YOUTH  GROUP - 2005 ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE 

     We have several youth meetings over the course of the year to discuss future activities and fund raisers. They are always held in the Fellowship Hall.
 
     In January 2005, the 6th - 9th grade members attended the Youth Quake.  It began on Friday, January 12th -14th.  The children enjoyed Christian music groups and Christian speakers.  The children attended 'treks' (mini group discussions on different topics for teens) that had a Christian theme throughout.  We had Family Time with Bible study and prayer together with another group from Friendship Lutheran Church. 
They enjoyed swimming in their spare time.
 
     We all went to Perfect North Slopes in Indiana for a day of tubing in the snow and we had so much fun!  We all loved going down the slopes in big chains and later enjoyed warming up and munching at the Perfect North restaurant.
 
     In March 2005, the 9th - 12th grade members attended the Senior High Quake in Cincinnati.  They also enjoyed the Christian music and speakers. The same 'treks' were available, but with themes to go along with the older age group.  The children had a great time at the concerts. Everyone dances in the aisles and gets caught up in the moment - a great experience for all!

     As in the past, we again hosted the annual Easter Breakfast and it was very well attended.  The children earned well over $300.00 for their future events.  Thanks to all for their support!
 
     In June, we went to the Beach Waterpark for some fun on the water slides.  We even tried the biggest slide at the park; it was scary as anything, but what a RUSH!  We had a great time in the Wave Pool too!
 
     As a service project for the church, we also planted flowers around the church yard in June.  We had lots of different colors, and it turned out great - the children did a great job! Many of the flowers were generously donated by TLC Landscaping in Reading.
 
     In October, the children participated in a Youth Sabbath at St. Paul's. Each of the children had a different job: they participated in being ushers, greeters, readers, Children's Sermon, singing, and Kyle Kreiner gave the sermon! The children all handled the responsibility so well - a wonderful job!
 
     We hosted the annual Reformation Sunday Sauerkraut Dinner. We had great German music provided by members of St. Paul's Orchestra, led by Jack Wagner, and fellowship in celebration of our German heritage. Much of the food was donated to the youth to offset costs and it was a great fundraiser. Thanks again to all who participated!
 
     In November we participated in a lock-in with St. John's United Church of Christ and went to Climb Time Rock Climb in Blue Ash.  The children all climbed until about 3:30 in the morning!  We shared pizza and lots of fun. I learned how to be a belayer (holding on the ropes while the children climbed) it was great being with another church too - the more the merrier!  NO SLEEP!
 
     In December we had a Christmas lock-in here at St. Paul's.  We made candy bags for the Valley Interfaith families for Christmas, and we baked and decorated cookies for the residents at Lighthouse Pointe Convalescent Home. We had already made bracelets for the residents that had religious meanings behind each bead. It was hard work, but afterwards, we enjoyed pizza, games, American Idol tryouts and hide and seek.  Lots of fun for all! 
 
 We also went to Lighthouse Pointe to read the Christmas Story, serve cookies and talk with the residents.  The children went and visited all the residents who could not attend the party, to take cookies and talk with them. It is a great experience for all of us and it really makes the residents happy!  Very rewarding!
 
 We also have enjoyed a great addition to the youth group.  Chris Geiger has participated in several activities with the children, and also comes to our Sunday school class.  We enjoy his company and his input!
 
 That's All Folks!  Thanks to everyone for all their help throughout the year - we could not have done it without our supportive congregation

- God Bless us all in 2006!

         Vickie Harper, Youth Coordinator
      

Content Owner: Vickie H
Last Update: 3/15/06 (jam)