Update from the Director of Education Ministries -- Amy Grella - 412-801-3723
Godly Play Training 2.0
The Christian Education Committee continues to work to prepare Sunday school teacher volunteers to lead Children’s Worship. In-person training classes to cover more tactical skills on sharing a Godly Play story and leading Children’s Worship have been planned. Two classes will be offered, and all Sunday School teacher volunteers are encouraged to attend one. Classes will be held in room 103, the Children’s Worship room on the following dates: Sunday, January 23rd 11:00 a.m., and Sunday, February 6th, 11:00 a.m.
Upcoming Youth Events
These events are for all youth in grades 3-12 unless otherwise listed in the descriptions.
Sunday, Jan. 30th - 11:00 a.m. Distribute Tackle Hunger Fliers around the church neighborhood. We will meet in Fellowship Hall following worship to walk around and hand out fliers at houses in the neighborhood around the church.
Sunday, Feb. 13th - 6:30 p.m. - Super Bowl Watch Party and Game Tournament. Whether or not you watch the Big Game, this event is for you. Serious football watchers will be in room 105, while snacks and our first ever game tournament will be set up in room 110. We will also collect (and count) the Souper Bowl Tackle Hunger donations and prepare them for delivery to SHIM. This is for all youth groups, so feel free to bring a friend. You can plan to stay for the whole game, or just as much as you want (we know it’s a school night). Adult volunteers are needed to help with this event; please let Amy know if you are interested in helping.
Sunday, Feb. 27th - 11:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m. Ice Skating with Senior High Youth. We’ll meet after church and head to South Park to ice skate. Cost is $9 total ($6 admission and $3 skate rental). I need to purchase tickets in advance, so be on the lookout for an RSVP.
Seeking Youth Loving Small Group Leaders
Beginning in February, we will transition to have all youth groups meet on the same time on Sunday evenings. We will still meet as separate groups - this means we need adult volunteers to lead small groups of similar-aged youth. If you have a heart for youth and are interested in volunteering no more than 2-4 hours of your time each month, this opportunity may be for you! Be on the lookout or additional information in January.
Take the Challenge - Tackle Hunger
It is estimated that 96 million people watch the Super Bowl each year, and millions more when you add in other sporting events people enjoy whether it is professional, recreational, or anywhere in-between. What if everyone watching a sporting event gave just one can of food or one dollar to a local food charity? Join Bower Hill youth and tackle hunger this winter. We will be collecting both monetary and food donation items for the Souper Bowl of Caring, which will culminate in watching the Big Game on Feb. 13th. All donations will benefit SHIM. There are two ways you can help:
Collect canned goods in your neighborhood. Pick up copies of the Tackle Hunger Flier to hand out to your neighbors. Pick up donations on the designated day and bring them to church on Sunday, Feb. 13.
Ask friends and family to donate $1 to tackle hunger. With SHIM’s buying power at the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank, just a $1 donation can buy $5 worth of food - enough to provide an entire meal! We have created a fundraising page through SHIM’s website. Share the QR code or the link so people can donate directly on-line.
Spring Retreat Options for Youth
Save the date for these upcoming events. Look for registration details in the coming weeks.
March 5-6th - Tweener Retreat at Camp Crestfield
We are thrilled to get back on campus at Crestfield for a fun-filled overnight, specifically designed for students in grades 3-6. The Next Generation Team of the Pittsburgh Presbytery is running this shortened retreat, with Crestfield hosting. We will leave early on Saturday morning and return by lunchtime on Sunday.
March 18-20th - Spring Retreat at Camp Ligonier
Don’t miss out this time… we will return to Camp Ligonier for a weekend retreat open to all middle school and high school students in grades 6-12. We will partner again with area youth from the six 319 / North Hills churches, and this time, Sunset Hills youth will be attending as well. We will help with an on-site work/service project on Saturday morning in exchange for (free) use of their adventure equipment in the afternoon. Look for registration details in the coming weeks.
High School Summer Mission Trip
A team of nine high school youth and adult leaders will be traveling to Philadelphia, PA for a mission trip the week of June 19th, 2022. The week is focused on learning about the food crisis in Philadelphia. We will partner with local organizations in helping meet the ongoing needs within the community like planting and weeding at an urban garden, packing boxes at a food distribution center or helping load and unload food deliveries to food pantries. There is still room available for youth to join us. Please contact Amy if you are interested.