WELCOME! We’re glad you’re here!
WHO ARE WE? WHAT DO WE DO?
All high school age youth at Bethel–including friends!–are invited to join us for our activities. We often include our Confirmation youth as well (and sometimes younger!) Dates and events will be posted here (see below) and in Bethel Kids Connection. Watch your email and texts for updates! Contact Deb Grupe or Sherman Lee for more information, or to get your contact information on our list. We also ask that you have a current medical release on file (the 2023-24 form is linked below). Forms need to be updated every school year (just like your activity/athletics forms for school).
Bethel Minor Release Form, current
We have a variety of social and service activities throughout the school year.
Examples: We hope to meet several times a year for an activity, which might be just social — like our end-of-summer pool party at the Connolly/Williamson home — or combine that with service, like our Diaper Packing shifts at the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank.
Three Kings Party!
All 5th through 12th grade youth were invited to the Paul house on Sunday evening, January 7 for a “Three Kings” party! We enjoyed a “build a snowman” game, then brought out our “white elephant” gifts for a round of “Rob Your Neighbor,” before having pizza and a King Cake of sorts. Avery had the winning slice with a tiny baby inside! (Does this mean the White family hosts next year?) We ended the evening with cookie decorating, and we had lots of laughter and fellowship! Photos follow. Thanks to Karen and Dennis Paul for the hard work and great meal, and to Sophie and Sarah for their hospitality (and introduction to their new pup!)
Gift-wrapping for God’s Helping Hand, December 10, 2023
S’Mores and More!
November 5, 3-5 pm at the White home: S’Mores & More! Here are some photos from that event:
Pasta Making, October 15, 2023
SUNDAY MORNINGS
We normally meet on Sunday mornings before worship to talk about faith and life and catch up with one another. We will meet every Sunday that there is also Sunday’s Cool and Confirmation. Usually it will just be us; sometimes we may be invited to join the adults in Fellowship Hall for one Sunday or a series (and of course, goodies to eat). We’ll keep you posted!
You can also sign up for a Sunday any time to serve as an acolyte, reader, Communion assistant or Steward (contact Jody Kluender to acolyte or steward, KJ Monahan to be a reader or Communion assistant). Many schools will allow you to use these activities as community service hours. Deb has other ideas for ways to serve in the greater community to meet these requirements!
2024 ELCA Youth Gathering/Young Adult Gathering
Every three years, Bethel Youth members and leaders attend the ELCA National Youth Gathering which traditionally brings together over 30,000 youth in United States for faith formation, worship, study, fellowship, service, and fun.
If you will be in grades 8 through 12 during the 2023-2024 school year, you are eligible for the Youth Gathering. Contact Deb Grupe if you want to know more.
Those who have “aged out” of the ELCA Youth Gathering and are aged 18-34 may participate in the ELCA Young Adult Gathering, also in New Orleans and also July 16-20, 2024! Participants will be organized into age cohorts.
WHO ARE OUR LEADERS?
Deb Grupe has been the Director of Bethel’s Child, Youth and Family Ministry since the summer of 2019. She served in a similar position at Atonement Lutheran, Florissant, MO from 2001 until 2018. She has four grown children, is married to Mike, formerly a biology teacher, who is a Research Assistant at Wash U. Deb enjoys gardening, cooking, and nature in general.
You are always welcome to contact Deb or Sherman Lee, chair of the Faith Formation board, to ask questions or offer help in planning, providing food, or executing plans.
