The Youth Group is for kids in grades 8-12. All youth play an active role in the life of the church.
The Youth Groups: Meet once a month after the 10:00 a.m. service. Over snacks, we discuss everything from world hunger to what's going on in our own lives. About once a month we also go on an adventure or engage in a service project. Adventures have included camping, kayaking, and an overnight in a Gothic Cathedral!
Curriculum: We create original lessons based on the particular interests of the leaders and kids.
Confirmation: Confirmation preparation is geared toward 8th graders. In addition to classes, confirmands meet with a sponsor and explore what it means to be a mature person of faith by visiting other houses of worship, learning more about how our parish works, and sharing their faith stories over a meal.
For more information about Confirmation or other programs for youth, please contact Nora Smith at nsmith@stbarnabaschurch.org or 914-591-8194.
OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Kids' Outreach Club: Youth Group members help lead younger children in the Outreach Club's seasonal activities. Last year we made Halloween treats for children with AIDS, brought Christmas cookies and carols to homebound seniors, and made Easter baskets for friends away at college.
Children's Choir: Directed by Sandy Summer-Parks, our Children's Choir rehearses every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and sings at one service a month, as well as performing at special events like the Christmas Pageant and the celebration of St. Barnabas Day.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner and Talent Show: Shrove Tuesday is the night before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. A grand, fun, intergenerational event for all ages is held in the Parish Hall on Tuesday evening. Children make masks to wear for the dinner (a traditional pancake supper) which is followed by a talent show featuring performers from the parish.
St. Barnabas Day: To celebrate the close of the youth group and Sunday school year, each June we celebrate St. Barnabas Day with an outdoor service followed by a picnic on the grass. The service is organized and lead by the youth.
Christmas Pageant: All young people are invited to take part in our annual Christmas Pageant. This dramatic retelling of the Nativity story, complete with music and costumes, never fails to show us the true meaning of Christmas. Rehearsals begin in November.
For more information about any of these programs, please call the church office at 591-8194.
