church family tradition. I strongly encourage the congregation to
continue to acknowledge the need for – and give their support to the
youth program.
Submitted by,
Laura Jeanne Thompson