S.N.L. or otherwise known as SUNDAY NIGHT LIVE – SNL is a youth led worship service – once a month, on a Sunday evening in the Fellowship Hall. Youth involved in SNL, meet once a week to brainstorm and rehearse songs, skits, prayers, readings, etc. To be a part of Sunday Night Live, there is no initiation, just a desire to share your time and talents in leading a worship service. Contact Miss Julie for rehearsal times!

Mission Trips – Senior High youth: have you ever traveled outside the state of Maryland? Would you like to go to Slovakia? El Salvador? And beyond? Do you like adventure? Meeting new people? Exploring new cultures? Be a part of the experience as we travel to our sister churches in Slovakia and El Salvador. Be a part of the sharing of faith and friendship. Be a part of the EXPERIENCE. Check your newsletter and bulletins for upcoming trips.

Retreats – Periodically, day events or weekend retreats are scheduled for middle school and Senior High youth. Some retreats are sponsored and led by the DE/MD Synod, other retreats are led by Gloria Dei staff. The retreats include time for spiritual reflection and growth, as well as fellowship and recreation. Costs vary. Watch for more information in upcoming newsletters.

Sunday School and Confirmation – A place where youth, beginning at age 3, gain knowledge on a weekly basis, regarding their faith.

Chime Choir – The chime choir is an intergenerational group for those second grade and higher, that participates in worship approximately once a month. No musical background is necessary. For those who would like to some day be in bell choir, this is a great start. If you would like to join, contact the church office.

Youth Choir – Led by Mrs. Greene – this group of Middle School and Senior High youth prepare upbeat music for worship once a month. Practice is on Monday evenings in the Fellowship Hall from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Only cost is $20 for a choir shirt. Please contact Mrs. Greene at 410-349-3244 for more information.

Cherubs (Nursery – Kindergarten) and Children’s (1st – 5th graders) Choirs: Also led by Mrs. Greene. At present, the Cherubs and Children's Choirs are winding down for the season, but will start up again in the fall. Please watch for more information in upcoming newsletters, etc.

Service Projects – Service Projects are opportunities for you to share your time and talents, locally, in a variety of ways. Listed are a few that we participate in on a regular basis. Dates and times of various service projects are listed in the bulletin and newsletters: Lighthouse Shelter – Twice a year provide meals for the homeless people at the shelter. My Brother’s Pantry - Once a year help deliver food to the residents at a local low-income housing project. Crop Walk – Once a year (October) participate in a walk to help raise funds and awareness of World Hunger. Relay for Life – Once a year (May) participate a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Acolyte – Acolytes assist at worship by lighting and extinguishing the altar candles at the beginning and end of worship; distributing the offering plates and collecting plates from the ushers; and assisting with the grape juice during communion. Youth who are at least nine years of age or higher, may sign up to be an acolyte. Please let us know if you are interested. We will help train you and get you on a regular schedule.

Nursery Volunteer – For those youth age 12 and older - another way you can share your time and talents is by volunteering in the nursery. Once every other month or so, you will be scheduled to assist Marista, the Nursery Attendant, on Sunday mornings during either the 8:45 or 11:00 worship. Please let Christine O’Connor know if you would like to be a volunteer.

FRIDAYS! – On Friday mornings during the summer, middle school and senior high youth are invited to help out in the church office by folding and collating the bulletin, sharpening pencils, preparing the newsletter for mailing, etc. At the end of the summer we say thank you for all your help by throwing a pizza party. At present, youth that are homeschooled, participate year around and are very much appreciated.

Youth Sunday – The third Sunday in May. A yearly opportunity for youth to lead worship on Sunday morning, and to share a part of your faith journey at Gloria Dei! How can you be a part? Acolyte, usher, be a greeter, a reader, provide special music, be in a skit, write a sermon, be a part of a choir, make a banner, design a bulletin cover, etc. Not sure what your talents are? Talk to us. We can help you find your niche.

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etc. – Various other activities are scheduled during the year as time and resources permit, and can range from ski trips, to assisting with worship on Mission Sunday in October, or the Walk of the Cross during Lent, attending Frightfest at Six Flags, or an outing to a pumpkin patch; participating in the Coffee House; prayer vigil; etc. If there is a ministry that you would like to participate in that is not mentioned, just let us know. We is always open to new ideas and suggestions.