Coming Up July 19–20: Camp Erickson
Back by Popular Demand! Be a part of this fun junior high event on Monday and Tuesday, July 19–20. We’ll gather at church at 12:45 p.m. on July 19 and then head west to pitch our tents at Pastor Gary’s home on Lake Nemahbin. The day will include swimming, tubing, fishing, a campfire, and other outdoor activities. We’ll return to church by 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday (12:30 if it’s raining)

The event is open to all junior high youth, those who will be in 6th through 8th grades this fall. Cost is $15 for food. Sign-up sheets are at the info center in the Commons. Questions? Talk to Gretchen (ghaugse@me.com or 414-774-0441).

Graduating Seniors recognized on June 6
St. Matthew’s graduating class of 2010 was recognized on June 6. This was a chance for us to acknowledge this great group of kids for their high school achievements, to celebrate their involvement in the life of St. Matthew’s, and to wish them luck with their plans for the future. There was a cake reception following the service.

The following seniors were recognized:

Senior biographies are available to view, download or print [here].

A special Senior Recognitiion insert to the VOICE with photos and biographies is available to view, download or print [here].

Ski Trip photos online [here]

2010 Youth mission trip to North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Mountain Mission Trip group has returned from its 8 day Mission Trip to North Carolina!

We will celebrate the Mission Trip on Sunday, July 11 at both the 8:30 and 11:00 worship services. Youth and adult speakers will share their experiences.

More Mission Trip information [here].

Photos from the Mission Trip are [here].

Photos mission trip dinner-auction
Gone with the Wind dinner auction a success thanks to you!

Though our dinner auction event is now “Gone with the Wind,” the effects of it are long lasting due to the generous support of St. Matt's members and friends. A huge thank you to all who attended the event and/or bid on some of the many items that were offered for silent auction. Thanks also to everyone who donated items and to all those who helped with set-up, clean-up, record-keeping, cooking and all the other tasks that went into making the event a success.

The yearly dinner auction is the biggest fundraiser for our annual mission trip, and we sincerely appreciate the enthusiastic support you give it! There was entertainment, too. Scarlett and Rhett even made an appearance!

Photos of the event are [here].

Youth Ministries

Regularly scheduled Ministries for Youth include:

• Sunday Morning Youth Forum
• Confirmation Ministry
• Mission Trips
• Monthly Activities, Outings, Retreats and Trips

Junior High Group (Grades 6-8)
Senior High Group (Grades 9-12)
Monthly activities, outings, retreats and trips are planned throughout the year. Adults can help out by attending events to provide mentorship and friendship. Dates and times vary so you can be involved at times convenient to your schedule.

Adeptus Brew City gaming club
An Opportunity for Gamers! We are a group dedicated to the Games Workshop Hobby. It’s about painting, modeling, collecting and gaming with metal and plastic miniatures. It’s about socialization and interaction with other people. It’s about having FUN! It’s for ages 5th grade and up, and adults are welcome! The Gaming Club will be meeting at St. Matthew’s May 25 and June 8 and 22 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. NO experience is needed.
Contact: Tim (414-475-0247)

• Bible Studies and Groups
• Youth Leadership Team
• Fall, Winter and Summer Retreats
• Summer Service Projects within the state and country
• Community Service Projects
• Adventure Camp Outing
• Synod-wide & Ecumenical Activities
• Fund Raising for major trips
• Peer Ministry and Discipleship Training
  

Youth Programming

In Youth Ministry we are called to honor and serve God by Living in harmony with God, with one another and the Youth that we serve. The Youth Ministry of St. Matthew's is empowered by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We look to Him for all our strength and guidance in all that we do, and gather and grow as a faith community in God's love and grace with all those involved in the area of Youth ministry, as well as the congregation and the community.

St. Matthew's has a renewed commitment to offer to all youth an environment in which they can experience the presence of God in their lives and in their relationships with peers and adults.

[click image below to visit the ELCA Youth Ministries site]