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Youth Ministry is Back in the Building

The Messenger, Youth News & Events
Check It Out, confirmation, fuse, high school, middle school, rooted, The Messenger 2021-11-01, youth, youth music

By Jen Rowell

Sunday morning youth programs have returned to almost normal at Glen Mar. Youth gather in the Youth Lounge starting around 9:15 for social time and a variety of group games. Fun activities include round-the-table ping pong, life-size battleship, and 9 Square in the Air. The youth then split up into Rooted for high school students, Confirmation Class for 8th graders, and Fuse for 6th and 7th graders. The high school youth continue with more interactive fun, including “The Impossible Shot” before diving into their study of the Sermon on the Mount. Fuse group participants have been spending a lot of time getting to know each other better as they explore how the Old Testament applies to middle school life. The Confirmation Class brings in a new teacher each week as class members deepen their faith through questions, activities, and quirky videos.

For families who come to the 11:00 am contemporary service, there’s a new intergenerational program for kids and youth called “Check It Out.” This program starts at the end of the opening praise set and provides an opportunity for youth to impact the faith of younger kids while having fun. Through group activities, fun videos, and a Bible story, “Check It Out” participants have been exploring some common myths about God, like “God is too busy to help me.”

The Middle School Youth Group has been meeting monthly for special activities like Crazy Game Night and a night of simulation games about trust and power. In November, the group will pack boxes for Operation Christmas Child, and, in December, participants will have a Christmas party.

The High School Youth Group has also been meeting for special activities including a high ropes course and Random Acts of Kindness. In November, high schoolers will have a bonfire night and, in December, a Christmas party. New for high school youth is Wednesday Hangouts, when the youth leaders meet kids in the community and spend time in their world, inviting other youth to join them in supporting one another. Hangout locations include coffee shops, sporting events, concerts, and more.

Glen Mar’s youth music groups have also been meeting and performing in person again. The Voices of Praise youth choir rehearses at 8:30 Sunday mornings with both in-person and virtual options. It sang at the 9:30 am service a few weeks ago. The Youth Bell Choir returned with a group of new ringers, rehearsing on Sunday afternoons. The Youth Orchestra is starting back with a small group of string instrument players. The Youth Orchestra played for worship at the end of October. It will also play for Christmas and hopefully expand to more instruments in the spring.

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