Congratulations, Seniors
In past years, we have had brunches honoring our graduating seniors when we had them. This year we have three young men who are graduating from Taos High, who have either been active members with their families in the church, or who have been actively involved over the last couple of years in the youth outreach efforts of Common Grounds. Please join me in prayers of gratitude for the impact they have had on the lives of those whom they have touched, helped, supported or prayed with .
And thanksgiving for the impact they have had on me, personally. Angel Real, Corey Dominguez, Noah Armijo
Direct these young men, O Lord, in all their doings with thy most gracious favor, and further them with thy continual help.
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant them, in all their doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have them to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save them from all false choices, and that in thy light they may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
As we have done in the past, if you would like to offer a graduation gift for our seniors, you may send a donation to the church with "graduating seniors" in the memo line. We will share the donations equally among the boys to help them move forward in their life goals. Thank you for your ongoing support of our youth!
Peace and love, Jill Cline, Youth Minister
In past years, we have had brunches honoring our graduating seniors when we had them. This year we have three young men who are graduating from Taos High, who have either been active members with their families in the church, or who have been actively involved over the last couple of years in the youth outreach efforts of Common Grounds. Please join me in prayers of gratitude for the impact they have had on the lives of those whom they have touched, helped, supported or prayed with .
And thanksgiving for the impact they have had on me, personally. Angel Real, Corey Dominguez, Noah Armijo
Direct these young men, O Lord, in all their doings with thy most gracious favor, and further them with thy continual help.
O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly: Grant them, in all their doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have them to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save them from all false choices, and that in thy light they may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
As we have done in the past, if you would like to offer a graduation gift for our seniors, you may send a donation to the church with "graduating seniors" in the memo line. We will share the donations equally among the boys to help them move forward in their life goals. Thank you for your ongoing support of our youth!
Peace and love, Jill Cline, Youth Minister
Common Grounds
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Common Grounds is an emerging Youth Outreach Mission sponsored by St. James and Kit Carson Electric Co-Op. Students in a HS STEM Elective at Taos Academy Charter School are involved in the development of Common Grounds.
Founded in the Fall 2016 as Teen Talk, in response to youth suicides in Taos, the project evolved to Common Grounds by winter 2018, to develop "A safe haven by teens for teens, to socialize without danger and have access to healthy recreation.” It is teen focused, managed by teens with adult support as needed and legally required. Sponsors are creating an off-site teen gathering place that includes a coffee house, meeting space, and activities. Additional ideas include:
Common Grounds currently supports gatherings with Teen Talk every Wednesday evening, monthly overnight, supervised lock-ins, and various other activities at St. James such as referrals to professional counseling as needed and suicide intervention. For additional information, go to TaosCommonGrounds.org, built by the participating teens. |
Teens in Common Grounds building
Fr Mike agrees with Louis Reyes of Kit Carson Coop over Common Grounds building lease
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St James Youth Outreach Mission, "Common Grounds," Received $10,500 grant from Taos Community Foundation
We've been invited to apply to another foundation, too.
This money will go toward the needed building renovations for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doors, ramps, bathrooms, and electric upgrades.
We will need closer to $80K and have about $15K now.
If you'd like to donate, you can go to the project website: www.taoscommongrounds.org.
We've been invited to apply to another foundation, too.
This money will go toward the needed building renovations for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) doors, ramps, bathrooms, and electric upgrades.
We will need closer to $80K and have about $15K now.
If you'd like to donate, you can go to the project website: www.taoscommongrounds.org.
Teen Talk / Talk About It
Teen Talk developed following the summer of four teen suicides in 2016. This group meets Wednesday evenings under the guidance of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a minister which serves as a source of support. Participation is open to all teens in the area. Currently, there is a core group of regulars attendees, most of whom are not active members of this, or any other, church. Over 40 teens have participated in the 30 months it has been active. A “First Wednesday Dinner” has been added to the program in which participants cook together and sit down for a meal.
Teen Sunday School
Sunday School is offered for Jr. and Sr. High students on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, using "Making it Real and Relevant" as the curriculum. It follows the readings as found in the Revised Common Lectionary which are used for regular Sunday services.
Taos teens with Bishop Hunn in Albuquerque
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Common Grounds radio program at KNCE
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Other Involvement
Teens continue to work on the concept of relationship building in Taos. They are involved with: #endgunviolence, NM Coalition to End Homelessness-Youth Advisory Board, Taos Pride, Regeneration Festival, Taos Mountain Balloon Rally, Teens Talk to Educators: Professional Development Day for Taos Schools, Immigration Outreach and Support for families, Teen H.O.P.E. Project (Hold On, Pain Ends and the Common Grounds Radio Hour, every other Wednesday on KNCE.
Jill Cline – youthMinister@StJamesTaos.org