Summer Zoomed by, Let’s Get Ready for a Terrific Fall!

St. Philip’s youth did a series of Tuesday night meetings led by Bruce and myself.  The kids really supported the evening program and we all had a great time.  We got out the 50-foot slip and slide, and thanks to Don Roth, turned the sprinklers on to help us beat the heat. In July, we studied the book of Matthew, trying to discern what justice looks like through Christian eyes, and on Aug. 15^th we talked about the Brothers of the Old and New Testaments.  There’s a remarkable difference between the stories of Isaac and Ishmael, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his horrible brothers, and the brothers Jesus called to follow him (no bickering, who has to stay behind and help dad, etc.)  The youth thought it was much funnier though, when I made a mistake on a chapter and verse, and they read out loud, “And Mary said to Jesus ‘we’re all out of wine…’”  Oops.

We kidnapped the 6^th graders over the summer and took them out for breakfast.  They are now part of our youth group and will be welcome at all Diocesan youth events, and St. Philip’s youth programs.  They will, however, be continuing Sunday mornings with their 5^th grade friends. We welcome Gillian, Abigail, Jessica, Olivia, and Alex.  Kidnappers in silly costumes included: Bruce, Hannah L., Lauren, Hannah P. and William. Some of these individuals are NOT “morning people” and we appreciate their effort to get over that hurdle. There’s one more early morning event in September at Watsonville airport.  Bill’s plane may be in the paint shop on the 24^th, so we may need to reschedule.  Watch for news after Sept. 7 as to the new date.

Some of our youth had the pleasure of meeting our new Vicar at our Enchilada Night.  We also met Christy Blessing, Rev. Mary’s 23-year-old daughter home from traveling for a couple weeks before attending college in Washington D.C.  We pressed Christy into service helping with our youth event; she and Serena made us dinner and served it in the parish hall.  Then she cleaned up after us while we did our Bible study.  Thank You Christy! We also happened to run into Fr. Martin and Andrew Yabroff,  who stopped by during their California vacation to give us their warmest regards. Nice!

Watch the newsletter for the Diocesan youth calendar which is in progress right now.  We have dates for New Beginnings in the spring: William, Serena, Hannah, and Lauren should definitely plan to staff this retreat. Prep weekends for staff are Mar. 23-24, April 13-15, and the retreat weekend is April 27-29.

It looks like there will be only one snow trip this year, we don’t have dates yet. The St. Philip’s youth leaders LOVE the snow, so we may just have to do our own thing.  I’m still working on 24 Hours in November, hopefully Nov. 11-12.  Mark your calendars now and I’ll follow up with confirmation soon.

That’s all for now!

             Carter Potts, Youth Group Director

Sunday School Teachers Needed

Sunday School classrooms are being set up for the coming year. Teachers are still needed on all levels. The Sunday School program is very under-staffed and needs helpers. Please contact Vicky Granger-Jones or Julie O’Brien if you are interested in helping our wonderful Sunday School staff!

“To be a child is to know the fun of living. To have a child is to know the beauty of life. To teach a child is to know the joy of giving.”

“Our teachers share God’s love from a child’s perspective.”

“Sunday after Sunday, our teachers share their gifts—loving hearts, listening ears, friendly faces and caring hands.”