While some adults may think youth are only interested in the latest fashions or downloads for their iPods, many young people across the United Church of Canada are reaching out to serve others and learn more about life.

Each March break, a few youth from Port Elgin United Church do some hands-on learning. In the past three years, this Ontario group has helped build homes for El Salvador’s homeless, cleaned up around a St. Thomas, Ontario, home for young mothers, and learned the realities of people struggling with addictions in Hamilton’s inner city.

 Ok, for my first blog EVER on WonderCafe, I'll be telling the world about my beliefs. Start out big, eh?

 I took the bus home today (as a Uni student with no drivers license as of yet, public transit is my primary method of transport), and sat in front of four rather talkative young people.

I myself am one such "young person" - for those who've seen my profile, the 18-29 range - and I consider myself mature and considerate. So I was sitting there, listening to my music (one song, over and over, in preparation for an English course assignment), and even with it fairly loud, I could still hear the constant swearing of the young man behind me.

I don't have many words, but the words I do have are important. Youth, now what do we mean by youth in the United Church? For some churches having youth means, oh we have a sunday school, some others oh well Mabel still has a few hairs with colour, then there is, the Youth Group who are just teens who hang out because they have nothing better to do.

Hey guys. I'm new and I really need guidance. I'm not sure exactly where to start but please listen because I kind of need...I don't know, advice, prayer, whatever you got.

A couple in our congregation have lost a wonderful grandson to the choking game.  This is creating a temporary "high" through asphyxiation, often done in small groups and, unfortunately, by some individuals on their own.  The byword is often secrecy so that adults and others never find out.  It is often called the "good kid's high" because it doesn't (usually) involve drugs or alcohol.   Too often it is seen as harmless by participants because no one is hurt.  Unfortunately, some die, too many.  Have any of you out there been involved i