EDUCATION
Sunday Morning Conversations:
Each Sunday morning, the Sr. High youth gather to discuss their faith journeys and how they are related to the day's events. We meet at a local coffee shop and enjoy conversation over coffee and hot chocolate.
Every Sunday: Sr. High Youth
Confirmation Program:
Jr. High students are encouraged to participate in St. Mark's confirmation program in which they learn about our Christian heritage, their baptism and how each has been called in his or her own way as a follower of Jesus. Each year concludes with a week of fun during Confirmation Camp at Camp Calumet:
Every Thursday evening and Sunday morning: Jr. High Youth
SERVICE
30 Hour Famine:
Youth participate in the 30 hour famine each year, when we fast to bring the community's attention to hunger in the world. We raise money and collect food for local and world efforts to erradicate hunger and keep busy with conversation, games and activities around the theme.
Yearly each February or March: Jr. and Sr. High Youth
Volunteer Opportunities (Foodshare, Good News Garage, St. Mark, etc.)
We take part in several volunteer opportunities throughout the year, both at church and in the greater community. Youth are able to put their faith into action by serving others in a variety of ways.
Leadership Development
Youth have many opportunities to serve in leadership roles at St. Mark. During worship, this can mean serving as a worship assistant, lector, or usher. Several youth teach Sunday School on Sunday mornings and others serve on a church committee.
FUN
Lock-Ins
At least twice a year, the Youth take over the church for a Friday night and Saturday morning. Games, food and fun with friends (but not sleep) are the main attractions, as are closing devotions with Pastor Joe.
Twice Yearly: Jr. and Sr. High
Weekend Retreats:
Jr. and Sr. High Youth attend at least one retreat each year. Retreats are opportunities for us to recharge from our busy lives and enjoy a little rest and relaxation and a lot of fun. These retreats are opportunities to bond as a group, share God's love and have an incredible time.
At least once yearly: Jr. and Sr. High
Calumet
Calumet is the New England SYNOD's outdoor ministry center. The camp on beautiful Lake Ossipee in Freedom New Hampshire, is the place to be year-round for friends, faith and fun. Resident camp for kids is the favorite week or two of the year for many kids who grow up at St. Mark. Many of these campers have also gone on to do Leadership Training and be on Staff at Calumet.