Youth News: Oct 2026
Read on for: Confirmation, Youth Nights, Fall Retreat Info, Youth Gathering Info, Trunk or Treat
Confirmation Class This Month
10/4 at New Hanover Lutheran
10/18 at St James Pottstown
Youth Night: October 16
We had a blast at our first youth night in September. We made french bread pizzas and a dessert and played some fierce gaga ball. We are looking forward to the next one! Youth Nights will be hosted the 3rd and 5th Fridays of the month from 6-9pm, onsite most of the time, but there may be some offsite opportunities too. We include dinner, active games and a light devotional.
I am looking for parents to partner with me at the Youth Nights! You don’t have to commit to all of them, we’ll come up with a schedule that provides some flexibility for everyone. (Clearances must be on file at the church; ask me for more details.)
Fall Youth Retreats
2 Locations - Same Price!
Middle School Retreat: What Really Matters?
We’re returning to another year to answer the question: “What Really Matters?” This retreat is perfect for youth in grades 6-9 on November 7-8 at Bear Creek Camp in the Poconos. I am part of the leadership team from our synod to produce an adventure including hiking, games, fire pit, faith conversations and more! Bear Creek Camp features heated cabins with bunks for sleeping and in-house bathrooms. I’d love for your kids to join me!!
Friends are welcome; they don’t need to be Lutheran; they can be part of another Lutheran church. If they belong to a Lutheran congregation, we’d love them to attend with their church, but they can register with us if there isn’t anyone from their church attending. Cost to attend: $80 per student
Senior High School Retreat: Peer Ministry Leadership
Our first Peer Ministry Retreat for students in grades 9-12 on November 13-15 at Bethany Beach Conference Center in Delaware. The retreat is new for our area and I will be co-leading sessions along with other ministry leaders from around the Delaware Valley. We are excited to introduce new leadership and communication skills to our youth. This retreat is great for students who have already displayed an aptitude toward leadership and will provide them with more skills and confidence. It is also great for students who need encouragement to build new strengths. Cost to attend: $80 per student
Parent-Partners Requested
I am looking for at least 1 parent-partner to attend each event. (There is an emphasis on needing male partners, but will also be based on enrollment and gender distribution.) Adults register online with the kids. Cost: Adult partners are covered by the church. Clearances must be on file with the church before Nov. 1.
Registration for St James Attendees
There is just one registration form for both events - just select the checkbox appropriate for the adult or youth attending. Prices are the same and can be paid online through Tithely or by check.
ELCA Youth Gathering 6/28-7/2/2027
If you missed our informational meeting, and you’re curious about attending, reach out to Janet Hilsmier for details. We’ll be heading to Minneapolis MN. Students in grades 8-12 are eligible to attend. Thus far, I have 2 students interested and am discussing travel cohort options with our friends at Christ Lutheran Harleysville along with a few other churches in our synod. Travel cohorts help us keep our hotel room costs down and provide for more robust discussions and experiences. We hope to add more St James students to our travel group!
Key Dates:
10/20 Commitment Deadline
10/ 21 - 11/11 Event Registration
11/20 Deposit $175 Due
payments can be made in installments or in full by check or Tithely
6/1 Balance Due
Our congregation has supported sending students to The Gathering for many years and we look forward to taking a new crew to this extraordinary faith-building event. We will be hosting fundraisers throughout the year to help drive down family and church costs. Please contact Janet Hilsmier for more information.
Trunk or Treat
Join us for Trunk or Treat on Sunday Oct. 25 from 4-6PM. In years past, we’ve encouraged our Confirmation students and Sr High students to host a trunk - come up with a theme, dress up, decorate a vehicle and hand out candy! Or host with your family! Teens are also invited to help us in food service and bounce-house guarding. Look for sign ups in the coming weeks.