Senior Youth Group (SHYG) 8th-12th Grades
Our standard meeting time will be Sunday evenings from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, in the 3rd Floor Youth Room, but the time will vary when we do a special event, service project, or outing.
| Jan 12: | 6:00-7:30pm | Meeting (Games and fundraiser Prep) |
| Jan 19: | Worship Service | Attend worship and Fellowship to launch fundraiser (no evening meeting) |
| Jan 26: | 6:00-7:30pm | Meeting |
144 Envelopes Mission Trip Fundraiser
On January 19th, the SYG will be kicking off the 144 Envelopes Fundraiser to help pay for the 2025 Hurricane Helene Relief Mission Trip. After worship, be sure to visit the Bulletin Board in the Community Room to learn more about the trip and check out the numbered envelopes decorated by the teens. It’s easy to support the trip: just choose an envelope from 1 to 144 and make a donation in the amount equal to the number you chose. If you only have $5 to give, or your child wants to donate $1, that’s great! We need every envelope to be selected in order to reach our goal of $10,000. We are grateful for every dollar given. You can also donate using our Online Giving Page
2025 SYG Mission Trip
The SYG has scheduled their annual Mission Trip. This June, a group of 15 teens (current 8th -12th graders) will be traveling with adult advisors to Western NC or Eastern TN to assist with disaster recovery efforts in the areas devastated by Hurricane Helene. The exact location will be determined in the coming months, but it will be in the vicinity of Asheville, NC. The trip is being organized through Experience Mission, a faith-based organization that connects volunteers to local groups serving in areas of need.
SHYG at the Congregational Church of Amherst is a fellowship group for 8th-12th graders. This vibrant group has its own culture and traditions, and is always open to new members. You (or your parents) do not have to attend CCA to come to Youth Group – ALL are welcome! The SHYG typically meets a few Sunday evenings per month for fellowship, service, and spiritual time.
Community
An essential part of the Senior High program is community building, centered in God’s love for us and God’s call to love others. As a group, we continually and consciously work to take risks and be real with each other, to lift each other up in truth and love, and to see God’s face in one another. SHYG is a place where each and every one of us is invited to come with our full selves, knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. SHYG is an open and affirming group, and strives to be a safe space for all.
Local Service
The SHYG maintains relationships with local nonprofits and service organizations, and does small mission projects throughout the year. This ministry is rich and life affirming for the teenagers in our group, and offers opportunities to understand the needs in our own backyard.
Mission Trips
Each June, the SHYG takes a weeklong trip to intentionally serve communities in need. Over the years, the SHYG has served in places like New Orleans, Miami, Tennessee, Washington DC, rural NH, and New York, learning about issues affecting our nation that range from rural poverty to urban renewal. Going away for mission work teaches us about cultures and experiences different from ours, deepens our understanding of our own lives and experiences, supports lasting relationships, and statistically encourages lifelong participation in the life of the church.
Contacts:
If you are interested in learning more about our Senior High Youth Group programs, please contact Larissa Riley, Director of Youth Ministries (603-673-3231, ext 20).
