This month I wanted to include a special note to St. Paul's youth (and parents) to encourage participation in our parish youth programs. We have had a great start to the year with youth groups for middle school and high school aged youth. In our weekly meetings we have enjoyed game night and movie night to name a couple of the activities. In September the High School Youth (HSY) enjoyed an outing to the Wheeler School Farm to attack the challenges of their outdoor ropes course. A similar program has been planned for the Middle School Youth (MSY) later this month. Thanks for coming and remember that your friends are also invited to attend any youth group meeting or outing at any time.

October and November also include a couple opportunities at ECC our diocesan camp. Many of St. Paul's youth are quite familiar with ECC. The week long summer camp offerings were quite the place to be this last summer. Next summer I hope to join campers from St. Paul's as an ECC chaplain. This fall however there are two weekend camps to provide a shorter glimpse of the awesome programs held at ECC. October 14-16 there will be a program for 7-12 graders and November 18-20 there will be a weekend for 9-12 graders. These conferences should be a great time to meet other youth groups in the diocese.

Middle School Youth will continue to meet as a part of the Wednesday Night Live program beginning at 5:00 unless a special event or activity has been planned (check the church calendar). High School Youth will continue to meet regularly from 6:00pm-8:00pm in the Parish Hall on Sunday evenings. So, get your homework done and come to the meetings! And don't forget to invite a friend!

Peace,      The Rev. Alan Gates