New Youth Mission Opportunities One of the best ways to grow in relationship with God is by serving others. With that in mind, we have planned some upcoming mission opportunities for youth in grades 6 and up during days where most schools are off.
Monday, February 18 – Trip to World Vision Youth sixth grade and up are returning to the World Vision warehouse in Sewickley. This youth group outing is planned in conjunction with Sunset Hills Youth for Presidents’ Day, when most schools are off. We will leave from the church at 12:15 p.m. to carpool, and we will return to the church by 5:00 p.m. From 1:00-4:00 p.m., we will work at World Vision to assemble supply packages that will be shipped to foreign countries where they operate. RSVP deadline is February 10.
NOTE: Please make sure kids eat lunch beforehand since NO lunch will be provided—only a snack after we work.
World Vision was selected because it is a Christian organization focused especially on the needs of children, working to help communities lift themselves out of poverty by changing unjust structures affecting the poor among whom they work. You can learn more about them here by visiting https://www.worldvision.org.
Monday, April 22 — Trip to Garfield Farms (Save this date) Details to be announced, but the trip is being planned for the afternoon around 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Youth Family Potluck – Sunday, February 10, 5:30-7:30 p.m. On February 10, we invite all youth 6th grade and up and their families to join us in Fellowship Hall for a potluck dinner and update on our youth programs. We will hear more info about the upcoming work trip to North Carolina, and review results of the youth survey being conducted at the end of January.
Better Than Average Training for Youth and CE Workers The Pittsburgh Presbytery asked how they could best support staff who work directly with youth and children. We asked…they listened! I am thrilled to share information about an upcoming training event at Pittsburgh Presbytery. It is my hope that all of our of CE and youth volunteers are able to participate. Churches must register as a group, so please contact Amy Grella if you are interested in attending.
The Better Than Average Training seeks to connect leaders to one another and equip them for their roles in ministry with the next generation. Whether you’re a veteran full-time staff person or a brand-new volunteer, and whether you are working with preschoolers or high schoolers, there is something for you and every member of your team. This training takes place on the evening of Thursday, February 28 at the Presbytery offices on the North Side. The idea is for staff members (and volunteers who are able) to attend the afternoon session, and then be joined by the rest of their teams for dinner, evening workshops and keynote. Additional details about the workshops and schedule are available by contacting Amy Grella.
Tweener Retreat at Crestfield Youth in grades 4-5 are invited to travel as a group for an overnight retreat at Camp Crestfield. We leave Bower Hill on Saturday, March 16, around 9:00 a.m. and return on Sunday right after worship. This retreat is a TON of fun and designed specifically to introduce campers to the retreat experience. We will join with tweens from churches across the greater Pittsburgh area to experience worship, games, music, and fun exploring the awesome activities available at Crestfield. Cost of the trip is $85 per person. Checks are payable to BHCC. Deadline to register is Sunday, February 17. If you are interested in chaperoning, please let Amy know.
SAVE THESE DATES for exciting summer events!
YOUTH WORK TRIP – June 23-30 A youth work trip with Hiland Presbyterian is being planned to New Bern, North Carolina, to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Florence. Chaperones are needed (to ensure we are able to offer this to our youth). If you are interested in learning more about helping, please contact Amy Grella.
JR. DAY CAMP AND DAY CAMP — July 29 – August 2 — We are partnering with Crestfield again this summer. Details will be provided in future newsletters.