Wednesdays, 6:30-8pm
St Mary’s Room (up the stairs)
Childcare is available
Now that St. Mary’s has hired a part time Children/Youth Minister, it allows for new programs to be developed. As the youth ministry team sat around late last spring, it became clear that our church community could offer support for the parents, godparents, and grandparents out there who care for adolescents.
This year at St Mary’s we are pleased to be inviting some very powerful leaders to speak with us about their particular area of expertise related to teenagers. Each presentation will be followed with a time for discussion. This will be a good time not only to learn about issues affecting adolescents, but a chance to share stories and build community with other parents.
Youth and Spirituality
September 24 Lisa Kimball
As so many things change in adolescence – bodies, voices, friends, responsibilities – some things do not change. God is ever present, active in the lives of young
people. Come to this forum to hear about how young people express their spiritual selves and grow deeper to the heart of God.
Dr. Lisa Kimball is the Youth Development Leadership Coordinator and Lecturer for the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota, teaching courses on youth development and experiential learning. She also does research for the Search Institute and is the author of a number of articles on youth development. Dr. Kimball has been involved in active youth ministry with the Episcopal Church for more than 20 years, and is a sought after speaker not only in church settings, but also local and international academic circles.
Rites of Passage for Boys
October 29 Stephen ONell, M.S., LISW
The health, growth and well-being of boys has been gradually and seriously eroding over the past few decades. This seminar will examine current indicators of “boys at risk” and contributing factors will be identified. Attendees will be
introduced to the “Tweens Generation.”
Strategies for parents and caring adults will be presented to better insure “rites of passage” for boys thereby providing safe passage through the stages of adolescence and into early adulthood.
Steve is Director of FathersFIRST!, Teacher, Social Worker, Chemical Dependency Counselor, Family/Couples Therapist, Anger Management/Domestic Abuse Counselor, Parent Educator, Father of 3 grown children, Grandfather of 7.
Youth and Sexuality
January 28 Lisa Kimball
Holding firm to the belief that sexuality is a powerful and beautiful gift from God, come hear about how you can help guide young people as they make choices about the stewardship of their sexual selves.
Dr. Lisa Kimball is the Youth Development Leadership Coordinator and Lecturer for the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota, teaching courses on youth development and experiential learning. She also does research for the Search Institute and is the author of a number of articles on youth development. Dr. Kimball has been involved in active youth ministry with the Episcopal Church for more than 20 years, and is a sought after speaker not only in church settings, but also local and international academic circles.
Tips for Parents
February 18 Inez Bersie-Mize, LMFT
It is challenging navigating the adolescent years and the emotions that accompany them. We will discuss this and leave room for questions. A resource list for accessing mental health, current literature and community supports will be
provided. Inez will present information on parenting, discipline, and helping your child cope with life issues.
Inez has worked with children, adolescents and their families dealing with depression, anxiety, academic performance, behavioral issues, parenting, marital issues, family violence, eating disorders, as well as body image, divorce, and blended families. She has been a Marriage and Family Therapist for 13 years and is vice president of the board of Minnesota Association of Children’s Mental Health. Currently she is in private practice at Midwest Center for Personal & Family Development in St Paul, MN.
Kids and Drugs
March 25 Dr. Carson Harris
Come to this forum to hear a well-respected toxicologist and ER doctor speak about what he most often sees in terms of young people and illegal drugs. drugs are different, and stronger, than ever before, and Dr. Harris is eager to talk with adults who care about children to help avoid illegal drug use among our young people. forum will be enlightening, and conversational, and hopeful.
Dr. Harris serves as a Sr. Staff Physician in the Emergency Room at Regions Hospital, St. Paul, MN (as well as the director of Toxicology Education.) He has been affiliated with the MN Poison Control Center and Hennepin Regional Poison Center as Consulting Toxicologist. is the author of two textbooks and numerous articles on toxicology and emergency medicine.
Service Learning
April 22 Diane Feltham
Mission trips help adolescents gain leadership skills, build self-esteem, experience teamwork, explore diversity, and simply mature. Challenges can occur, but with the guidance of an adult leader, these too can be productive learning experiences. While the physical labor and accomplishment of a mission is important, of more importance and often overlooked are the subtle changes that occur in an adolescent's way of thinking. Join me to discuss the pros and cons of
mission trips and how, if carefully planned, will encourage spiritual and emotional growth in young people.
Dianne Feltham has a Masters degree in Social Work from UofM. She recently served as an intern in a faith-based Poverty Immersion Program in Louisville, KY.
