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HILLCREST UNITED YOUTH
since 1997 |
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In 1997 we welcomed two new ministers: Rev. Lorna McQueen and Rev. Melaney Matheson.
Melaney oversaw Christian Education: Sunday School, youth groups, confirmation classes and adult study. The Wednesday night youth groups continued to be a great success, with many volunteers and up to 50 children per night. In 2012 Rev Dawson and his family introduced Messy Church was introduced in 2012 by Rev Martin Dawson, Nancy and Grace. Photos here show adults and children enjoying Loaves & Fishes, Super Heroes, and Olympics. |
Movin' On Up was launched by Rev. Melaney to specifically appeal to youth in grades 7 and up. Melaney remembers some wonderful scavenger hunts. Some took place inside the church and helped young people get to know the building and its history better. Other hunts were community wide, with kids counting rungs on the bridge, finding items on certain shelves and certain aisles in the grocery store, etc. They also did some volunteering; delighting neighbours near the church one evening by offering to rake leaves.
Youth group also included some great events and field trips: the Valleyfield Woodlot for ghost stories (with Bobby Nicholson stationed ahead of time to give the kids a scare – this being the proper follow up to a good ghost story), sledding, apple picking, sleigh rides, a winter carnival. There were tours of the funeral home, the new MacDonalds, and the RCMP station (where the kids crossed paths with boy scouts and a terrific snowball fight ensued). Captain David White even gave a tour of one of the ferries and treated the kids to treats from the canteen. |