Youth News – December 2020
Lisa Ortiz, Youth Director
Happy DECEMBER from the SBCSL Youth Program! It is almost time to wish 2020 a fond farewell. While we are thankful for the opportunities for growth that this year has provided, we are also looking ahead with joy as we start thinking about and setting our intentions for 2021. However you and yours are celebrating the Winter Holidays and enjoying this time of introspection, we wish you well and send our love!
November in Review…
We spent November talking about Gratitude, Acceptance (of ourselves just as we are, and of others who may be different from us), and Connection.
Speaking of GRATITUDE… This month we would like to devote some time and attention to thanking two of our most tireless Youth Program volunteers:
Wenda Arcala has been a volunteer with the Teen group for over 5 years and also participates as an Adviser at every Teen Camp and Winter Camp. She brings love and light to every interaction with our youth, and her positive energy fills the room – even over Zoom! We can always count on her smile, which is so welcome in uncertain times.
Ian Overholt has been a Youth Program volunteer for many years (he pre-dates Miss Lisa!) and plans to be a Camp Adviser in the future. He is easy going, thoughtful, and steadfast, and has a way about him that creates a safe space for our youth to express their views and feelings. He is always willing to help with whatever is needed – be it a technical glitch or a lesson plan.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Wenda and Ian, for all that you do! We love you!
Zoom Youth Church: Pre-K – 3rd 10:30 – 11:00 * 4th – 6th 11:00 – 12:00 * Jr High and High School 12:00 – 1:00
Please contact Lisa or any of the Youth Program volunteers for Zoom details.
Lisa Ortiz
Lisa Ortiz has served with the SBCSL youth since 2014. She became Youth Director in 2017 and is loved by the entire Youth program. “Young people require authenticity,” she says, and this is my “passion in working with the youth”. She continues, “I am committed to youth church because without young people there is no church. A great teacher himself, Thich Nhat Han says “children are the flowers in the garden of humanity.” I delight in spending time with kids and I like who I am when I am in my role as director. I am showing a whole new generation how they might use our principles to navigate and create their own world. That is a very rewarding experience and one that every parishioner should be engaged in one way or another. Because without those flowers, our garden simply will not grow”. Lisa welcomes questions and communication with any and all parents. She has also established a required training program for all youth leader volunteers. If you are a parent, or desire to volunteer, and have questions, please feel free to send her a message.