Senior High Youth News
News about recent events and activities of St. Paul's High School Youth program
Homeless Challenge
About 15 high school youth attended the Homeless Challenge, an all-night event in which the students learned what it might be like to be homeless for one night. In spite of the rain, the students decided to set up a make-shift shanty-town on the church lawn next to 1st Avenue. As the youth set up the cardboard shelters, people honked and waved from cars on the road nearby. Some people stopped to donate food items which were designated for the Waverly Food Pantry.
Later that night an attempt was made to cook "hobo dinners" over the fire, with tin foil wrapped around a bit of hamburger and vegetables. The meals were cooked to a crispy blackness, which left us all feeling a bit hungry. Thankfully Michele Fischer was scheduled to join us inside, where she helped the youth cook spaghetti dinners to give to St. Mary's food panty. Some of the spaghetti and a surprise pizza delivery brightened everyone's spirits.
The evening also included a short video, powerpoint slideshow, and discussion about poverty and homelessness. The youth had fun decorating their own "I survived the Homeless Challenge" t-shirts, which were worn proudly at school the next week. A night walk, games, and a candlelight worship filled out the early morning hours. Some of the youth attended worship in the morning, and were even awake enough to sing in the choir and give a children's message at the 9:00 and 11:15 services. Amazingly, the cardboard village disappeared during the Sunday school hour, and everyone headed off for home, a shower, and probably a very long afternoon nap.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by to visit, bring food, and give donations during the evening. Not much sleep was had, but the youth had a blast. They are planning to challenge other church youth groups to take the "Homeless Challenge" next year.
For more information about these and other events
contact Paul Frantsen, Director of Family and Youth Ministry
at 319-352-3850 or paul.frantsen@stpaulswaverly.org