Hello everyone!
I can’t believe it is September!
The last couple of years of the pandemic – we have moved away from our typical programming and centered our meetings on connection because that seemed to be the most important ministry we could offer.
As we return to greater normalcy, we are releasing a youth group plan with a more typical schedule. We try to create a schedule that intertwines Spirituality, Discussion, Service learning, Connection, and Outings. And, this year, we have a great schedule! As always, this is our tentative schedule. Please note that changes can and do arise. As they arise, we change our Saint Mary’s Calendar, where all of this information lives. We are grateful to have a team that prioritizes and understands the importance of youth voice, spirituality, and the importance of fun, and connection.
What do I need to do?
Funny you should ask – I do actually need your help with something. Please fill out this Youth Group form – Click HERE. Yes, it is long. Yes, I need all of it filled out for each child. No, you do not need to fill it out more than once. It counts for all the activities. We do need it filled out before the first youth group. Although I am sending you an electronic form and most places recognize electronic signatures, I am asking for a handwritten signature (as there have been some instances in healthcare providers requiring them). Please return these signed forms via EMAIL
Who is eligible for Youth Group?
Any young person in 7th through 12th grade. You do not have to belong to Saint Mary’s to attend. Friends are always welcome and encouraged to attend.
When does the Youth Group meet?
Youth Group meets on Wednesday evenings from September 21, 2022 through May 31, 2023 from 6:30-8:00 pm. The group takes breaks noted on the main calendar.
Where does the Youth Group meet?
Youth Group meets in the Youth Room (end of the hallway next to the old sacristy).
Who are the Youth Group leaders?
This year our Youth Group leader is Kat Lewis accompanied by Trevor Sannes and occasionally helped by Reverend Lindsey Briggs and Julie Phillips.
What does a youth group session look like?
Youth Group has a loose structure (so it isn’t too much like school). It involves a Question of the Day, a Main Topic for the day (which might be a service project, an activity, or a discussion), and ends with a prayer/ meditation and some quiet time.
Can you tell me the topics Youth Group will be covering?
September 21: Discussion – Group Covenant and Getting to Know One Another
September 28: Connection – Youth Group BBQ and Giant “Get to Know You” Jenga
October 5: Discussion – Enneagram
October 12: Spirituality – Installation of Reverend Lindsey
October 19: No Youth Group
October 26: Connection –Halloween Party
November 2: Spirituality – All Souls/ All Saint Movie and Discussion (Coco)
November 9: Spirituality – Movie Continued and Discussion led by Lindsey on Death and Making Meaning
November 16: Outing – Can Can Wonderland Trip
November 23: No Youth Group
November 30: Spirituality – Artistic ways to engage with spirituality – music, art, journal reflection time, discipleship
December 7: Service Project – Angel tree
December 14: Connection – Christmas Bonfire and Games
December 21: Connection – Hot cocoa and Christmas movie – Elf or Rudolph
December 28: No Youth Group
January 4: No Youth Group
January 11: No Youth Group
January 18: Discussion – Faithful Innovation, What gifts do you have to help serve as the hands and feet of God?
January 25: Outing – Go to a Movie (TBD)
February 1: Service Project – Souper Bowl of Caring Preparation
February 8: Connection – Game Night
February 15: Discussion Series on Justice – Biblical characters and intersectionality
February 22: Spirituality – Ash Wednesday Service
March 1: Discussion – Series on Justice
March 8: Connection – Murder mystery game party
March 15: Discussion – Series on Justice
March 22: Connection – Skit night
March 29: Discussion – Series on Justice
April 5:No Youth Group
April 12: Discussion – Movie and Discussion (TBD)
April 19: Discussion – Movie and Discussion Continued (TBD)
April 26: Discussion – Guest speaker on mental health, healthy relationships
May 3: Spirituality – Art and journaling spirituality night
May 10: Service Project – Feed my starving children (or another service project)
May 17: Connection – Karaoke
May 24: Outing – Bowling Trip
May 31: Outing/ Discussion – Walk for Ice Cream/ Make a plan for next year
June: Potential Lock In (TBD)
Additional Activities for Youth Groupers
Confirmation 2022-2023
St. Anne’s Episcopal Church
September 25, 2022-April 29, 2023
5-7pm on 1 Sunday a month
St. Mary’s is joining forces with St. Anne’s and Christ Church for this year’s confirmation program. We’ll meet 1x monthly from September 25 – April 29th, Confirmation Day! The group will be led by the church’s three priests. Dinner will be served weekly as part of our time together. Email Rev. Lindsey if you’re interested in joining. Revlindseybriggs at gmail.com
Big Stone Mini Golf Meet Up
Saturday, October 16, 2022
Time TBD
After church, we will meet at Big Stone Mini Gold. It is a bit of a hike – but completely worth it. This family adventure is an ALL PARISH EVENT. You can choose to golf (you must pay cash – adults are $12 and kids are $10), or you can choose to just walk around the sculpture garden (free but suggested donation of $2). If you haven’t been there – it is a must-see for Minnesota.
Youth Recognition Dinner and Service
Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church
May, 2023 (TBD when we get closer)
This is a special dinner for youth in the 7th through 10th-grade range where we acknowledge entering adulthood. The young person presents a toast to the family that is there to support them, and the family members toast the young person. A lovely dinner follows. On the next Sunday, the youth is honored and reminded of their baptismal covenant in this lovely ceremony. This year this dinner will be in May 2023
Interested in Helping Out At Church?
Are you interested in helping out with some of the roles at church? Would you like to be a lay leader? A Sunday School teacher or assistant? Someone who helps with music? If you are trying to find a way to connect with the church and need help– check in with MiaLisa on Sundays to learn more about opportunities that might interest you!
Senior Quilts
Date TBD as we get closer to the end of the school year
We honor seniors with quilts at the end of the year. If you are a senior and you are interested in receiving a quilt, please let us know as soon as possible.