The Next Generation

Happy New Year! Like so many of us do at this time, I’ve been reflecting on what the past year entailed. During the summer months, the youth were blessed with their own space in the North Anthony Shopping Center. It was a space that they could make their own and they really did take pride and ownership of their space. The new Youth Center started to really take shape when we received some generous donations from Lutheran Life Villages and Cross Borders. 

It’s taken a lot of work but the space has really came together in the past few months. There have been so many volunteers who have donated their time to helping the Youth Center become a reality. We are so thankful to all of you. We had an official Open House for the congregation about a month ago. It was great to see the excitement from both young and old. We shared our Amazon wish list and can’t believe at the support we received. I am blown away with the generosity by so many people who donated to the Youth Center.

So you might be thinking, “this is great and all but what is the youth center used for?”. Currently the space is utilized every week for high school youth group. Every other week we use it for middle school youth group. Middle school mentoring/religion classes also take place in it each week. Every other Tuesday night we have college/young adult group in it. We also use it for middle school Stepping Stone events. The space is definitely getting its use. The intent is to have it open after school for programming next school year. This will obviously take some more manpower but it’s something we think is valuable and important. 

Just this past month a high schooler stayed after youth group to talk to me and some of the other adult volunteers. The student said, “I love this place; it’s my family.” This is the reality for some of our students. We are trying to create a safe place where adolescents feel cared for and loved. I’m so grateful for the volunteers who help us accomplish this goal every single week.

I’m thankful for all the people who donated their time, sweat, and resources to make an impact on the teens of the Holy Cross community. They might not say it to you, but on behalf of them and everyone else, THANK YOU. You are helping to make a Christ-like difference!

~ Phil Pelz
Minister of Discipleship

Located at 3420 N. Anthony Blvd