Nancy's Notes

March 1, 2007

This year, Youth Sunday is March 11 and this is a time when youth are most visible at the Kirk. Youth plan and lead worship, provide music, usher, greet, and even design the bulletin cover that day. It is easy to assume that the entire Kirk youth program is visible on Youth Sunday.

However, Youth Sunday is "just the tip of the iceberg" of Kirk youth programs. The term youth at the Kirk refers to students in 6th-12th grades and there are many youth activities that are not as visible as Youth Sunday, but are just as vital and meaningful.

Two weeks ago 75 youth enjoyed a retreat in the Virginia Mountains and there is also a fall retreat each September. Three weeks from now 20 youth will go to Washington DC to serve the homeless. Another group of 30 youth are preparing to minister in Logan County, WV as part of Appalachia Service Project in June.

Sunday evening youth group includes food, fellowship, singing, devotions, and service such as cooking for Wake Interfaith Hospitality Network and the Helen Wright Center. Youth on Sunday nights have also collected food for the Food Bank, packed "goodie" boxes for college students, studied inclusiveness, and shared communion this year.

Sunday mornings are busy, too. Youth lead music in worship with handbells and solos, and by serving as acolytes, ushers, and lectors. The sixth and seventh grade class is called Faith Challenge and utilizes active learning in 5-week rotations to learn about God's work throughout the Bible. There are approximately 30 youth meeting regularly with their mentors, attending class weekly, and serving others in preparation for confirmation in May. The high school class includes fellowship, lively discussions, Bible study, and prayer with 15 or more students each week.

So when you see the youth on Youth Sunday, remember there are many other youth learning, serving, leading, and sharing at other times and in other locations, too.

Nancy