Prayer, Retreat, and T-Shirts

The Middle Schoolers have talked a bit about prayer. The kids logged onto sacredgateway.com for a good prayer tutorial. Some liked it, some not, but it is a good introduction to prayer that they can do at the computer (you can too!)

Then we moved into a discussion of icons, and how prayer can come from art, and how art can inspire prayer. We had t-shirts created with our Rite-13 angel icon printed on the front and we'll prayerfully color in those black-and-white images.

Three of us will attend the New Beginnings retreat April 29 to May 1 — very exciting! We will study decision making through May then take a breather as we transition into summer. I've been in touch with the youth leader at St. John's Capitola so watch for announcements of an upcoming joint event. Summer will be a bit more laid-back in terms of Christian education: we'll do some art projects, listen to music, and play some games.

If any of you are interested in attending Venture Out Mission Camp over the hill, see me soon.
             Carter Potts, Middle School Youth Director

Middle School Calendar

St. Philip’s Young Musicians Perform

It seems that each week I accompany the service, as I am closing up the piano at 11:15, I am met with a chorus of young people, eager to show each other and me what they are working on at the piano. “Can we play now?” They ask me respectfully, knowing I will say “yes.”  “I’d really like to hear what you are playing this week. Can one of you make sure that the piano is closed properly,” I respond, never wanting to spoil a party, especially when it involves music. As I collect my belongings, I am struck by the sound sparkling from the keys, the ebullient laughter, and joy the children share making music together. The enthusiasm of this group is infectious. Wanting to share this joy with all of you compelled me formalize this “jam session” after the service with a concert.

Directly after the service on April 24^th, the St. Philip’s Young Musicians delighted the congregation with their first recital. Vocal, flute, and piano selections set just the right tone for our week ahead. The varied pieces included a vocal number Morning has Broken sung by all the members of the group. Hannah and Tim treated us to major and minor versions of Au Clair de la Lune, a French Folk Song. Chris played March, a contemporary piece by the Russian composer, Dmitri Shostakovich, and the tone poem of the romantic period, Wild Horseman, by Robert Schumann.

Lauren followed with Gavotte on solo flute, by Austrian composer Christoph Gluck. Hannah brought us back to the classical period with Beethoven’s Für Elise and Tim had us dancing in our seats with Timmy’s Boogie. Jonathan played a composition by Russian Dmitri Kabalevsky, Toccatina, and he concluded the concert with the mischievous Puck carrying us through the Norwegian forests of Edvard Grieg.

Prepare to transport yourself to far away places with the music of these young people. We are already planning a fun program for the next appearance of St. Philip’s Young Musicians.  We’ll keep you posted on dates of the upcoming performance.

Tamah

St Philip's Nursery

Many thanks to Wendy and her team of volunteers: Kelly , Julie & Sarah .  All of these ladies have grown up kids, but are volunteering their time and care to staff the

Nursery every Sunday morning during the Sunday Service.  They enjoy having little ones to play with, so don't let them be bored!