Youth News: April 2026
Easter at St James
Easter is “the event” of the Christian calendar and we hope to see you all celebrating with us this year. Middle and High School youth are at a good age to begin experiencing more of the story of Jesus death and resurrection. The full story begins this weekend, Palm Sunday and continues with significant storytelling on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. When we worship on just the 2 holy Sundays… Jesus enters Jerusalem, hurray! — Jesus is alive, hurray! We miss the guts of the story!
I hope you’ll consider joining us on these Holy Week worship services. And, if these do not work with your schedule, consider worshiping at Jerusalem Lutheran in Schwenksville with Pastor Chris or St Luke’s Gilbertsville with Minister Bobbie! Full details of the worship services are available at the links here:
Psst Maundy Thursday is a dinner church event - we sing, listen to scripture, commune and eat dinner together all in the Fellowship Hall. It all begins at 6:15pm.
One final note… please plan your arrival on Easter Sunday earlier than usual. Worship will begin at 9AM and we anticipate a larger crowd on this holy day. Thanks!
Easter Helpers!
This coming week leading up to Easter, I will be counting and sorting filled eggs into baskets in preparation for Easter morning. On Easter morning, the eggs will be scattered around the Swamp Pike field and in the HK playground and possibly even our courtyard. I’m looking for help in sorting/counting — helpers can begin this Sunday or during the week if available. I’ll also want some help on Easter Sunday scattering eggs in the yard. Please reach out! Youth or adult help is welcome. Thanks!!
Get Ready for Box City!
$411 raised so far!
Congratulations to the youth! When you asked for donations from the congregation, they answered! To date, we have received $411 in donations for Todi’s Place of Hope in Lansdale. Keep encouraging your youth to ask neighbors, friends, family and others to sponsor their sleepover. I know the biggest fear to overcome is the getting the courage to ask, but hopefully this is good encouragement… we asked and they answered!
FAQs…
Do I have to sleep over? Encouraged, not required, some students feel better sleeping at home. Some feel better staying up late indoors. We don’t judge.
Do we sleep inside or outside? Weather dependent… in dry weather students create shelter outdoors, often bunched together in community for added protection. If we reach “Code Blue” temperatures or precipitation, students will sleep indoors. (And again, we don’t judge if someone isn’t comfortable outside… we encourage them to try, but will never stop them from abandoning box.)
What do I need to bring? permission slip, covenant, payment if you didn’t already pay, sponsor donations, and a complete list is on the front page of the Box City website: bit.ly/boxcity26
Who is the charity? This year we’ll support Todi’s Place of Hope, a new year-round shelter in Lansdale managed by Resources for Human Development in coordination with Montgomery County.
It’s not too late to add friends to the event. Just have them register at the link above. Payment can be taken online or cash/check on the day of the event.
Confirmation & Youth Group Events
April 11-12 - Box City at Christ Lutheran Harleysville
April 19 - Confirmation (here)
May 3 - Confirmation at St James Pottstown
May 17 - Confirmation (here)
May 30 - Confirmation Celebration Dinner (here) (youth + families)
June 5 - Confirmation Day for our 8th grade students!!
Stay tuned for additional youth group activities… I am making plans for May and/or June.
Join us for Rainforest Falls VBS!
Join the VBS Production Team!
June 29 - Jul 2 – 6-8:30PM
This VBS is geared towards PreK students age 4 through 5th Grade. Kids in grades 6 and above are encouraged to join the team as Assistants in rotations or Assistant Crew Leaders; we also love extra help making our decorations! We accept online registrations only at the VBS registration portal.
VBS is more than a week. It’s a moment that shapes faith.
This summer, we have the opportunity to welcome children into a joyful, Christ-centered experience where they learn, sing, laugh, and grow. The adults and teens who serve at VBS are often the ones children remember years later.
You don’t just fill a role.
You help create belonging.
You help plant seeds of faith.
You help make church feel like home.
It takes a team — teachers, small group leaders, decorators, snack helpers, registration helpers, behind-the-scenes planners, prayer partners.
There is a place for:
Outgoing leaders
Quiet encouragers
Creative decorators
Organized planners
Snack lovers
Behind-the-scenes helpers
You don’t have to do everything. You just have to bring your gifts.
Register online at the button above. - Scroll through all the available roles and select one or more that sound interesting. I’m happy to help answer any questions you may have.
Reminder: Kids Connect is concurrent with our 9AM Worship Service on Sundays year round.
Questions? Need more information? Would you like to receive a monthly email that the blog has been updated? Send me an email!