SJC Youth Becoming Disciples of Christ
Dear Friends,
The youth group at St. John’s is absolutely phenomenal. Throughout this year, we’ve had some super fun events, like the Spring Retreat, and we’ve participated in many worship services. Several youths have been to New Beginnings and have served as leaders at Happening. Our group is growing and bonding; they continually surprise and amaze me.
As some of you know the youth group has its own discipleship group based on the practices found in the book The Restoration Project written by Christopher Martin. They hold each other accountable for keeping the seven scripture-based vows. They pray and share their lives and hearts with each other on a weekly/monthly basis.
The Restoration Project and its concepts are meant for adults. Once I learned and grasped the concept of the discipleship groups, I thought, “What if the youth did this?” Since the discipleship group Liturgy is the perfect lesson plan (contemplative prayer, commitment to God and others, spoken prayers and sharing), Father Allen and I implemented this practice at the end of our meetings on Wednesday nights.
The discipleship group allows the youth to experience discipleship and restoration in their own lives, each other and the world. We’ve been at this practice for seven months, and it has been incredible to watch our youth grow in Christ. Along with our supportive volunteers and teachers, I am so very blessed to be on this incredible journey.
Please join us on Youth Sunday, May 19, for the Rite 13 ceremony at the 9 a.m. service. SJC Youth will serve and lead us during the 9 and 11 a.m. services.
Much peace,
Liesl Gavronsky-Howsare