After
the chapter has agreed to assist in the Youth Program in the parish, the Director,
and possibly others, need to discuss various possibilities with the rector and
lay leaders who have a responsibility for this aspect. If there is no chapter
member(s) who is capable and willing to take this on, the chapter could help recruit
a leader(s) who is “approved” by the rector. The chapter could provide
support in prayer and assistance in programs as desired by the youth group leaders.
This assistance might include “supervision” for events, chaperoning,
transportation and financing. Some of the things that Youth
groups might do in addition to their own prayer, study, and fellowship program
are: - Participation in worship services, especially
special programs focusing on seasons of the church year. These activities could
include use as lectors, music and drama programs, ushering and even lay reading.
- Physical
work crews - parish and community
- Visitation of shut-ins and parishioners
in nursing homes (occasional)
- Production of religious plays
- Sponsorship
of a parish fellowship covered dish dinner, with or without a program
- Hold
a fund raising event for some worthy purpose. (A Shrove Tuesday Pancake supper
is a traditional youth event.)
- Sponsor dances, trips and other similar
primarily social events for all youth in parish and possible the community.
Whatever
the program, the youth need to make the decision as to whether or not to do it.
The adult leaders need primarily to provide guidance and spiritual inspiration.
Teenagers are willing and want to discuss serious matters if such discussions
are not too frequent and are not forced upon them. It may be helpful to have outside
speakers and discussion leaders for some programs but the decisions as to whether
to do so or not need to be made by the youth. The adult leaders, and possibly
the rector, should “approve” outside speakers. The most valuable contribution
that the adult leaders can make to the group is the sharing of their own faith.
A group that does not have a good spiritual foundation will not be what it should
be as a “church” sponsored group nor will it attract and hold youngsters
very long. The adult leaders need to be sensitive to the possible
disrupting influence of some vouch who are involved in alcohol and drugs. They
need to be firm but loving. Youth who continue to support non-Christian attitudes
and habits may need to be excluded from the group. The youth leaders of the group
should be involved in such a decision. The Lord will reveal the appropriate action
to take in such cases if they are lifted up to Him. Details
as to when to meet must be left up to the group. Normally a weekly meeting group
is needed. The meeting place could be a house or the church; however, the basic
Christian focus should not be forgotten. We urge that spontaneous prayer be encouraged
and developed as a regular practice. While it is not expected that the rector
will be a regular attendee, he should be present occasionally. Of course, a clergy
“youth minister” may be a regular part of the group. It is urged that
singing be a part of every or most gatherings. Costs, if any, should be minimal. |
