St. Peter's Youth (SPY)
Updated 10/25/09
Contact Information
Contact Carol Olzinski, St. Peter's Youth Coordinator, for details about any of the events in which our youth are participating:
Cell: 610-657-3569 - Email: bibliophile211@epix.net
About SPY
Carol Olzinski became St. Peter's Youth Coordinator on August 1, 2006. Her goals for the Youth program are:
- To define the purpose of SPY as providing opportunitiers tp "worship, pray, and serve" as youth members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- To enable SPY members to further understand their beliefs about God and the Church
- To foster awareness of the SPY mnistry within the St. Peter's community
SPY Annual Report for 2008
St. Peter's Youth enjoyed another active year that included service, fellowship, and various learning opportunities. Each month, throughout the year, at least two meetings were held at which attendees engaged in Bible study, watched and discussed relevant movies, or planned upcoming SPY activities.
During the late winter and early spring, SPY members focused on preparing for the 30-Hour Famine event held on April at Hope Lutheran Church, Tatamy. This included studying the problems of worldwide poverty and famine, and also participating in various fundraising events. In March, for example, SPY members joined the Hope Lutheran Youth Group at Red Robin, Northampton Crossings, for a car wash. $400.00 was raised! A car wash held at St. Peter's in June enabled the youth to raise an additional $250.00 for famine relief.
SPY members also served at Christ UCC's Soup Kitchen (in January, March, and October), assisted residents at Gracedale, and participated in a Clean-Up Day to prepare St. Peter's for the Chile Cook-Off. SPY members coordinated the ice cream and face painting stands.
Once again, SPY members also took the lead in planning and carrying out the annual St. Peter's Easter Egg Hunt. Other activities included Youth Sunday in February, the Good Friday Breakfast in March, and the Halloween Party in October. During the summer months, SPY members enjoyed two bowling nights, a day at Camel Beach, and assisting with Bible School. Several SPY members also enjoyed a day at Split Rock, where they joined over 100 other youth from across the Pocono Region for Ecumenical Youth Sunday. Personalizing over 600 Christmas cards for the Prison Ministry, Christmas Caroling at Chandler Estates, and a Christmas Party rounded out the year's activities.
Eleven youth from St. Peter's, who will be accompanied by five adult chaperones, also registered in fall 2008 to attend the National Youth Gathering of Lutheran Youth in July 2009 in New Orleans. Thus far, fund raising efforts have included a Parents' Night Out on "black" Friday and a Christmas Cookie Sale.
Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults
Exciting things are happening for the youth of St. Peters!
SPY Kids (Grades 3 - 6)
Jr SPY (Grades 7, 8, and 9)
What's Happening in 2009!
SPY will begin a new program for youth in grades 7 - 12 at 9:00 - 10:00 AM on Sundays. All of these events take place in the Friendship Room.
We are studying what Jesus has to say about ministering to others through service. We've also been watching a video series entitled The 24/7 Experience, which features teens traveling across the United States learning about following Jesus. Anyone in grades 7 - 12 is welcome to join us.
Christmas Cards for Prison Ministry
SPY and Prison Ministry are once again writing Christmas cards for the inmates at Northampton and Monroe County Prisons. We are asking the congregation for donations of new/unused boxes of cards that will be personalized by the prison ministry team and SPY. For more information please contact Dave Houser 610-588-2095 or Carol Olzinski 610-863-0563.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
- Clean Up Day! Please join us at 8:00 AM on the playground behind the church to help the property committee clean up the fallen leaves and twigs. Sign up on Carol's door if you can come.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
- SPECIAL EVENT - Details to follow.
Volunteer Opportunities for SPY members throughout the year:
- Adults and youth and their families may call the director of Christ's Soup Kitchen at any time to help. Call Sue Ratzell at 610-759-1982.
- Prison Ministry- Youth under 18 cannot visit the prison, but can help collect supplies for the inmates
- Youth ages 10+ are always needed to work at Christ's Soup Kitchen
- Lawn Care/Property Committee
- Acolytes
- Choir
- Altar Guild
- Coffee Hour Set-Up and Clean-Up
- Greeters/Lectors
- Nursery
- Praise Band
- Ushers
- Prayer Readers
- Vacation Bible School
- Assistance to Shut-Ins
Recycle Your Printer Cartridges and Help SPY
A collection bin has been placed in the narthex for used printer cartridges. All money raised will help members of SPY finance attendance at upcoming retreats.