The youth (Grades 6-12) meet every Sunday from 5pm to 7:30pm at the church except in special occasions noted in the youth calendar. Programs run from 5-6:45, then supper follows from 6:45-7:30. Parents and other interested adults take turns making and sharing nutritional and delicious meals.
The first week of the month is "evening out" which have included such activities as a trip to Windy Hill, indoor climbing at Peak, a tour of the Hollywood Cemetery, scavenger hunts and Bottoms Up Pizza. Week 2 is usually a topic-related program with Bible study, relating to the year's theme. This year it is "come as you are (but check a few things at the door). Week 3 we explore the world "Beyond these Walls" and take a look at what is happening in the Church outside our local parish.
The 4th week focuses on creative expression. We include skits, hands-on puppets and talent night.
On Five Sunday months we may explore alternative forms of worship such as newer liturgies coming into use within the Episcopal Church and Taize. On occasions we'll divide into age-related small groups for 'topic night" conversation.
Other activities include diocesan and nation events, nature pilgrimages and mission trips. In 2007 the youth traveled to Belize where they worked at a local Anglican School on Ambergris Caye and explored a tropical rain forest. We established a Youth Council to help plan events and St. Michael's Church adopted a youth seat on the Vestry. In 2009 they lived and worked with the Emmaus House in Atlanta. Pilgrimage took them to the woods of Enota Organic Farm and the Appalachian Trail.
Youth events are publicized monthly in The Link newsletter, in the weekly service bulletin, by youth e-blast, calendar mailing and on-line. All youth in grades 6-12 are encouraged to join us. Want to get on the Youth Contact List, please call Sherrill McKay at 269-2073 or s.mckay@att.net.
