The youth opened the Christmas season by putting up the decorations in the church. The Senior High youth also got into the Christmas spirit when we hosted a Christmas party for elementary aged children in the church and community. Sixteen children attended the party and got to make Christmas crafts, sing songs and play games. Both youth groups set up and lit the luminaries around the church parking lots before the Christmas Eve service with the help of a number of congregation members.
The new year brought a lot of fun events for both the Junior High and the Senior High youth groups. The Junior High will be having an all-nighter activity at the church at the end of January. They are also looking forward to acting as worship leaders on January 26th, which is Junior High Youth Sunday. Later in February, they will head out to Annville for the District Lock-In.
The Senior High have just gotten back from the District Winter Retreat at Camp Swatara where we heard Josh Brockway, Director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship for the Church of the Brethren, speak. In February, the Senior High will be having our own all-nighter activity at the church.
Both groups have been spending lots of time planning for our summer activities! The Junior High have registered for their work camp, which will be in South Bend, IL from July 9th – 13th. The Senior High youth have registered for National Youth Conference, which will be July 19th – 24th. Both groups are very excited for their summer trips!