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Shepherd of the Hills Youth
Schedule
Sunday School Change in
Schedule
As you know, last year we started a new worship and Sunday School schedule
which gave Sunday School its own dedicated time slot. We were pleased with
the results: attendance was up for both children and adults.
We said we would continue to make changes, as needed. This year, one change
is to have an opening for Preschool – 6th grade in the West Wing starting at
9:00. (If the 8:00 worship service doesn’t end until 9:05 or 9:10, don’t
worry, join us at that time.) After the opening, the children will go to
their individual classrooms for the lesson, and then will move to the
sanctuary for the closing to be done by 10:00.
Junior High through Adult classes will begin promptly at 9:15 and end
around 9:55. We will be ringing the bell at 9:15 (or maybe a few minutes
before that) to remind everyone that it is time for Sunday School to start.
Sunday School Closing in the Sanctuary
We will continue to have a closing with the children in the sanctuary from
9:45 – 10:00. There have been some concerns that this singing makes it
difficult for some people to prepare for worship. We recognize that as a
concern, but we also recognize the positive results that come out of the
closing—that is, getting the children to interact with some of the adults,
having the adults see the children singing and having fun, and encouraging
the children to stay for worship. I ask that you look for the positives as
we continue to try to find
the best possible schedule.
Sunday Church School
Sunday School is offered for 3 ages and up at 9:00 each Sunday
morning, September through May. There is adult Sunday School as well.
Elementary Youth Group
God's Squad is for 2nd through 6th graders who are interested in pursuing
their faith appropriate to their age. This faith of younger people is
centered around activities that include ministry to nursing home residents
and shut-ins. The other activities are centered around a social ministry
that affirms the child's faith and includes them in the life of the church.
The goal of the youth ministry staff and volunteers is to meet with this
group two times each month, however they're currently only meeting the 2nd
Sunday from 6 to 8pm.
J-Crew
The Jesus Crew is designed for the Jr. High grades 7th through 9th. Junior
High presents turning points for youth that can be addressed in many ways.
Including this group in the overall scheme of the church is an important
part of their life growing up in the church. This group is brought together
two times per month with 9th graders included in both Sr. High and Jr. High
groups. The activities are focused around a social ministry where the
important part of their faith is inclusion in the family of the church. The
activities include hay rides, movie nights, lock-ins, and service
activities.
Sr. High Flock
The Senior High student is facing many life decisions along the path to
maturity. In the Sr. High group there are students from 9th through 12th
grades. The intent of youth ministry for this age group is to challenge
their beliefs in an attempt to firm up their faith. One of the benefits of
the safe environment of church is the opportunity to provide guidance in how
the Lutherans practice their faith as Christians. The inclusion in the youth
group is an integral part of what types of issues are brought up during
activities. The youth in this group come from different schools and
different backgrounds, hence the need for comfort and support in an
inclusive environment. This group meets weekly for a variety of activities
including Bible Study, games, retreats, social activities, field trips, and
of course gets together on Sundays for Sunday School hour. Additionally,
this group actively participates in ELCA Youth Events, both locally and
nationally.
GodFellows
College aged youth are welcome on Monday nights at 7 pm.
Here is your chance for fellowship, fun, conversation, and experiencing life
and faith with people your age. For several years Shepherd of the Hills has
enjoyed the fellowship of the college age group, Godfellows. Now we are
looking to keep Godfellows and add another group or two to offer
opportunities for people in their 20s and 30s to be together in community
where we have faith and relationship with God in common. Come with your
ideas for Bible study, fun times, topics of discussion, and community
activities. If you are between the ages of 19 and 40 you are invited to join
us February 20 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. for a Birthday Party. We will be
celebrating Martin Luther’s Birthday with a Potluck – bring your favorite
dish, good conversation and lots of laughs. If you have questions, ideas or
would like to help in any planning please talk to Deaconess Brenda.
Note: In addition to all of these activities, the Director of Youth and
Young Adult Ministries is available by phone and the youth are encouraged to
call whenever they need to talk.
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