YOUTH GROUP NEWS
Immanuel Youth Travel to New Orleans to help rebuild communities Click here to follow their journey
The Youth of Immanuel recently returned from the LYO National Youth Gathering in San Antonio, TX. Thier stories and letters reflect the impact that the experience had on their relationship with each other and with God. We encourage you to read their story and reflect on their expereince. You can download the "e-journal" by clicking on the letter below. You can also visit the LYO Youth Gathering Website "e-journal"click here
Youth Group Service Project The Garden of Remembrance is a service project that the youth of Immanuel will create to be a visible reflection of God’s influence in our lives for the congregation and the community. The youth designed an outdoor area with the help of Jeff Kachmaryk that could be used for quiet reflection on God’s impact in our lives, prayer, community and social events, Sunday School classes, and maybe even a sunrise service or outdoor baptism. The location of the garden is on the west side of the property, right off the education wing. The main elements of the garden are the cross path (designed to be handicap accessible) and a water feature (to symbolize our baptism). Benches would be placed in areas around the cross for small groups or classes. After the initial garden is completed, there will be the opportunity for members of Immanuel to donate specific flower varieties from their gardens in memory or honor of a loved one. If you don’t have the varieties we are in need of, you also will have the opportunity to make a donation to the Garden of Remembrance. Look for the list and more information about this in the July or August Open Doors. The Garden of Remembrance is a major project that is creating major excitement. We are thankful to Jeff Kachmaryk, Dave Reville and Elaine Kasiske who have offered their time and talents in this effort. While this is a youth service project, it is also an intergenerational congregational project. The youth are excited about working with members of Immanuel of all ages to complete this project. If you are interested in helping out, please call Barb Rafferty at 544-2367 or 872-5180.

Immanuel Youth Put Faith in Action

at Group Workcamp

A group of young people from Immanuel participated in a weeklong service mission experience to help the residents of Ithaca, NY. Workcamp groups are comprised mostly of faith-based youth groups who sign up and pay $500 each to attend a session with adult leaders. The fee defrays the cost of lodging, food and construction materials. Started in 1972 following a flood in Colorado, Group Workcamp Foundation has organized camps each year in an ecumenical setting that brings groups from different Christian denominations together for public service.

During the week of July 10th, Ashleigh Kasiske, Kelly Doohan, Jen Rafferty, Tina Huehn, Brett Bannon and advisors Christopher Schwartz and Kathy Bannon participated in the Ithaca Camp, sponsored by the Group Workcamps Foundation of Loveland, Colorado. These youth repaired and weatherized family homes for elderly, low-income, and disabled people who are unable to afford or perform the work for themselves.

Other young people and their adult leaders from across the country, representing many denominations, also participated. Through their work, these young people gained a life-changing understanding about the true meaning of servanthood and worked to grow in their Christian faith.

Thank you for keeping these youth and adult mentors in your prayers.

LYO Activities

LYO Lock-in - November 10-11 is the next LYO lock-in. the lock-in starts at 8:30pm and ends at 8:30am. We will go to Empire Lanes for cosmic midnight bowling as part of this cool event. Invite your friends and sign up on the sign up sheet on the Narthex bulletin board. The cose for this event is $8. If any brave adults would like to help chaperone part of this event, please call Joel.

LYO Dinner and Discussion - Dinner Discussion for the month of November will be held Wednesday, November 15, 2006 from 5-7pm. During this time we will have a discussion about LYO activities and bible study. Bring a friend and come relax. Please note that this is a Wednesday, which is a little bit different than usual. There is a sign up sheet on the Narthex bulletin board.