Youth Group

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.”

St. Mark’s provides programming for youth in Grades 8 – 12. The intent of the group is to foster a Christian community for the youth, through the building of relationships that strengthens both their commitment to the church and their faith. Throughout the year there are a variety of age-appropriate activities for youth that involve fun and fellowship, worship, volunteer service and faith development.

Youth Leadership Team

The leadership team is made up of young adults from St. Mark’s congregation. Leading the team is our Youth Leader, a part-time paid staff position. Normally, three or four volunteer assistant leaders are appointed. All members of the team are 18 years of age older and are required to have valid Criminal Record and Child Abuse Registry checks.

The leadership team makes an effort to communicate with members of the group in whatever way best fits the group. Parents are encouraged to watch for/respond to emails, read weekly bulletins and the congregation’s weekly E-News and bi-monthly newsletter – Re:Mark’s.

The leadership team is supported by a Youth Committee consisting of a parent of a youth group member, other interested members of the congregation and representatives from the Leadership Team.

Regular Activities

Youth group members are encouraged to participate as often as possible. Regular activities include:

• a ‘fellowship & fun” time, usually held on a weekend. *
• the monthly MNO Synod Youth service which is held at various churches in Winnipeg and the surrounding area.
• Donut time which follows Sunday morning services.  We meet in the youth room in the church basement for an informal chance to catch up on each other’s lives, talk about current events or whatever comes up and, of course, eat donuts.

Additional youth get-togethers include Youth-led worship services and retreats. The group participates in the annual MNO synod Thanksgiving youth retreat held at Luther Village. In February, they attend the MNO Synod winter youth retreat held in a rural church on Louis Riel weekend. Every two years they attend the Canadian Lutheran and Anglican Youth (CLAY) Gathering, an event that brings people together from all across the country.

Opportunities exist for youth and their families to participate in a variety of fundraising activities in support Youth Ministries at St. Mark’s.

Note regarding Permission Forms

* In keeping with our Vulnerable Persons Policy, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church requires permission forms to be completed for each youth, for each event (some exceptions apply).