goodsamyouth.org

Student leadership is going to look different this year. Really, everyone has gifts, everyone can lead in something, and the challenge is figuring out how to use your gifts in a way that fits your schedule, experience, and priorities.

We're shifting to SWAT teams. SWAT means "special weapons and tactics" - and the best weapons are spiritual (the sword of the spirit, the shield of faith, check Ephesians 6:11-12) and the best tactics are the ones God leads us into (like Gideon with his jars and lanterns - who would think of that?)

Juniors and seniors are invited to take the Spiritual Gifts course from September 27 to November 22 as a next step in figuring out where you fit best. And everyone - 6th to 12th grade - is invited to fill out the SWAT team application below. Each team will have its own goals, its own plans, its own team-building activities, and its own student and adult mentors.

Acolye Teams: (6th to 12th grades) Acolytes serve the clergy and help lead in worship by assisting in the eucharist and carrying cross and candles in procession. With four teams, no one will need to serve more than once a month. Training times will be announced.
Acolyte Team Leaders: (11th - 12th grades) Team leaders will help recruit, schedule, and coach their teams. The leader team will also help brainstorm ways to strengthen the acolyte program.
Bridge Team: (11th - 12th grades) There are adult ministries in the church that would like to work more closely with youth, and provide ways for teens to grow in their gifts. Women’s ministry, men’s ministry, missions and outreach, altar guild, choir—any other ideas? This team will look for ways to build bridges to these groups.
Service Team: (8th - 12th grades) Ever wonder what else we could do to raise awareness of global issues, help hungry people around us, reach out to members of our own church who are alone, or in need, or going through a hard time? This team will help plan 30Hour Famine, the Global Christmas Pary, and will brainstorm and plan new ways to serve.
Tech Team: (8th to 12th grades) Slides for worship, sound boards, web site updates, video highlights and promos... It takes technology to keep things running: this team will provide behind-the-scenes tech help, but also think of ways to use technology to further the goals and vision of GoodSamYouth.
Worship Team: (9th to 12th grades) This team will lead Sunday evening worship, and, when ready, occasionally assist with New Chapel worship.
Welcome Team: (8th to 12th grades) Think through ways to help newcomers feel welcome and connected, starting with the welcome whiteboard, but going way past that. Members of this team may visit other youth groups for ideas, will help with snack on the evenings St. Johns youth visit, and plan new ways to be a place of welcome.