"The youth of our congregation are the future of our church." That statement continues to ring true today, as it has in past years. The continued growth in faith and sharing of God’s love is of the utmost importance. Here at Faith Lutheran, we are always looking for ways to engage our youth, which is sometimes difficult to do, since their lives are being pulled in so many different directions
At this time, we do not have a regularly meeting youth group, but we endeavor to reach out to them in other ways. Our two-year confirmation program is more than just classroom teaching; we try to show the youth the importance of the church and their part in it. We encourage their involvement as liturgists and lectors, teaching in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and assisting in outreach programs. For the younger children, the Sunday School provides socialization, we have regular children’s messages during worship and there is a strong VBS program. We sponsor the Scouting activities as well as groups like Camp Rhythmo, which provide youth activities.
More Than Music, LLC, which is entering its 4th year of offering early childhood music classes at Faith Lutheran Church. Their popular You&Me Group Music classes are offered from September through June. You&Me Music classes provide children ages 6 months through 5 years and their caretakers opportunities to expand creativity and developmental skills through group music experiences. At the core of each class is a commitment to exposing all children to quality live music where they explore real musical instruments and influence each and every musical experience. No two classes are ever the same because each child and group brings something new to the table. More Than Music celebrates each child’s unique ideas and aims to bring them to life through singing, movement, and instrumental exploration.
Evening, weekday, and weekend classes are offered to meet the needs and schedules of families that work in and outside of the home. Monthly enrollment allows for the children to become comfortable interacting with one another and builds a strong supportive community within the class. More Than Music, LLC was founded and is led by Hilari Stahler, a Board-Certified Music Therapist, who has dedicated her career to exploring how the arts can inspire growth in children of all abilities.
Camp Rhythmo is nonprofit organization that seeks to inspire young people to live a healthy lifestyle, build self confidence, and spark creativity through music, science, movement, and visual arts. Based in New York City, their programming in the Lehigh Valley has been based at Faith Lutheran Church since 2014. They are so grateful to the church for all it's support over the years! Past programs have included summer camp programs, musical theatre productions of "Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids" and "Annie Kids", special seasonal concerts, and a bus trip to NYC to see "Aladdin" on Broadway. They are excited to be returning for their third summer this yeart! They will be running a 2-week summer camp, a special CR Jr program for preschoolers ("Dancing Through the Fairy Tales"), and a 1-week musical theatre workshop featuring a fully-staged production of "Disney's Aladdin Kids". All are welcome to join them. Visit their website for more information at www.camprhythmo.org, or email them directly at info@camprhythmo.org. CR's co-director is Michael Bodnyk.
We are always looking for more opportunities to involve our youth in the life of the church. We are looking to find adults who would be willing to share their time and faith with young people to strengthen this bond of friendship and the unconditional love of Christ.
