YOUTH MINISTRY at GLORIA DEI Gloria Dei is an inter-generational congregation and therefore offers events/activities/classes/friendship opportunities/retreats for many different age groups and at many different times. Listed below are just a few of the regular activities, but please call the church office or see the monthly newsletter for a list of current events.  For your information, Sabrina Vasta and Dave Sleighter are responsible for the Senior High Ministry; Pastor David and other volunteers coordinate the Junior High program; and Betty Darrow and other volunteers are responsible for most younger children's programming. Younger Children (Preschool-5th): There are many activities and learning opportunities for this age group including Sunday mornings, 9:15am and special events that are geared for the whole family: Vacation Bible school, Campouts, Camp, Summer Fun, Eggstrvaganza, Trick or Trunk, etc. Also, "First Communion" classes are offered during the season of Lent each year. Please check the newsletter for upcoming opportunities or call the church office. First Communion Classes are normally offered for children age 10 or younger (speak with a pastor).  There are three classes, plus one Saturday morning making a chalice.  The chalice will be used at First Communion which is celebrated at the 10:15am service on Palm Sunday.  See the newsletter for the details and sign-up on the patio.  Questions, call the church office and speak with a pastor. Vacation Bible School: July 12-16, 2010.  Mark your calendars now for this amazing week with the musical team, "Captive Free."  Singing, crafts, games, learning, fun.  "V.B.S" always fills up so get your registration in early.  Older youth and adults, we need many volunteers to help in a variety of ways.  Dave Sleighter and others will be leading this event.  Watch the bulletin and newsletter for more information.   Junior High (6th-8th grade): This group meets regularly on Sunday mornings for Sunday school and on Thursday evenings during the school year for our Confirmation Program. They also are involved with quarterly major events including: Youth Gatherings; Winter Retreat; Servant Projects; White Water Rafting, Houseboat Trips and more.  This group is led by Pastor David and Youth Director, Dave Sleighter and a number of great volunteers. For a full schedule of Confirmation Classes and Retreats for 2009-2010, please click here. Junior High Summer Trip: Houseboating: July 19-23, 2010.  Mark your calendars now for this amazing event!

Senior High (9th-12th grade): The Senior High Youth Group is led by Pastor Sabrina Vasta and Youth Director, Dave Sleighter.  This group meets regularly during the school year on Sunday mornings (9:15am) and the first and third Wednesday (6:30pm) at Pastor Sabrina's home.  We have an exciting and busy year planned for the senior high youth group. Click on the link below to download the entire year's activity calendar. Youth Events Calendar Upcoming Events Wed., Sept. 15th:  Senior High Midweek Dinner & Youth Group, 6:30 pm Sat. - Sun., Sept. 25th -26th: Lock-In and Bowling Night! 7:00 pm - 9:00 am Check out the pictures from our 2010 Summer Houseboat Trip!     Pictures from Youth Mission Trip to San Francisco (July, 2010): Children in Worship: At Gloria Dei, children and youth are fully involved in the life of the congregation.  We want children in worship.  Some churches offer a "kiddie church" or some alternative to adult worship, but we believe worship is meant for all ages together.  Therefore our youth are involved in leadership, a children's message is usually offered, a "worship bag" is provided and all ages are welcomed.  We do offer a nursery during worship for children who cannot yet sit still, but we do encourage parents to bring their children in with them.  It is a process.  With a little patience, a bit of humor and perseverance, all ages can say, "Our Father."  As the pastor says regularly to parents of young children, 'I personally know the challenge!  There may be some Sundays, no some years where you don't get much out of worship because of the squirming, etc.  But God doesn't always mean for you to get something!  Sometimes you are the sermon, a message of commitment, of consistency, of patience to your child.  And before you know it, before too long, they will learn and then you can get something too!' For other opportunities for youth please check the newsletter or call the church office: 949-493-3414.   Dave Sleighter, Youth Director