December Youth Update

To the Messiah's Youth Community,

As I wrote to you all some time ago: The old liturgical calendar is rolling to an end. Each year, as we get closer to Advent, I’m reminded that I have another chance to get it right, to prepare my heart for Jesus' birthday and to better integrate my faith, my work and my family. For Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and even the New Year celebration are times when we have clear permission to be with our kids, our extended and our church families.

At Messiah we want our ministries to children and youth to support families and the parental role of nurturing Messiah’s kids in the Christian faith. As we move into the holy-holiday season we want to be sensitive and supportive of our families' need for time together, all the while providing ministry that prepares our children for Christmas. As you’ll see in the calendar there are some old standards and a few new events:

For all ages: The Hanging of the Greens and Salad and Dessert Potluck on Dec. 23rd. Youth and adults can beautify the church for Christmastide with a Children’s Activity in the Undercroft for the little ones. Older kids (grades 3-5) will also rehearse for the Interactive Nativity Pageant. And don’t forget the Family Christmas Eve Service with Interactive Nativity for children of all ages, 4:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

For Youth: Our annual Christmas-Adventure Party: Dec. 7th, our Youthnite Christmas Service Project (Cards & Cookies for Messiah Shut-ins: Dec. 5th &12th), and our annual Advent Play on Dec. 9th. We’ll also add one new opportunity, by serving at the Annual Christmas Party for the families served by Episcopal Community Services, Saturday, December 15, 2007 St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral.

Dave