What makes youth group and kids clubs different from other groups, teams, clubs in which youth and children participate?
For me, it is the following four activities: prayer, scripture, outreach and service. Fellowship and fun are a by-product of beings with friends, but Bible study, prayer, sharing Christ’s love and serving others are core activities for lifelong faith formation. Incorporate each element every time you meet.
Today, I want to talk about service activities, including mission trips. They enable us to serve our community (or another) in the name of Jesus while teaching the next generation how to serve just as Jesus did.
Service activities are important because they empower youth and children, build leadership skills and prepare them for future roles in their congregation, community and beyond.
Here are just a few ideas:
- Wellness Walks for Mental Health
- Senior Citizen Technology Assistance
- Nursing Home Visits
- Home Repair
- School Supply Distribution
- Disaster Preparedness Kits Assembly
- Toy and clothing Drive
- Adopt-a-Highway
A word about mission trips:
Why go on a mission trip when there are needs closer to home? They require a lot of time and money. There are several reasons why you may consider a mission trip:
They build community: Mission trips bring youth groups together, bonding them through shared experiences and adventures.
They see a different perspective: Youth get to experience life beyond their daily routine, gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them.
They challenge comfort zones: Mission trips push teens out of their comfort zones, fostering personal growth and resilience.
They empower youth: By participating in mission trips, youth discover their potential and become active agents of change in their communities.
They create sacred spaces: Mission trips become significant milestones in the faith journey of teenagers, anchoring them in their beliefs and inspiring continued spiritual growth. (copied from St. Matthews Episcopal Church)
Being a follower of Jesus is a lifelong journey. Helping youth and kids start the journey requires practice, patience, a tolerance for adolescent energy, and encouraging them to have lots of questions. Answers will come for them as they gain knowledge. The disciplines of praying, discussing scripture, reaching out to others and serving provide the foundation they need for a life of discipleship.
Ideas for Mission Trips
GraceWorks (Here in Columbia, July 13-18)
Lutheridge and Luthersprings
Appalachia Service Project | Mission Trips in Appalachia
Passport | Christian Summer Mission Camps For Youth Groups and Children
CONNECT JOURNAL
The Connect Journal is published by the ELCA Youth Ministry Network. Check out their most recent and other articles:
Our Congregations are Ideal places for Friendship between Teens and Older members!
“GREATER GOOD MAGAZINE”
“How Friendships with Elders Help Teens Find Purpose” does not have faith communities in mind but makes a number of important observations about how cross-generational relationships benefit both elders and teens, particularly in the realm of what this article calls “transcendent thinking.” In our church context, studies often find that many teens, when asked, report that they do not have a trusted adult with whom they can converse about “bigger-picture” questions, but instead have to rely on social media and insufficiently rich input from peers to put things in perspective, especially if there has been trauma or shocking grief. This is not a great situation and constitutes a real disservice to our teen saints!
One of the missing conclusions of this article is that faith communities are ideal places for such wisdom-sharing friendships to develop, particularly congregations such as those in our Lutheran family where grace is consistently taught, which makes caring and nurturing natural skills. We find that in congregations where there are faith mentors for confirmands, and particularly for those who are in their later teen years, young people thrive and continue to consider faith an essential part of their life beyond those traditional break points where faith and church life tend to fall off.
How Friendships With Elders Help Teens Find Purpose
COMING UP!
Bring a team and join us for a “WHOLE FAMILY MINISTRY” Workshop
March 16, 6pm
Christus Victor Lutheran in Columbia
We’ll discuss what your church can do to build a family ministry.
In-person or Zoom
It’s free, but you must contact me at deborah@scynod.com if attending!
BOOK STUDY FOR YOUTH LEADERS
Youth are Either Leading or Leaving by Lyle Griner
May be purchased on BookBaby
Every Tuesday, March 12-April 8, at 10am
It will be recorded!
Please contact Deborah (deborah@scsynod.com) if you plan to attend.
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89178862401?pwd=l6irDbeyalnzrefuf3f4n83af0UEwc.1
CONFIRMATION AGAIN?
What curriculum is available?
Are there better options for teaching?
If you are asking these questions and more, join us for a
Confirmation Planning Zoom Meeting on March 27 at 10am.
Bring your ideas and questions!
HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT
May 9-11
Coastal Retreat Center
Let’s Glow!
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mt. 5:16)
Registration Coming Soon!
RESOURCES FOR APRIL
Pinterest Boards
Easter
Easter Sunday School Lesson for Youth – Youth Group Ministry
EASTER GAME: THE RESURRECTION | Ministry to Youth
Easter Activities for Kids: Baskets of Fun Ideas Children Will Love
5 Family Easter Activities You Can Host At Your Church
Celebrate Diversity Month
- Host an International Food Day to appreciate different cultures through delicious food.
- Host a Virtual Fiesta to learn about various traditions and customs.
- Visit an Art Exhibition to see and appreciate art from different backgrounds.
- Throw a Dance Party to celebrate different dance styles and rhythms.
- Attend a Multicultural Film Festival to watch movies from various cultures.
- Organize a Sports Tournament to promote unity and appreciation for different sports and abilities.
25 Activities to Teach and Promote Diversity in the Classroom
Autism Awareness/Acceptance
- Talking to families with children who have autism and creating a room just for them with dim lights, gentle music, comfy chairs, and simple crafts.
- Educating about autism.
- Hosting a family flick event.
- Training volunteers to connect with special needs families.
- Community outreach by providing meals for special needs families.
Autism Awareness Activities for Places of Worship – Autism Faith Network
35 Fun Thought-Provoking Autism Awareness Month Activities for Kids – CraftyThinking
