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Welcome to Trinity's Youth Ministry! Over the past few years, the ministry of youth at Trinity has blossomed. As articulated by the kids at the end of last year, our purpose it to learn more about ourselves and others, while deepening our knowledge and relationship with God and Jesus Christ. The Youth Ministry is open to anyone ages 11-18 who would like to join us in our journey. As you can see in our calendar of events, we are accomplishing the mission we've set for ourselves by experiencing God through worship and discussion on Sunday evenings, through serving our communities (e.g., serving food to homeless children and adults and working on a homeless youth shelter,) and having fun together (e.g., rock-climbing, bowling, and pottery) culminating with mission trips to help poor families in Appalachia in 2004, in Puerto Rico in 2005, and New Orleans in 2006.
Prayer is no substitute for action; we're encouraging our Youth Group members to do both. Please join us on Sunday evenings. You'll find more detailed information about our activities in each monthly edition of The Still Small Voice.
If you're interested in finding out more about Trinity's Youth Group, please call the church office at 624-3101
The Staff
Clergy
The Rev. Alex Dyer, Associate Rector
Youth Group Facilitators
Rose Pawlikowski
Pat Rossiter
Spring 2008 Schedule
Click here for the spring 2008 schedule of youth activities (PDF).
Confirm not Conform
In January, 2008, our parish will be pilot testing a new confirmation program for youth. Called CnC:Confirm not Conform, this program takes an innovative approach to helping young people build their own spiritual lives.
The initial problem with most confirmation programs is that, from the moment a youth signs up, the assumption that they will be confirmed is in place. It's a done deal. No student would want to spend so much time in study and not reach the goal. But how can you confirm your faith without opening your heart and mind to ask what it is you really believe? The process is meant to be about exploration, not memorization.
CnC is focused on helping young people ask the tough questions and search out the answers. Through field trips, mentor relationships and the challenge to do a whole lot more than just learn a few facts, CnC lets kids take real responsibility for understanding their faith and its power. When they do - when they see the church and faith as something that truly belongs to them, rather than something they're forced to accept - it builds a bond that lasts.
At the end of the class, as a sign of their ability to take charge of their own spiritual life, each youth chooses whether or not to be confirmed. All participants, whatever their decision, are honored in a special service dedicated to their work, exploration and discoveries. In parishes which have used CnC, kids refer to the service as one of the most meaningful experiences they've had in church.
There will be 10 Monday night classes beginning January 7, 2008, from 6:30-7:45 pm
Our Deanery Confirmation will be here at Trinity, March 29, 2008, 4:00 pm
Participants should be 15 years of age by the date of confirmation.
For more information, contact: Beth Magill, elizabeth.magill@yale.edu or David Phelps, david.phelps@nasco.com
Youth Group News, January 2008
For the first time in recent memory, Trinity has a Senior High (grades 9-12) and Junior High Youth Group (grades 6-8). The Jr. High Youth Group meets from 4:00-6:00 and the Sr. High Youth Group meets from 5:30-7:30. Both groups share dinner each week and special activities.
January 6: Jr. High & Sr. High Youth Group resume
January 13: Jr. High & Sr. Youth Group
January 20: Holiday Bazaar Pizza Party at the Fiddlers' House from 5:30 - 6:30
January 27: Both youth groups are invited to the Deanery Wide Coffee House Event at Trinity. The event will be at a special time 6:00-8:00.
Pancake Supper, Shrove Tuesday, 2007
The Youth Group held their annual fundraising Pancake Supper in the Undercroft and a good time was had by all. Pictures here.
Mission Trip to New Orleans, 2006
The Youth Group sent a team on a mission trip to New Orleans in early July, 2006. Here they are with the Rev. Nathan Speck-Ewer, their clergy adviser at the time:
"What I did in Puerto Rico"
By youth participants in the 2005 mission trip to Caguas, Puerto Rico, July 9 –17th, as published in the September 2005 issue of the Still Small Voice (the "residents" were the people whose homes were painted and repaired)
The things that I will always remember about this summer trip are the friends I made and my resident Alicia who always had a smile and treated me like her own. I will never forget this wonderful trip. Also the knowledge of over 3 years there was 50,000 man-hours put into [repairing homes in Caguas] from all the workers - this from only about 2,000 workers. I just love this camp and I will be going until I die.
Mackenzie Pikaart
I had an awesome week in Puerto Rico. I met so many new people and had a great time fixing my resident's house. My crew were awesome people who worked really hard to fix up the house. My resident's names were Jesus and Chacha.
During the week at my resident's house, I met some of the Puerto Rican children who lived down the street. We played ball in the street, volleyball, and tag all day on Friday. By the end of the week, we were the best of friends and it seemed like we had known each other forever, even though we didn't speak the same language. One girl in particular, Nini (9yrs) had a special bond with me. We didn't speak the same language, but I guess God was working with us because somehow we understood each other. Christine Popp
I had a great mission trip to Puerto Rico. I learned a lot about myself and my fellow youth groupers, and I also made a lot of new friends. My favorite part by far though was being able to help my resident and make a visible difference in their lives, especially the kids. Willem Bogardus
My trip was awesome. I experienced so many different things that I never dreamed of. For example, I hiked through a rain forest, went under a waterfall, and saw a woman's face light up with joy and love for me and my crew's hard work. I worked the hardest that I have in my life. I have met new people and shared experiences with people that were so sweet and kind to each other. It helped me understand my religion and all of its aspects. I can't wait to have another experience like this one. Thank you for this experience. Liz Pikaart
Puerto Rico has enlightened my spirituality, really helping reconnect with God. Helping repair the homes of Caguas, worshiping God, exploring Puerto Rico, and just meeting new people was an experience I will never forget . Eric Eichler
This year's mission trip was an experience all its own. Not only did I bond with my resident without the use of language, but I had some of the most memorable events of my life. I'll never forget sitting in the warm water [on the beach] then eating coconut ice cream. I'll also never forget the bonds I had made with the rest of the youth group digging deeper with our relationships. Emily Hoda
I found this mission trip to be very enlightening. We grew spiritually as we worked with our residents lives and each other's tools. Our connections to each other as well as God were strengthened greatly by this experience. Compared to last year, this year's trip was about as enlightening as well as nice. We also had quite a bit of sightseeing and good times in the town and at the beach, both of which the last trip lacked. Although I certainly missed many of those who could not attend, I enjoyed the company of our youth group as well as the entire camp of friendly and helpful people. In conclusion, the beaches and work as well as people helped to truly strengthen my relationship with God as well as with the youth group and especially youth group leaders. Marty Peters
My experience in Puerto Rico was sweet. I got to meet new people. I got to get to know my old friends better, and I strengthened my relationship with God. We went to some pretty cool places in Puerto Rico, like Old San Juan, a fort, the rain forest, and the beach. However, the best place I went was to work everyday at my resident's house. My resident, Julia, was a great person, and even though we didn't speak the same language, we had a special connection through God. Matt Popp
My mission trip experience in Puerto Rico was really great. I felt myself grow closer to God and further realized the awesome power of prayer. The work was actually kind of fun to do. I also got to know the people in my youth group a whole lot better and realized that they are truly a wonderful bunch of guys and gals. Overall this trip was a big success for me and I look forward to serving the less fortunate more in the future. Will Dickinson
I had an awesome time in Puerto Rico and wouldn't trade it for the world! Kate Tripp
During our trip to Puerto Rico we bonded with other kids staying at the school with us and especially the kids in our crews. We helped each other to take a step forward during hard times, learned about ourselves, and had special conversations with God. I think everyone in the Trinity youth group got these things out of this trip.
The working time and relaxing time was well balanced, giving us the rest and strength we needed to finish our houses, which all of us accomplished. The first, last, and in-between days were used to go to the beach, or see parts of Puerto Rico like the rain forest, or kayaking. No matter whether it was a work day or sightseeing day, we always had a program in the evening including singing, praying, and other fun events. I got so much out of this trip and I'm 100% glad I came. Hannah Bogardus
In Puerto Rico we helped people who are less fortunate than us, we painted houses and put smiles on peoples faces. I had an o.k. crew and I didn't like my [work crew ] leader but overall the experience was amazing! Jenny Omdahl
In Puerto Rico this summer I painted and roofed a house. My resident's name was Senor Rodriguez. I spent a lot of time getting to know him, his wife, and especially his grandson Delbuay. He is an 8-year old Puerto Rican boy who speaks only Spanish, and is the cutest thing I have ever seen. My crew and I spent four days working on their house, and I would say we made a lasting impression on both the house and the people. Outside of my crew, I met lots of different kinds of people. Everyone there was special in their own ways and I loved getting to know all of them. Bailey Jongbloed
In Puerto Rico we fixed up houses which bettered the lives of some/most of the residents. The majority of the jobs were to paint the exterior of the house and/or put sealant on the roof. It was an amazing experience and I learned a lot about myself. During this experience I grew closer to others and met a lot of new people. Every day felt longer because I was having fun. I hope that there's another mission trip next summer. Avery Tiner
I worked on the house of a person I don't even know just to make their life better and I did it in the name of God. Max Duenkel
Puerto Rico was an amazing experience. Not only the place, but everyone who was involved. I learned a lot about myself and about helping others. I just feel so thankful to be able to have this experience. It's not everyday that teens get the chance to fly to Puerto Rico and touch other people's lives forever. Sophie Peters
My experience on the 2005 mission trip to Puerto Rico was amazing. The weather was overwhelmingly hot. I have never been in weather where it was raining one minute and the next minute it is sunny again. At times we had sun showers which were beautiful. Another part of the trip I thought was amazing was the way the work crews bonded with their resident(s) who were complete strangers (for the first two days) and who did not speak the same language. I felt connected and a part of my resident's family by the third day. At first our resident did not come outside and interact with the work crew, but the last couple of days she came outside, cooked for us, let us watch movies, and ordered pizza for us. She let us in her house as if we have known each other for years. I felt very welcomed in Puerto Rico. My resident's neighbors even cooked food for the work crews who were on that block. They also invited us into their houses. One thing that I did not like about the trip was the mosquitoes. I got bitten by mosquitoes at least 30 times. I liked the evening shows we had every night. During the evening shows we talked about God and met new people. I really enjoyed my first trip to Puerto Rico! I met lots of new people and saw new things. Being in a different environment has really changed my perspective on the way I view the world and other people's life styles. Maya Welfare
The Trip to Appalachia: Following are three reports that were published in the July/August 2004 issue of the Still Small Voice.
Dear Friends,
I am delighted to report that the youth mission trip to Appalachia was a huge success!
I share this summary of our experiences with you; a DVD of the mission trip is being created and will be aired in the fall for all to see.
13 kids and 3 adults worked hard from June 26th through July 3rd and contributed over 650 hours of labor in Celina, Tennessee - a community that is among the poorest in our nation. Our projects included building porches and wheelchair ramps, building staircases, exterior and interior house painting, drywall, roofing, and lots of hammering!
The net effect of our labor is staggering. Our group of 13 kids joined forces with about 380 other Christian kids for the camp. In total, our camp contributed above 17,000 hours to the Celina community - the equivalent of one person working full time in the community for over 6 years. We did it in a week!
We drove down to Roanoke, Virginia on June 25th and further down to Cookeville, Tennessee on June 26th. On Sunday morning, June 27th, while in Cookeville, we attended a large (1,500 worshippers a Sunday) Pentecostal-style church. The church, Trinity Assemblies of God, happened to be celebrating "Outreach Sunday." They got word of us and invited me up to share a word or two about our mission. Worshiping at this church broadened our kids' experience of the Christian faith. They learned how other Christians worship, what other Christians believe, and what we share in common. It encouraged our kids to consider more deeply what they believe and why. They also learned about Christian hospitality beyond denominational and theological differences - the people of the church generously gave us money to buy a nice dinner in Celina!
At the work camp, the kids and leaders were put into work-crews of 4-7 kids and 1-2 adult leaders; the crews reflected the geographic and denominational diversity of the camp participants. Thus, none of our kids was in the same crew, and all were encouraged to build new relationships and teams on common ground. Each crew was given a specific house project to work on and complete. Through the week, our kids worked on their house in their crews from 8 to 3:30 or later each day to accomplish their goals.
Many of our kids learned new skills - carpentry, painting, roofing, and refinishing, etc., - and discovered a lot about themselves, too. They had significant interactions with the house residents and learned first-hand about life and poverty in Appalachia. They were given first-hand opportunities to reflect on the connection between life, work, spirituality, and what it means to be a neighbor to someone.
Many kids tried regional foods for the first time: hominy-grits, fried catfish, Tennessee-style pulled pork barbeque, fried frog legs, hushpuppies, fried pickle spears, and blackberry cobbler, to mention just a few - follow-up cholesterol testing is being recommended for all participants. At the end of the trip, we celebrated our success with a day of rollercoaster madness at Busch Gardens; we also celebrated Matt Popp's 16th birthday.
In every way, Trinity's kids rose to the challenges of this mission trip. Through the week, our kids became a self-regulating team and started making important decisions as a group with minimal assistance from the adult leaders. We prayed together, worked together, and excelled together. We had a wonderful time!
The kids and leaders would like to thank our Trinity family for making this experience possible. Our kids' lives were transformed by a deeper experience of God because of the generosity of Trinity's pledging members and their contacts; all those who supported our fundraisers and made unsolicited donations; the Trinity Home Board and Trinity's Community Outreach Committee; the hard work, money and sweat of the parents and kids; and the strength, commitment and time of Martha Staeheli (Director of Youth Ministries) and Mark Lawless (chaperone). {EDITOR'S NOTE: Nathan was also a chaperone!}
Our next mission trip (summer 2005) is already being discussed - watch for details!
Love,
Nathan (Speck-Ewer)
On June 20th the Trinity Youth Group was commissioned to serve Christ through serving others on their trip to Appalachia. The congregation prayed for their courage, patience and vision, that they may receive "unity with each other, deep humility, a willingness to serve and a sense of joy and gratitude to meet the challenges ahead."
Your prayers have clearly been heard and answered! Your youth group accepted the charge and fulfilled their mission with grace and humility that could have only been inspired by the Holy Spirit. They rose to meet every challenge ranging from religious and cultural differences, to the silly morning announcement "wakey, wakey, wakey, wakey work campers!" and an ongoing attack on their digestive system as they had to endure fast food in great quantities, (personally, the latter two will not be missed).
I am deeply grateful that the members of Trinity church had the foresight to see the value of this mission trip. On an individual level, I am so privileged to have been able to accompany the youth group. To witness first-hand the genuine, innocent and open expression of faith and service was deeply moving and a daily affirmation of faith.
The amount of labor and work hours invested in Celina, Tennessee, is staggering but pales in comparison to the intangible spiritual influence on everyone involved.
This mission trip has and will continue to challenge me with the charge of service: how can I and how will I serve God through serving others?
Yours in Christ,
Mark Lawless
As most of you know, 13 youth and 3 adult leaders from Trinity went on a mission trip to Celina, TN earlier this summer. This experience has brought to my attention that others out in this world, and even in the United States, need help with their homes. This has helped me spiritually because now I know that there are many teens out there acknowledging their faith and proud of it.
Once we had gotten to down to Celina, I was looking around to see if there were any really beaten-up houses that needed help. Then I realized that many of these houses had been in proximity of 1-10 miles away from the K-8th grade school that we were staying at this past week. The first night that we got to the school we met our crew that we were going to spend the rest of the week working with. It was very important that everyone got along because this crew was like your second family for the week. By the end of the second day everyone was closely knit with their crew. It was like we were brothers and sisters. By the end of the week no one wanted to go home.
The residents were some of the most interesting people that I have met. I give them credit for coming out and saying that they needed help with their houses because they didn't have the money to rebuild or fix them up. They all had the most interesting stories about their past and how they have lived in the same town for all or most of their lives.
It was a great trip all around, and I would like to thank you for all your financial support through all of this trip. I encourage everyone that has the opportunity to go on a work camp youth mission trip. I would go again without thinking twice.
Thank you all again,
Mackenzie Pikaart
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