While summer vacation is a time for kids to take a break and have fun, youth from St. Marcus Church in Clear Lake and the Church of St. Luke and Rejoice Lutheran Church in Clearwater spent part of their time off helping others in their communities.

 

St. Marcus youth helped run the food stands at the Clearwater Rodeo in August, something they’ve done for the last four years.

 

Their efforts included getting everything ready for the day, taking orders and cashiering, making popcorn and French fries, putting together hotdogs and burgers and helping clean up.

 

“I feel working at the rodeo helps youth grow in their relationships with each other,” said Faith Formation Director Peggy Berger. “They like to come together as a representation of their faith and of their parish.”

 

“They’re a great group of kids and I couldn’t be more proud of how they represent St. Marcus when they’re working for the good of the community.”

 

This summer the youth at the Church of St. Luke collected newborn baby items for wellness baskets for Cradle of Hope, a nonprofit organization that helps new mothers in need.

 

They reached out to parishioners, family and friends, asking them to help by donating new baby clothing and other infant essentials, which were then delivered to a drop off location. 

 

The project is called Share the Glory, and is sponsored by the Steubenville St. Paul youth conference which the St. Luke’s youth attend each year. 

 

Youth from Rejoice Lutheran Church participated in a variety of service projects throughout the summer, totaling 12 days and over 54 hours throughout Clearwater, Clear Lake, Becker and Monticello.

 

A number of the projects were for people who needed help with yardwork and cleaning, and were in partnership with Great River Faith in Action, an organization that provides services for the elderly, disabled and those with difficult situations.

 

“One couple was 90, and said they wouldn’t have been able to stay in their house if not for people like our youth,” said Youth & Family Coordinator Sara Miller. 

 

Other projects included packaging birthday bags for and cleaning at the food shelf, two days interacting with campers at Camp Friendship, and a day at Clearview Elementary School, where they cleaned and helped a teacher move her classroom.

 

They received a message from the teacher afterward that said they were an answer to her prayers and she was so grateful to them.

 

The group also spent time cleaning Rejoice inside and out and helping prepare for vacation bible school.

 

Rejoice youth had a number of reasons why they chose to spend their time off from school helping others.

 

“I like to do something active in the summer to help out other people,” said Grace Miller.

 

Sisters Amanda and Emily Totz decided to participate because they like helping others. Will Hagemeister said he wanted to help out more with the church because his family are new members.

 

“I decided to use my time to help people who couldn’t do things themselves instead of sitting inside,” said Ridge Hagemeister.

 

Emma Miller said she liked seeing the looks on people’s faces at the end of the projects.

 

“The people they worked with were so appreciative and often mentioned what a wonderful job our youth were doing,” said Sara Miller. “Watching the older generations take in the youth and share their love was amazing to see, and our younger generation brought a positive attitude and worked hard as they served others.”