Dear Parents,
Congratulations! You are the parent of a Gen Z-er. (Born between 1997-2012). As you probably already know, Gen Z is known for…
- Becoming leaders who will take to the streets to fight for what they believe.
- Changing the dynamic of an institution or find another one to meet their needs.
- Standing up for themselves and go against the grain.
Gen Z are individuals who….
- Have never known what it’s like not live in crisis.
- Have never been without the internet.
- Are motivated to change the world!
“Gen Z are looking to form new, meaningful connections with people but sometimes struggle with how to start.” (Gen Z and the Church. Living Lutheran June/July 2022)
Knowing that we have good young leaders in our midst we want to equip them to take their leadership to the front lines of high school. Students are often the first to know about their peer’s challenges, concerns and joys. We are excited to equip them with skills in Peer Ministry!
Peer Ministry is a ministry training that empowers youth to be welcoming to others and to become aware of the hurts and needs around them. They are available as caring listeners, guiding healthy and purposeful decisions, assisting others to learn social skills, and referring to appropriate resources when needed. (Peer Ministry introduction.)
We know that there are mental health issues currently infiltrating our youth and schools. Youth are feeling the pressures of living the last two years in a pandemic, increased stress on school work and extra-curricular activities, never being able to turn themselves “off” with the use of social media, and relationship stress with friends and/or significant others. Peer Ministry WILL address these needs by providing equipped, faithful leaders into the front lines. This is NOT just a program, Peer Ministers assist the community in becoming a healthier, holier, and more welcoming place.
We are excited to offer Peer Ministry as a collaborative effort with the churches in the Saint Croix Central School District. We hope you will discuss and encourage your youth to be part of this ministry. It will involve a commitment to coming to training sessions.
This is a valuable leadership ministry that your student needs to be a part of. You never know who’s life they might change! It will be faith-filled, it will be worthwhile and it will be FUN! (See the reverse side of this letter for the do’s and do not’s of Peer Ministry, and schedule)
Our first session will take place on Wednesday October 5th at 7:45PM at Cross Lutheran in Roberts. To kick off Peer Ministry we will be having some pizza!
If you have any questions prior to that meeting, please let us now.
Amanda Swanson, Cross Lutheran, Roberts
Peer Ministers Do…
- Love God, their neighbors as themselves.
- Are warm, genuine, and empathetic
- Help clarify concerns and values.
- Listen for the meaning behind words.
- Explore alternatives and consequences.
- Ask open and feeling-level questions.
- Make observations and check assumptions.
- Realize that not all problems can be solved.
- Know when and how to refer someone.
- Welcome outsiders into their groups.
- Pray for others and their needs.
Peer Ministers Do Not…
- Tell people what to do.
- Band-aid problems with cheap sympathy
- Talk mainly about themselves.
- Encourage dependency.
- Put people down.
- Gossip.
- Act as if they are superior to others.
- Expect all problems to be solved easily.
- Work with problems beyond their capabilities.
Peer Ministry Schedule (Grades 9-12) Friends are Welcome & Encouraged
Wednesdays 7:45-8:45PM (Note that some of the dates aren’t a perfect 2 weeks apart due to holidays.)
Date Location
October 5 Cross
October 19 Trinity
November 2 Cross
November 16 Trinity
December 7 Cross
December 14 Trinity
January 11 Cross
January 25 Trinity
February 8 Cross
February 15 Trinity
March 8 Cross
March 22 Trinity
April to be determined by the group.