Our fabulous Youth Group finished 2020 with this week with a reading of the Nativity story, online games, and the promise of a winter retreat in 2021.

Mrs. Patti’s suggestion to YG members to read different versions of the Nativity is a good one for all of us. “So much comes alive for me when I read different versions. It makes me research. Did you know the distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem is between 75-90 miles? Mary rode that on a donkey while nine months pregnant!

“People are constantly looking for new ways to understand what’s in scripture. Every year you change and are able to learn more and understand more. Look for other versions of the story, look to see what others are saying about the story.

“There is magic and wonder and excitement and twinkle and anticipation that a life in Christ can bring you. We have a little baby who God placed here so that we can understand God’s love for us, his forgiveness, his love, mercy, and grace.

“Read the Nativity story in different versions as a family. See what you learn. What do you wonder about in the story? I wonder why, if there were a bunch of men at the inn, didn’t they move out so a very pregnant woman could give birth in in relative comfort inside the inn?”

Youth Group resumes ZOOM meetings next on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 5 and 6. If you’re in middle or high school and want to join the Youth Group ZOOM meetings for middle school or high school, shoot Mrs. Patti an email.sjecyouthgroup@gmail.com

Here’s the ZOOM schedule:
• Middle School — grades six through eight — meets Tuesdays from 7 – 7:45 p.m.
• High School and Beyond meets Wednesdays from 7 – 7:45 p.m.

Pics from the final Youth Groups of 2020: