The Sr. LYO youth group designed for high schoolers is part of Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland. The group hosts hangouts at the church’s youth center on Sunday nights, at which anyone is welcome. The hangouts range from Nerf gun battles to glow-in-the-dark capture the flag. At various times in the week, smaller group sessions also take place in a smaller, more relaxed setting with an adult leader.

LYO offers many volunteer opportunities in Midland as well as fun events such as trips to Cedar Point and to concerts. In the summer, the church joins with a larger organization called Workcamps to take part in mission trips across the country. In the 2014 summer, over 30 students traveled with Trinity to Waterloo, Iowa for a mission trip. While they were there for a week, they worked on homes, shared their faith, and made strong bonds with the people they met.

Senior Rebekah Shoemaker has been part of LYO throughout her entire high school career and is happy with the connections she has made from being part of the group. As for upcoming events, there are big things in store for the group.

“My favorite part is hanging out with other teenagers who have the same beliefs as me,” Shoemaker said. “This summer we are going on a national youth gathering to Detroit and on a mission trip to New York.”

To find out more and get involved with the group, contact Trinity Lutheran’s youth director, Jordan Palladino, or visit the church’s website: www.tlcmidland.org

By Maggie Schaller