Thank You For Supporting Our Youth
Following the pandemic and Tom‘s death in 2023 I came back to St Paul because I knew how much I would need the church in my future. I knew I didn’t want to do the same things that I had done at St Paul in the past and so a few months after Tom died, I decided I would make dinner and take it to the youth group on a Sunday night. I stayed and had dinner with them and took part in the program. I tried to make light conversation, but I pretty much got ignored.
For the first year or so, I came on most Sundays and occasionally would bring dinner. I participated in lock-ins and went on a couple of retreats. And for the first year, still no one talked to me. So, I committed myself to three things I learned in a class I attended about teens: persistence, patience and presence. Finally at the end of school last year folks started to talk to me and last week I got a hug. It was worth sticking around.
Working with our youth, the past couple of years has obviously helped me to deal with Tom’s death. But more than that, it made me realize how important they are in our church life. We must support, love, and care for them throughout their young lives. I’m sure most of you have been here for a baptism when we commit to doing just that.
We need volunteers to assist with our youth group. And someday I hope we start a separate youth group for our older teens. We want our children and youth programs to grow and thrive, and we need your help with that. If you’re interested, please get in touch with Emily McGinn. And if you bring dinner, stick around. I would be happy to answer any questions as well. Emily’s email is emily@stpaulgrantpark.org.
