Resource of the Month

Gratitude Journal

Much like prayer, the practice of being thankful can result in great changes within each of us. By writing down what we’re grateful for and making the list different each day, we expand our recognition of the abundant blessings around us. Creating a gratitude journal can be as simple as using a spare note book you have at home. 

Sundays

Youth Co-Op is a safe and loving ecumenical youth group for all students 6-12th grade. We embrace all students no matter race, abilities, ethnicities, gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientations. We provide opportunities for fun, learning activities, faith and spirituality exploration, and service to the community. Our partner churches include: Lovely Lane UMC, People’s Church UU, St. Mark’s UMC , St. Paul’s UMC, St. Stephen's Lutheran Church, and Trinity St. James UMC. We typically meet on the 2nd and 4th Sunday’s during the school year from 2:00-4:00pm.

NOVEMBER

• November 10th, Service Project at Prairie Patch Farm 1:15-4:00 pm 
• Join us for a service project at Prairie Patch Farm, a wildlife refuge and nature preserve near Cedar Rapids, Iowa, known for its unique llama experiences. While the specifics of the project are still being finalized, we do know it will take place outdoors. Please dress warmly and wear closed-toed shoes (no Crocs) that you won’t mind getting dirty. Be sure to bring a water bottle and work gloves if you have them. During our time at the farm, you'll also have the chance to interact with the llamas and other farm animals.
• Please register at https://forms.gle/iMbPzW2eAa6GfSRZ9 This registration is important so we know how many cars we will need to take for the carpool over to the farm. 

• November 24th: Let’s gather to celebrate friendship and gratitude with a delicious potluck! Bring your favorite side dish (youth leaders will provide dessert!) to share and come ready for fun and laughter! 4:00- 6:00 pm at St. Paul’s UMC (1340 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids).

Youth Café

November 24th | 10:30 am 

6th – 12th grade students are invited to join us on Sunday November 24th for Café Sunday. We will meet in the youth room and walk to either Starbucks or Scooters. We will use this time to check in and discuss topics in the news or about faith that are on your mind.

Youth Music

Students in grades 6-12 meet on Sunday mornings after worship for a variety of musical experiences so that they can be engaged in worship. This includes playing handbells and other instruments, singing as a group, drama and more. The director is Dr. Mark Baumann, CAGO, Coordinator of Music Ministries.

Wednesday Night Faith Formation

Wednesdays | 6:30 pm

Lovely Lane UMC and St. Paul's UMC students come together on Wednesday nights for our youth group activities, where we focus on their theological development. Our sessions start with sharing our highs and lows, followed by a game or activity, and then a lesson related to the topics discussed in our churches' worship services. 

Students will meet at Lovely Lane UMC, 2424 42nd Street NE, Cedar Rapids, for the fall semester. Dinner will be provided for those interested. Dinner will be at 5:30 pm and youth group will commence at 6:30 pm. Please get in touch with us if your student needs transportation or has any questions about the fall semester programming. Please contact Becca Nims if you have questions.

NOVEMBER 

• 6th: The Beloved Community: Election Debrief and Introduce the Beloved Community 
• 13th: The Beloved Community: What is the Beloved Community?
• 23rd: The Beloved Community : How do we move forward and create peace?
• 27th: No Youth Group 

DECEMBER

• 4th: Cookies and Carols at St Paul's UMC
• 11th: Theology in Christmas Movies
• 18rd: Theology in Christmas Movies
• 25th: No Youth Group - Merry Christmas!