South Sound Youth Group (SSYG) continues to be a meaningful and life-giving collaboration among congregations in the Southwestern Washington Synod of the ELCA. St. Mark Lutheran Church participates alongside Faith Lutheran Church in Shelton, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia, and The Lutheran Church of The Good Shepherd in Olympia. Together, these congregations provide opportunities for youth to grow in faith, build friendships, and experience community that extends beyond any single congregation.
For St. Mark, participation in SSYG is especially important. With a smaller number of youths in our congregation, being part of this larger group allows our young people to connect with peers their age, form lasting friendships, and experience the energy and joy of a broader faith community. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the ways it helps strengthen our youth ministry.
A central part of SSYG life is the monthly gathering, held throughout the year and rotating between Gloria Dei and Good Shepherd. These evenings provide a welcoming and engaging space for middle and high school youth to gather for a shared meal, games, laughter, fellowship, and time for worship or reflection. These gatherings are often the highlight of the month, offering a place where relationships are built and a sense of belonging grows.
In addition to these regular gatherings, youth are invited into larger regional experiences. One of the highlights this past year was the renewed SWWA Synod youth retreat at Camp Arnold in Eatonville. This multi-day gathering brought SSYG youth together with others from across the synod for a time of faith formation, outdoor adventure, and community building. With its beautiful natural setting, including cabins, trails, and shared spaces for worship. Camp Arnold provides an ideal environment for young people to step away from daily routines and experience both fun and spiritual growth. The extended time together allows for deeper friendships, meaningful conversations, and a stronger sense of connection to God and one another. ?
Participation in SSYG also helps our youth see that they are part of something larger than their local congregation. Through these shared experiences, they begin to understand their place within the wider church. (And, as a reminder of those broader connections, the national ELCA Youth Gathering continues to offer opportunities every few years for young people to join thousands of others across the country in worship, service, and fellowship.)
Participation in the South Sound Youth Group reflects St. Mark’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the faith of our young people and to working in partnership with neighboring congregations. We are grateful for the relationships, shared leadership, and spirit of collaboration that make this ministry possible.
Monthly gatherings run from 5-8 pm. We eat together, play games, and worship. All friends are invited to join in the fun! And if you know that your child will be coming, please send a message to darrin.labensky@stmarklacey.org. Hope to see you there!
2026 SCHEDULE January 11, 2026 @ Gloria Dei February 15, 2026 @ Good Shepherd March 15, 2026 @ Gloria Dei April 19, 2026 @ Good Shepherd May 17, 2026 @ Gloria Dei June 14, 2026 @ Good Shepherd July 2026 - No South Sound Youth this month August 16, 2026 @ Gloria Dei