We have been enjoying groups of 20+ for each of the last 4 gatherings! We are having fun with group dynamic building games, and also sliding in some activities like dyads, where youth have the opportunity for one on one conversation. This was a lot of fun at our “Heart to Heart” gathering on Saturday, February 25. Of course we are also playing some of the all-time youth favorites like Turtle Tag and Markers, and enjoying a pizza party as well!

These are fantastic opportunities for our youth to just be youth together, including time for checking in with highs and lows and learning about what’s going on in each other’s lives. These gatherings have become “church” for our youth and it is a joy to see them forming a strong core group. In addition, it is nice to see our youth stepping up for service opportunities like Turtle Flats and helping out with the Congregational Preschool Carnival!

Our youth also raised $1,200 with our Souper Bowl Sunday fundraiser on February 12. All proceeds went to support the Breakfast Brigade and their hot breakfasts and sandwich making at FCC, what a win-win! Many thanks to our congregation for responding with abundant generosity, time and time again.

We are already looking forward to our Sierra Service Project trip this summer at Smith River, CA, from July 9 – 14. Many youth have already signed up, but there are still a few slots available. A $100 deposit is required to reserve a spot, however, at FCC, we do not want financial barriers to get in the way of participation (deadline for getting the deposit in to Mark is March 31). We have scholarship funds set aside for exactly this purpose, so please do not hesitate to contact Youth Minister Mark Lindberg regarding these scholarships. Combined with our Ice Cream Social fundraiser on May 21, we will definitely find a way for any youth that would like to participate, to be able to join the trip. For more information about SSP, please visit sierraserviceproject.org.

Blessings to all,
Youth Minister Mark Lindberg