Holy Trinity has one of the more vibrant and active Youth Ministry Programs in the city of Buffalo. Now under the leadership of Youth Director Jeremiah Smith and Sunday school Superintendent Susan Bundt, the program has continued to flourish and grow.

The Lutheran Youth Organization (L.Y.O.) is a group of teen's grades 7-12 that get together to have fun while serving the community around them.

The L.Y.O. meets several times a month throughout the entire year for a variety of events. These include Fun events such as Church Lockins, Bowling, Apple picking, Movie marathons, winter retreats and so much more!

The L.Y.O. also teaches the importance of giving back to the community. This is why on top of the fun events every month the youth participate in at least one service event. Examples of past events are working in soup kitchens, assisting with the Nursing home ministry, hosting coffee hour, and serving at the congregation dinner are just a few examples.

Worship and faith both play vital roles in L.Y.O. happenings. In order to help the youth stay grounded and at the same time explore their faith, the L.Y.O. meets once a month during the 10:30 service. During this time the youth participate in a Service geared for them and their faith journeys.

The Niagara Frontier Conference Lutheran Youth Organization (NFCLYO) is a group that brings Lutheran Church's from the area together for a chance for Youth to get to know their fellow Lutherans. Holy Trinity's Youth group now participates in these events that include Overnights at Lasertron and Harvest House, a Volleyball Marathon, Snow Tubing, and a Pentecost Vigil. Click on this link to learn more about NFCLYO. http://www.nfclyo.org/index.html

In order to support its various activities and ministries the L.Y.O. has many fundraisers at different times of the year. A few of these are an Apple Pie sale in the fall, Plant sale in early spring, and Parking sale during the Allentown art festival.

Below you will read some stories from the youth group's mission trip to New York City. This was a life changing experience for many of the kid's and their stories reflect that. I could say so much more about this but I truly believe that they speak for themselves.

L.Y.O./New York City

I really had a great moment with an amazing group as LYO. LYO has made an impact in my life, and most of the best moments of my life were with the LYO in New York City and at LCLC, with Roger and everybody else. I'm really thankful for that. Hope we have more moments that I'll never forget!

Jean Ives

Walking in NYC

While walking to the subway, Jeremiah and Roger suggested that we walk. “It'll only be one mile.” After three miles, we all broke out into song; all of the songs we learned at church/camp. We saw smiles and received honks and yells. One hour later we got back to Seafarers. Only three hours late!

Jonathan Hopkins

Bus Ride

Well it all started on the bus. There was a tiny bathroom on the bus, and it had a bad lock. So being the kid that I am, I decided to lock the lock. THAT WAS A BIG MISTAKE! When I realized that it was locked, I had trouble opening it. Now I knew that I was in trouble. Luckily I had a cell phone and called Jeremiah and told him about my situation. After having a warm chuckle, he and Roger got someone to get me out. After a lot of kicking and punching the door, I finally managed to pull the lock free, and I was out. Being locked in that bathroom taught me to always keep my cell phone with me, and to be careful not to get locked in again.

Mike Ruggeri

The Trip to the UN

When I was in Africa, I used to watch news every single day. In the news I saw many leaders from all over the world who go to the UN in New York City to make many important decisions on how to make this world a safe place to live in. I have never thought that one day I will be able to see even the building with my eyes, but actually I did. I thank God and also all the members of Holy Trinity who have made my dream a reality. We went to the UN with all the kids who were able to come with us to New York. We were there at 8:00 AM for the tour. The UN administration office gave us someone who helped us visit different places in the building. In all of the places we visited, there was one of them that were really important for me -- the UN conference room. When I entered that room it was like a huge accomplishment in my life. I have seen many world leaders standing on the stage of that conference room to give a speech. Basically the tour was awesome, and I am really happy I went there. Okay, thank you to all of the members of HTLC that made my dream become a reality. Thank you.

Aime Patrick

Breakfast Ministry at St. Peter's

One of our service projects in NYC was working in the early morning at a breakfast kitchen. We were serving the needy a good hot meal to start their day and giving them a bag lunch. I was so excited to go and work with all the people. I wanted to be out talking to everyone and giving out food to make them smile. However, I was nominated to make the coffee in the kitchen with Lydia. We had to follow the exact instructions and the workers were getting frustrated when we were doing it “wrong”. Eventually, we got the hang of it and we were working well. At that point I remembered how I didn't want to be there; I wanted to be out in front. I didn't want to be making the stupid coffee.

But the next thing I realized was that I was talking with the people working in the kitchen. A man was washing dishes in the sink next to me and we were talking about how the kitchen started. Then servers were coming back with complements that the coffee was great. I realized that even though I thought I was not making a difference, I really was. What I thought was pointless was still important in the whole spectrum. I was making a difference. I was smiling in the kitchen and being there for the workers. I was also giving a simple cup of hot coffee to a few people and that could have been more than they have had in a while. The little things did matter. I learned that day that we all have a place that God wants us to be in and we have an important role, no matter how insignificant it might seem.

Amanda

If you know a youth in grades 7-12, that you think may be interested in joining or participating in some of our events just contact me or the church office. I can be reached by phone at (716) 228- 3596 or by email at jpsmith4@buffalo.edu . We are always looking for new friends to join us at both our service and fun events. On behalf of the entire L.Y.O., I would like to thank you the congregation because without your love and support none of our events would be possible!

Grace and Peace,
Jeremiah Smith