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Frequently Asked Questions:
1) How old does one have to be?
3) What happens at a typical youth group meeting?
4) Does the group have a "Mission Statement"?
5) Does the group participate in any "Service Projects"?
6) Are there any intergenerational activities?
7) Do I have to be a member to join the youth group?
8) How much does it cost to join?
11) How can one become a "Youth Leader" or "Chaperone"?
12) What is the "Youth Leadership Team"?
13) What happens if there is bad weather?
14) Are guest speakers just for the youth or is anyone welcome to attend?
15) Does the youth group sponsor a child?
16) What happens during the summer to the youth group?
17) Are youth able to drive at a youth function?
19) How can you find out more or get on the mailing list?
20) When do I need a permission form?
21) Where can I find a permission form?
1) How old does one have to be?
One has to reach the age of 12 before September 15th through 12th grade.
During the school year we typically meet on Sunday evenings. Occasionally there is a group outing. Make sure you check out the youth calendar for up to date information.
3) What happens at a typical youth group meeting?
The typical youth group meeting is started with a game. Followed by the game there is a lesson. The lessons range from everyday topics, which include stress, parents, friends, drugs, alcohol, the poverty, school, relationships, love, etc. During the lessons the middle school youth are separated from the high school youth (this is the only time that they are separate during the evening). The meeting is then closed with prayer as all the youth hold hands in a circle.
4) Does the group have a "Mission Statement"?
Yes; To create an atmosphere that is safe, spiritual and fun so that our youth may learn to respect each other, their families and most of all our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ through meaningful activities and events.
5) Does the group participate in any "Service Projects"?
Yes. Annually the youth walk in the Crop Walk in October & the MS walk, which usually takes place in April. Throughout the year the youth will partake in other service projects. For example, caroling to shut-ins at Christmas time or raking leaves for a member of the church. There are many other "Service Projects" that the youth do, so make sure that you check the calendar often.
6) Are there any intergenerational activities?
Yes. There are many youth group activities that include intergenerational events. For example, every Shrove Tuesday the youth host a "Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper". All are invited to attend. Pancake flipping races are a hit at this event. In the summer time the youth will be hosting a "Youth vs Church Softball game" (weather permitting). Every March the youth host a "Dinner Theater" in the Parish Hall on a Saturday evening. Make sure you check out the youth calendar for up to date information.
7) Do I have to be a member to join the youth group?
No. The group is open to all youth who are eligible to join.
8) How much does it cost to join?
It is free to join the group. However, there are some outings that cost money to do.
A "Youth Leader" is someone who has surpassed the youth group age. These "Youth Leaders" are there every Sunday and lead a game one week, a lesson the next, etc.
A "Chaperone" is someone who does not have the time to attend as a "Youth Leader" every week. However, this "Chaperone" is called upon during outings, special events, etc.
11) How can one become a "Youth Leader" or "Chaperone"?
There is an application process that takes place. These applications are available from sometime in August. There is a deadline sometime in September. A "Child Abuse" check or a criminal background check may be done during the application process. This is an application process and one can be turned down. A "Youth Leader" must complete the diocese Child Abuse course. "Youth Leaders" & "Chaperones" must complete the applications every year if they would like to be in that position for the following year.
12) What is the "Youth Leadership Team"?
The "Youth Leadership Team" consists of youth members who apply to be on the "Team". The applications are available at the same time that the "Youth Leader"/"Chaperone" applications are available. All "Youth Leaders" are also on this "Team". This "Team" meets 2-3 times during the school year to discuss upcoming events, growing the group, calendar building, etc. Youth members on this committee must complete an application every if they would like to be a part of this "Team" every year.
13) What happens if there is bad weather?
If there is snow in the forecast or if it has just started to snow, most likely a youth event will be cancelled. We do not like to put anyone in jeopardy of getting hurt. In the event of a cancellation there will an email sent to all youth & parents who have signed up to get emails. There will also be a message on the breaking news portion of the HOME page, with any cancellation.
14)Are guest speakers just for the youth or is anybody welcome to attend?
occasionally a guest speaker is invited to attend a youth group meeting. A couple to name a few. In the past we have had an "ex-con" who was incarcerated for life come and talk to the group. We have also had a PA State Trooper come and talk to the youth. At this functions not only are the youth encouraged to attend, but also their parents. In addition, everyone is welcome to attend there very informative nights. Make sure you check out the youth calendar for up to date information.
15) Does the youth group sponsor a child?
Yes. The youth group does sponsor a child through "Compassion International". She resides in Haiti. Her picture hangs in the main room in the youth cottage. She is a member of youth group who we contribute too, write back & forth, and continue to pray for. One day we hope to travel to Haiti to visit with her. If you would like to sponsor a child check out "Compassion International"
16) What happens during the summer to the youth group?
Youth group does not stop during the summer. However, there are no youth meetings. During the summer we try to have an outing once a week. In the past we have played miniature golf, had a Family trip to the Reading Phillies, a Family day trip to Ocean City, NJ, attend the Creation Festival, plus much more. Summer schedules usually are made available sometime in May. Make sure you check out the youth calendar for up to date information.
17) Are youth able to drive at a youth function?
Youth are not allowed to drive at any youth function. A driver of a vehicle must be at least 21 years of age and be approved by the youth minister in order to drive youth during a youth function/. After a youth group function youth are only allowed to transport the youth that they brought with them for that function.
The "Messenger" is a monthly publication from the Church of the Messiah highlighting ministries throughout the church. However, the youth article can be found every month at the Messenger Link.
19) How can you find out more or get on the mailing list?
Contact Mike Rau the Youth Minster.
20) When do you need a permission form?
A "permission form" is required for all YOM over night events. In addition there are some events that require this form. If a form is required for such an event it will be noted on the YOM calendar page on the web site.
21) Where can I find a permission form?
A form can be picked up in the Youth Cottage
or
click here to download a permission form
"Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young.
Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love,
your faith, and your pure life"
1 Timothy 4:12
