Youth Ministries

Celebration and Gratitude Our multigenerational parish family of St. Elizabeth's is part of something global and glorious.  As brothers and sisters in Christ with Christians all around the world, we are fellow-workers with God.  We're following Jesus to bring God's life, hope, love, and goodness to a sin-torn world.  Is there any work more important and noble than this?!  

Now that we are winding down to take a "Sabbath rest" over the summer, let's celebrate the God of All Goodness who empowers us inadequate humans to share in this divine, world-transforming work.  In addition, let's celebrate those brothers and sisters in our parish family - young and adult, clergy and lay, male and female - with whom we have worked since September, and who have supported and inspired us   

  • by their continuing in the apostle's teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers;

  • by their proclaiming by word and example the Good News of God in Christ;

  • by their repenting and returning to the Lord when they fell into sin;

  • by their striving for justice and peace among all people;

  • by their respecting the dignity of every human being;

  • and, by their seeking and serving Christ in all persons, loving their neighbors as themselves

Finally, let us savor, with gratitude, happy memories of these last 10 months during which, by God's grace, we ourselves have enjoyed God's life, hope, love, and goodness as the parish family of St. Elizabeth's. 

Celebrating the Commitment of the Newly Confirmed  On June 1st, at the 10:00 am worship service, each of the newly-confirmed members of Confirmation 2008 will be presented to the parish family.  Each will receive a personal prayer book inscribed by the rector.  And, in prayer, and at a special reception following worship, all will be celebrated for the commitment they made at Confirma-tion to live and mature in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit as  baptized Christians. 

Earning Money and Sharing God's Goodness this Summer if You're Age 13 - 15  If you're age 13 through 15, you can earn some money, make the world a better place, and have an exciting summer experience by being a "day camper" through the month of July at CityServe, a community service-oriented "day camp" sponsored by St. Paul's Church in Paterson.  You'll share in community service projects like cleaning up the Passaic River, working at the NJ Food Bank, and putting on Fun Fairs for children, for which you will earn a $125 service stipend.  Plus, you'll play sports, swim, take trips, and do a fun art project.  Camp times are Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.  See Lori Howard in the Church Office for more info and a CityServe application.  The Application Deadline is June 6, 2008, but applications may be accepted after that date. 

Jr. YPF Year Ends "With A Splash" on June 20th  The hospitable Wesson family has invited the Jr. YPFers to get wonderfully wet at a POOL PARTY on Friday, June 20th. The time will be 3:15 to 5:00 pm, and the place will be the Wesson home at 54 N. Pleasant Avenue in Ridgewood.  What better way to end the Jr. YPF year of fun and fellowship than "with a splash"?!!!  (We need your Jr. YPFer's insurance form if we don't already have it.  Forms are available in the Youth Ministries mailbox.) 

A Different Sort of Beach Reading:  "Raising Great Kids:  A Comprehensive Guide to Parenting with Grace and Truth" by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend. 

Terry Battaglia
Associate for Youth Ministries
 

Thanks to Teens and Hosts 

It seems as though this year has moved ahead even faster than last year!  Somehow vacations, exams, and holidays kept us from scheduling as many dinners as we would have liked.  We're hoping to have one more before this year's graduating class moves on, so keep your eye out for "nag mail." 

Meanwhile, however, thanks to all of you who participated in the meetings we did have.  Your commitment, enthusiasm, and intelligent and fun conversations made those hour-long dinners a real joy to be a part of.  My special thanks to John and Susan Hartnett, the Joneses, the Wessons, and the Van Gorps for opening their homes to us.  We could not have had the active participation of this great group without your help. 

Thanks again for cooking and serving at St. Paul's and huge thanks for all who immediately jumped in when Mrs. Seiter asked for help serving at the auction.  Jobs incredibly well done! 

Again - I'll be in touch.  Should any of you head out before we get another chance for a dinner, the best of luck to each of you.  If you keep on the road you're on now, what a gift you'll continue to be to all who have the joy of knowing you! 

Fondly,
Tim