Community Action Team CAT
The efforts of Linda Blanchard have resulted in the formation of the Community Action Team (CAT). This ecumenical youth group is designed to promote a deeper understanding of the great diversity of the human faith journey.
CAT was founded in 2007 by Second Congregational Church, St. Andrew’s Church, and St. Patrick’s Church youth groups. Youth grades 5-12 are on call to help non-profits in the community. The group is in part student-run, with a leader from each church. Sam Mason is the leader from St. Andrew’s. So far CAT has held a food drive for the Ecumenical Food Pantry, picked up potatoes for the Pantry, and helped set up, serve and clean up for the Chocolate Festival benefit for Healthy Kids.
Youth Group
During the spring term of 2008, the youth group walked the labyrinth in Brunswick, joined the Community Action Team in helping with the Chocolate Fest at Skidompha, raising money for Healthy Kids and put together an ecumenical youth service on an Earth Day theme in conjunction with St. Patrick’s and Second Congregational Church Churches.
The ecumenical service was conceived and produced by the kids, and featured a special guest, native Algonquin flute-maker Hawk Henries. In the fall term, the youth groups of the three churches held a 30 Hour Famine, raising money and awareness to combat world hunger. St. Andrew’s again hosted a Halloween party at the Parish House, welcoming many parishioners and guests.
2008 marked the beginning of joint programming between St. Andrew’s Youth Group and the Senior High Group from the Second Congregational Church in Newcastle. The groups met on Sunday, October 2, 2008, for a planning and team-building session, and followed up with a trip to Brunswick to walk the labyrinth at First Parish Church.
Youth Group learns about Judaism
Youth Group Learns About Judaism
On November 26, 2007, St. Andrew’s Youth Group hosted a potluck dessert and talk on Judaism. Daphne Stern spoke to the kids about her experience with this ancient faith in a friendly and informal discussion at the Parish house. Special greetings and thanks to the co-sponsors of this event: St. Patrick’s R.C. and Second Congregational Church, Newcastle.
Youth and Junior Choirs invited everyone to join in caroling on December 20, 2007
We met at St. Andrew’s Church in Newcastle at 5 p.m., then headed out for an evening of old fashioned neighborhood caroling!
Youth Group Caroling
For more information about upcoming Youth Group activities, or to offer ideas and support, please contact the church office at (207) 563-3533.
