The
East Tennessee Episcopalian March
2000 |
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Youth Sunday
Coincides by Pam Doty When Bishop vonRosenberg made his visitation to St. Paul’s, Athens, he was assisted in the service by the young people of the parish. From the prelude through the social minute, the youth were in charge. With the assistance of church musicians Jeanne Williams and Ellen Jones, they selected the music for congregational singing and provided special music for the service -- a solo for the prelude, and the St. Nicholas Choir (children ages four-eight) for the anthem. Not only did the youth serve as they usually do, as acolytes, but also as ushers, greeters, lectors and chalice bearers. One was the officiant, another set the altar for the Eucharist. Bishop vonRosenberg preached and celebrated the Eucharist. Every fifth Sunday, the EYC is in charge of worship at St. Paul’s. They plan the services and lead them. One of them presents a homily each time. Under the leadership of Kathy Krauss, Tammy Muth and Kristen Krauss and the oversight of Father Michael Doty, the EYC has led meaningful worship for the church. Kathy Krauss said, “They are maturing within the church, learning about God and the traditions of Episcopal worship. Kristen Krauss said simply, “They rock!” The youth do more that lead worship once a quarter. They are an integral part of St. Paul’s outreach. They adopt a family at Christmas and they fill shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Within the larger community, they represent St. Paul’s in their schools and clubs. They are involved in the decision-making processes of the church, bringing their concerns to the vestry and lobbying for action. They mentor the younger children, even handling the Christmas pageant -- casting, directing, costuming, building sets and herding the younger cast members. On Wednesday evenings, after church school, choir and youth group, they lend a hand in the kitchen, to clean up after the parish supper. St. Paul’s EYC also has a lot of fun. Recently, they held a “Lock-in” at the church and went bowling at midnight. They have made trips together and are planning a ski trip in the near future. They are presently engaged in fund raising for their summer mission trip, a new undertaking for the group. This group is not “the future of the church.” They are very much a part of the church in the present. They are setting an example not only for the younger children, but for the adults by being actively involved in the work of Christ in the world.
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