Youth Leaders: Selby Blackett-Gill
Yvonne Leander
Yrell Moses
“Living for Christ, the Church and the Community”
This past year the youths of St. Gabriel’s have continued to be busy with events that provided them opportunities to grow in the Lord and at the same time have fun, serve others and enjoy the companionship of other young people. St. Gabriel’s has an awesome youth group of intelligent and independent teenagers who are eager to learn and do meaningful things to enrich their lives.
During the spring, most of the young people in the youth group made their confirmation at the Cathedral in Garden City, Long Island. Since then they have demonstrated a change in their attitude towards their spiritual walk with God. God is still molding them – they are a work-in-progress. Springtime also provided entertainment for them. The young people went to the cinema and also attended the Brooklyn Archdeaconry youth picnic where they intermingled with other youth from the diocese.
Members of the youth group also participated in the YDC sponsored program during the months of June and July. This year’s theme “The Prodigal Son” was conducted by Mr. Chris and his wife Jeanine of Mr. Chris Musical Experience. During the summer months several of the adolescents were employed as counselors with the St. Gabriel’s Summer Day Camp program. They also participated in the tutoring program sponsored by the YDC.
The group again this year held a successful breakfast and bake sale fundraiser in order to accumulate funds for upcoming trips and events.
Some members of the youth group attended the ECW sponsored trip to the Sight and Sound Theatre in Pennsylvania to see the presentation of “Joseph” This play left such an impression on them that they revisited the theatre to see The Miracle of Christmas.
In September the youth along with the acolytes sponsored a car wash at the church. This helped them to attend the Acolytes festival in Washington, DC, which was held in October.
Nadia Maynard and Angelique Johnson were the two youth delegates at the 2010 Youth Convention.
The young people of St. Gabriel’s have had some great events and service projects including serving and delivering food to the community at Thanksgiving and participating in the Christmas pageant under the direction of Ronald Lashley.
Although some of the youth are involved in several organizations within the church and yet some others are actively involved in their school, which may cause overlapping, the youth group has seen an increase in numbers and participation.
We are truly blessed with the parents who continue to play an integral part in the youth group and the Rector who continually supports youth ministry. We also acknowledge the remarkable support of the congregation through prayer, words of encouragement and monetary assistance.