Youth Ministry

Listening Session Feedback Summary 2005

Strategic Planning Committee

Saint Michael and All Angels

These are the main ideas that came from all 6 of our listening sessions and emails sent to SMAA. This report contains the points that were brought up repetitively by parishioners or those ideas that seem to have the most emotional consent.

Education

          •         Youth are looking for meaningful programming. Need more bible teaching in both Jr & Sr. High as a part of Sunday School. (in addition to or complimenting life skills classes) Make 3 classes 7/8^th, 9/10^th and 11/12^th.

          •         The youth staff should be teaching the classes. Parents who are teachers need to be well trained. Engage young couples & singles to be teachers.

          •         Create very defined program for each grade after confirmation. Have a laddered/rites of passage progression that moves from grade to grade.

          •         EYC schedule – variety of opinions on time slot. Some like Sunday evening, some don’t. Add a mid-week activity (music/dinner/movie/sports). EYC from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday for all ages.

Programs & Activities

          •         Music is KEY. Have a youth service (maybe once a month) that features rock or folk music. (hire a musician – as they do for the church).

          •         Bible Studies – need to have defined groups – grade level, coed, single sex, by school, etc. At the church, in homes or at schools.

          •         Summer Activities are important and SMAA doesn’t offer any – either fun or educational.

          •         Offer retreats, fun events & retreats for all grades. Supper clubs for Sr. High.

          •         Family Fellowship Activity – have some kind of get-togethers, weekend trips, retreats, sports events that entire families participate in. Get parents more engaged to be volunteers – help w/driving, chaperone events, prepare food, etc. Have parents get-togethers by grade.

Mission/Outreach

          •         EVERYONE agreed that this should be a primary focus (“hallmark of SMAA youth) – but needs to be drastically increased and organized.

          •         Expand the offerings and types of mission trips and outreach activities to fit youth of all ages from 7^th to 12^th grade. Need more Dallas opportunities as well as local/regional destinations. Include day/weekend trips, non-international trips, less expensive trips, etc.

          •         Provide a calendar with local outreach opportunities that youth can choose from depending on their school, sports & other schedules. Let the youth plan & execute.

Communications

          •         DRASTICALLY needs improving.

          •         Website needs to be updated, realtime and user friendly.

          •         Need good communication on a timely basis about weekly/monthly activities. Use email as well as make announcements weekly in appropriate church services about activities.

Properties

          •         Youth Hangout is needed where youth could go during the week or on Sundays.

          •         Gym needs to be available more. Review the ESD scheduled use, as it is not always being used or needed.

Other Suggestions

          •         Change Wire back to EYC

          •         Have a YM Youth Committee          

          •         More youth input and role in planning educational offerings, programs, & activities.

          •         Sr. High mentors for Jr. High – 11/12^th graders mentors to 6/7^th graders.

          •         Directed giving should be considered for youth ministry.

          •         Have youth directed services 3-4 times a year and not just once.

Challenges

          •         Staffing

          •         School diversity

          •         Peer pressure to participate. Youth want to go where their friends go.

          •         Getting parents of youth to church.

          •         How to teach youth “what it means to be an Episcopalian.”