FROM THE DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND YOUTH PROGRAMS Amy Grella — am@bhccml.com
YOUTH GROUP – SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER Youth in grades six and up are especially encouraged to attend SNL on May 20 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. We will be joined by Ed Sutter, Director of Middle School Ministry & Family Counseling, at Westminster Presbyterian and a Youth Specialist with the Soul Shop™ Movement. It exists due to the need of desperately hurting people to be heard, noticed, and seen within their faith communities. Soul Shop provides training and support to faith community leaders. At any given time, one in 17 adults (according to Living Works) and one in six youth (CDC Report) are considering suicide. Soul Shop recognizes that most congregations are not equipped to adequately respond to this need. As a result, we seek to equip congregations in responding to desperation. With them, we hope to catalyze regional networks that create soul safe communities.
CALLING VOLUNTEERS FOR DAY & JR. DAY CAMP JULY 23-27 This summer will be the fourth year we are offering two different camps for our vacation bible school. The theme for both is Beyond Belief — The Universe of God. —Day Camp is an all-day faith-building experience for elementary-aged children in completed 1st through 5th grades. Day Camp is held at the church and will be led by Crestfield staff, but includes a day trip to Camp Crestfield during the week. —Jr. Day Camp, which takes place daily that same week from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, is for children in preschool (must be potty-trained) up to completed Kindergarten. Jr. Day Camp is run by our staff and volunteers. The CE committee envisions using this week long ministry as a tool to reach out into our community to invite friends and family to check out Bower Hill. We are excited to be preparing for an increased number of youth in both camps! Youth in grades six and up are needed to help lead Jr. Day camp for our preschool and kindergarten children. However, that means that LOTS of help is needed to make it a memorable and successful week. Complete details on various volunteer opportunities and a sign-up sheet are on the bulletin board outside the Friendship room. All volunteers here during the week of Day Camp must be Approved Adults. If you are not already an Approved Adult at Bower Hill, start the process by completing the Approved Adult application and submitting it to Amy or the church office. Copies of this form are also on the bulletin board by the Friendship Room. This is an easy (and free) process that can largely be accomplished from any computer. If you already have your clearances through a school or another organization, you don’t need to repeat the process; you can provide copies. Lastly, in a few weeks look for a “WISH” tree, filled with the supplies and monetary donations needed to support Jr. Day Camp. Thanks for your help in supporting Bower Hill children!
YOUTH GROUP SUMMER LOCK-IN – SAVE THE DATE Be sure to save the date for a lock-in at church on Saturday, August 18. Youth in grades six and up are encouraged to participate. Watch for details in the coming months, but we wanted to make sure to get this in your family calendar. Feeling young at heart? Please contact Amy or the church office if you are interested in helping to chaperone this event!