Update from the Director of Education Ministries -- Amy Grella - 412-801-3723
De-Deck the Halls - Sunday, January 5
Many hands make light work! Please join us immediately following coffee hour on Sunday, January 5th to help take down and put away the church Christmas decorations. There will be no second hour classes that day so everyone can help.
Service Opportunities for Kids and Families in 2025
One way to we can engage our families in our faith together is through mission. Kids learn Jesus is real by using their gifts to help others. Here are additional mission opportunities in the works for early 2025.
Mission Trip to Western North Carolina for Disaster Relief
A mission team is traveling to Spruce Pine, NC to aid in Hurricane Helene rebuilding efforts the week of December 29. Please be sure to lift this team in prayer while they serve.
Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive
Did you know…nearly 80,000 children in the Greater Pittsburgh area go to bed worried about their next meal. In January, Bower Hill Youth will be hosting a Souper Bowl of Caring Food Drive to benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and their work to end child hunger and close the hunger gap for one of our most vulnerable populations. We will be providing collection kits and fliers for families to ask for monetary and food donations from neighbors and friends. Be sure to come to Youth Group in January to learn more and see how you can get plugged in to help.
Rise Against Hunger Youth Service Event
The Presbytery’s Next Gen ministry team has partnered with Rise Against Hunger to coordinate an all-youth mission opportunity open to ALL youth in 6th – 12th grade. Look for registration details in January, but for now, save the date – Sunday, February 16, at 2:00 p.m., at Hampton Presbyterian. This is sure to be an amazing event!
Youth Group Updates
Combined Middle school & high school youth groups
Beginning in January, we will schedule monthly service and fellowship opportunities for youth in grades 6-12. These events will be combined for middle and high school kids. However, during the ToGather events, we will continue the high-school only small group that meets with Pastor Brian. Younger kids (Elementary and Middle school) will meet together for group games. ToGather will meet again on the following three Sundays: January 12, February 16, and March 2.
Middle and High School Group
01/12 – 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ToGather (games for kids thru MS, HS small group) then dinner.
01/25 – 6:00 p.m. Ice Skating at South Park. Details and RSVP here.
02/02 – 4:00 p.m. All-church event at Steel City Squash.
02/16 – 2:00 p.m. Rise Against Hunger Service/Mission Event at Hampton Pres.
02/16 – 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ToGather (games for kids thru MS, HS small group) then dinner.
Tweens (3rd - 5th grades)
01/12 – 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ToGather (games for kids through MS) then dinner.
02/02 – 4:00 p.m. All-church event at Steel City Squash.
02/16 – 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. ToGather (games for kids through MS) then dinner.
03/01 - 03/02 – Tweener Retreat at Crestfield for 3rd-6th graders. Registration will open in January.
Sunday-after-Christmas Pajama Party
Children and Youth will enjoy our annual Sunday-after-Christmas Pajama Party. All kids will be together on Sunday, January 5 (note date change.) Please report directly to room 110 at the beginning of worship (9:30 a.m.), there will be no children’s sermon. Kids should be picked up after worship. The nursery will be open that day. Wear your PJ’s and bring a pillow and blanket. We will watch a fun holiday DVD. Donut holes, fruit, juice, and milk will be provided.
Looking Ahead: Save the Date for these Upcoming Events
As we head into the new year, please get these future events on your calendar.
• March 1-2 Crestfield Tweener Retreat for Grades 3-6.
• March 21-23 Spring Retreat for Grades 6-12.
• July 6-11 Crestfield Classic Overnight Camp for Grades 3-8.
• July 20-25 Crestfield Service Adventure Camp for Grades 6-8 (Middle school).
• July 28-31 Bower Hill’s Vacation Bible School week.
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