• Parish Teens

= Parish Teens =

It is a privilege and honor to facilitate the growth of our faith with the teenagers of this parish. Mr. Ned Burks and Mr. Stefan Donner stimulate lively discussions about faith, ethics, and current events with the sr. high students, while the 8-10 graders study/discuss assigned Sunday scripture readings read throughout the world.

A practice of weekly attending church, daily Bible reading, and constantly being in the presence of God in thought, word and deed continues to be a mission for the teens of Clarke Parish.

Experiencing God together outside of the classroom strengthens our relationship with our faith and unites the group. Such activities in 2005 were as follows:

• January – Hosted candlelight dinners prior to the “Sounds of Grace” concerts and ballroom dancing lessons in the parish hall.

• February – Teens helped with the Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner and participated in the World Vision 30hr. Famine to raise money and awareness of the hunger that many children suffer worldwide. Teens also attended St. Mary’s Black History Program/Celebration and assisted with cleaning the church floors at Grace after they were sanded and refinished.

• March – The youth group hosted a Lenten Lunch for the church and community.

• April – Several teens attended the Sr. High Weekend Retreat at Shrine Mont and focused on the spiritual journey of the seniors in high school. Teens also attended the annual All-parish Retreat at Shrine Mont and contributed to the “pew cushion fund” to replace the worn cushions in the church.

• May – The 2005 Summer Mission Trip. The teens began the mission by praying for the group. The mission statement was to “Serve and be served by God.” There were opportunities for parishioners to “buy stock” in the teens to help finance their trip. The teens focused on giving back to others less fortunate; a theme which we pray continues throughout out lives. Teens hosted a Mother’s Day carwash and helped with a yard party at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Pierce to raise money for the church’s new pew cushions. Ned and Jack Burks delivered a fabulous sermon at the teen conducted Pentecost Service conducted and Kelsey Parrish, Jack Burks, Kelly Malone and Patrick Cheatham provided the uplifting music. Tim McDow and Bill Germelman highlighted the music with their bagpipe and drum. Ilia, Kostya and Aza Donner, Nathan Brown, Eric Campbell, Chris York, Hilary Dunn, Cory Hart, Taylor Kuehm, Robert Madden, Desirée De Haven, and Alex & Leigh Cheatham all contributed to the celebration of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us.

• June – Festival BBQ Blast – delectable food, games, tag sale and silent auction sponsored by the parents and the teens attending the 2005 Youth Mission Trip to Idaho. Adults also volunteered at the annual Berryville Graphics Picnic. Our youth group received a large donation in exchange for our help.

• July – Taylor Kuehm, Ilia and Kostya Donner proclaimed their Christian beliefs before God, the church and the Bishop during confirmation. Chris York, Joe Graham, Hilary Dunn, Nastya, Kostya, and Ilia Donner, Desirée De Haven, Eric Campbell, Ned and Jack Burks, Nathan Brown, Liz Beamer, Cathy, Dwight, Tim and Liz Brown ventured to Idaho to “Serve and be served by God.” They transformed the outward appearances of Camp Cross by scraping, painting, repairing buildings. They were transformed in their relationships with each other and their Creator. Our spiritual and physical growth continued during our white water rafting trip on the Salmon and Snake Rivers.

• September – A reception picnic was held at the Rectory for the returning mission trip team members and their families. A potluck luncheon was also held at Grace and pictures from the mission trip were shared with parishioners. Several 8th graders attended a weekend retreat at Shrine Mont.

• October – Teens attended the Celebration of World Mission in Fredericksburg to share our mission experience.

• November – 6th-7th graders attended the Jr. High Retreat at Shrine Mont.

• December – Students decorated a parking meter in front of the court house for the holidays. Many attended the Les Miserable performance at the National Theater in Washington and raised money for the Child-Parent Center by volunteering their time wrapping Christmas presents at Apple Blossom Mall.

Grateful appreciation is extended to this parish for promoting, encouraging and praying for the teens.

Come and join us!

- Catherine E. Brown