New & Improved Youth Room! (Perry's Ponderings)

New magnetic chalkboard wall in Youth Room.

“Now open” it says on the newly painted magnetic chalkboard wall in the Youth Room. Next month, high schoolers will be returning to their special space at CUC. Thanks to senior Sofia’s sweat equity, they will find that the wall reserved for decorating can be drawn on with chalk and have things posted. It will be open for creativity and the sharing of ideas.

We have added three comfortable couches in the Youth Room and now have ample seating for our Youth Group that includes a large incoming sophomore class from Coming of Age last year. We want to be sure there are not only seats for those we expect to join us, but also always room for one more. A welcoming space is the first step to facilitating a vibrant Youth Group. In the fall, all the youth will have the opportunity to add their creative touches to the room and turn it into a true home when they begin connecting with each other through sharing, learning, worship, and service.

Added couches create space for everyone.

The CUC Search Committee for the Youth Program Coordinator position will be reconvening to find us a suitable candidate to guide the youth and their volunteer adult advisors. The Board has expressed full support for this position by funding a reasonable salary for this ten-hour a week position. Thank you all for your pledges that make this important position possible. Please let me know if you think of someone outside of the congregation who might be a possible candidate, as we search for a responsible kind-hearted person who shares our values and understands the balance of stepping up and stepping back when guiding youth. This person will anchor the program, while collaborating with the other staff members and a strong team of youth advisors to further develop our youth ministry.

I encourage our youth and their families to communicate with me about what they would like to see in youth programs. We want to engage our youth in the varied opportunities for growth that they seek. Within those experiences there will be surprise self-discoveries and bonding with others that forms a safe space in which to be held during the teen years. The self-confidence and understanding built upon those relationships will sustain the youth throughout their lives.