SUUmmer!

SUUmmer:
We all know Summer is here, which means school is out, but that doesn't mean Saltwater is!
Youth group is still going, but we are doing different lesson plan... Lawn games!
Who wouldn't want to spend a hour hanging with your fav buddies playing games? Maybe afterward we can go get ice cream...
Usually not many people show-up to church during the summer, because they rather be outside, well.... You will be outside, having a blast!
So please come join the fun, this is a great opportunely to bring your friends and have an amazing time!
Let UU's mix into your summer, making it: SUUmmer!

We will be meeting at 10 am, Sunday, Saltwater Unitarian Universalist church :)
Don't forget to bring your sunscreen!

Coming Of Age!

Message from Melinda -

You should be completing a draft of your Credo soon, so that you have time to revise and polish it before May.

Do be sure you are finding time to meet together at least once per month, and check in with one another more often. Youth, at your meetings, be prepared to tell your mentor what you've been working on, what questions you have, and what support you need. Parents, you may want to talk through this with your youth before they meet with their mentor.

I've heard that some of you may be struggling with the readings in the UU Primer, or knowing what to talk about. Here are some possible discussion questions to use when you meet together.

Remember, you may choose which readings to use. You may choose to read them separately and then discuss; or, since they are short, you might want to read them aloud together.

What Do Unitarian Universalists Believe?

"Does the description of what Unitarian Universalists believe in this chapter fit with what you believe?"

"Are there answers to the 5 questions to ask about any religion Rev. James shared with us in this description? (Who has the authority for what you believe? What is the universe like? What are people like? What should society be like? What's the purpose of a religious community?)"

"How would you answer the question, what do Unitarian Universalists believe?"

All Are Welcome

"How did you and/or your family come to Unitarian Universalism (or Saltwater Church)?"

"Are you a lifelong Unitarian Universalist?"

"What is your earliest memory of Saltwater Church?"

"Do you feel that Saltwater is welcoming to new people? Are there ways you think we could be more welcoming?"

Chalice Lightings, Worship Readings, Spirit of Life, We Gather Together

"What has been your experience with worship? What do you enjoy or find meaningful? Are there aspects of worship that you find challenging or unappealing?"

"Do any of these readings or songs speak to you? Why? If you were composing a book like this, what readings or songs might you include?"

Religious Education

"What has been your experience with religious education?"

"What would you like to learn more about in your religious education?"

Social Justice

"What social justice work have you observed being done by people in our congregation?"

"What areas of social justice do you feel drawn towards? How have you worked to further those goals, or how might you?"

The Story of Unitarian Universalism

"What themes can you identify in the history of Unitarian Universalism?"

"Are you surprised at how far back in history our roots go? Why or why not?"

"What events in this history are familiar to you?"

What about Wednesday Night Youth Group??

EVENING YOUTH GROUP!!??!!

EVERY WEDNESDAY EVENING FROM 6-9

Purposed Schedule:

5:00: Setup – Prepare Game, setup, prepare snacks etc
- Worship Band Arrives to prepare/setup equipment
6:00pm Arrive – Hang out
6:15: Games
7:00: Worship
7:30: Snacks and Announcements
8:00: Small Groups
9 pm: Church setup

THE TEAM!!!

YOUTH NEEDED:
WORSHIP BAND!

Practice Sundays afternoons
- Decide worship music for youth group
- Learn new music
- Write Music
- Be a leader

Projectionist
- Help with Worship music lyrics
- Lighting and sound equipment
- Develops PowerPoint

Outreach/Leadership
- Coordinate Designing youth swag
- Participate in youth events
- Attend youth conferences

ADULTS NEEDED
YOUTH GROUP

Small Group Facilitators
- Two adults for Junior Youth
- Two adults for Senior Youth
- Prepare for assigned lessons

Snack Prep
- Donations for snack
- Preparing snack
- Setup and clean up of snack

Event Coordinator
- Schedule Youth Events
- Make announcements and sign ups

Lay Minister – Worship Leader
- Help run games
- Have short worship message

FUNDS NEEDED
THE MOOLA…
- Snack
- T-shirts, youth swag
- Lesson materials
- Worship music/books
- Event Moola

FAQ:

Q: Will there still be a Sunday youth group?
A: YES! Of course, Sunday youth group is very important! Not to mention awesome

Q: When would this evening youth group start?
A: Fall of 2009, more official dates will be sorted out.

Q: What kind of snacks?
A: They will be mostly healthy, always having vegetarian options available.

Q: What are the ages of this youth group?
A: Youth said they want to welcome junior, senior youth as well as college age.

Q: Can I bring my friends?
A: Of course!! The more the merrier, literally, most of the games played are tons more fun with more people.

More questions? Tell us all about your ideas,
this is going to be YOUR youth group!

You are encouraged to talk with youth leaders and parents about any other questions you have.

Should we have a youth group name? Like the times or not? Want a different date? How about a logo? Want to be in the Worship band?

What do you think???
Talk about it now!

Take Action! Get Involved!

April 9th Help Synagogue
From 7:15 - Around 9:30 pm.
(approximately 2-3 hours)

Here's an opportunity that I hope a few of you might consider.

The synagogue is looking for two teens and one adult to help serve for their Passover Seder on April 9.

If two youth and one of your mentors wanted to do this, it could count as attendance at a religious ceremony from another faith as one of your coming of age requirements.

They are offering to pay for the help, which could be a fundraiser for our Coming of Age program (we are in the hole from the costs of the retreats and books, and will have a few more expenses before we are done).

I've attended Seders in the past--its very interesting, a meal eaten as a ritual. I think many of you might enjoy this. Is anyone available that evening?

Contact Melinda if you are interested!

Take Action! Get Involved!

Invisible Children Fundraiser!

HEY SALTWATER YOUTH!
We need helpers for the

Invisible Children Fundraiser

Saturday, May 2, 2009

7:00pm - 9:00pm
Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church...

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=75374968625&ref=mf

Come help raise awareness!
To the abducted children in northern Uganda (and other parts of Africa), all the proceeds go to the organization: Invisible Children (website: http://www.invisiblechildren.com/home.php)

this is sort-of how the event will go:
we will be showing a documentary (we will actually be starting it around 7:30) about it (Invisible Children: Rough Cut), it's about a hour long or so.
Then we will split-up into groups and have a discussion (you are welcome to make art like write a poem or something, draw... est while we are discussing) about what you thought, saw, felt, and est.
children care will be provided
snacks and food will also be provided (you are welcome to bring other a snack if you like.

We will need people who are helping to be a there at 6:00pm or so

Please remember to bring your thinking cap, compassion, and love :D

Talk to Elissa for more info!

Spring Youth Con

Where:Lincoln City, Oregon
When: April 24th - 26th
Who? 14 to 19 year old youth are invited.

*Early Registrations are due to the office by March 30th.

Turn in finished form and check on Sunday (March 29th) to Amanda and she will drop it off, and save you $15! http://www.pnwd.org/pubs/Ythcon_spr09.pdf

Eric has agreed to sponsor again this spring but he can only take 6 youth (first come, get the spots). Also we fundraise to help out if money is tight.

If you can't pay the full registration for Con, PLEASE talk to Amanda or Melinda and we'll see what we can do with Youth funds.

Saltwater Youth Group Blog!