Inspired Youth Director Has No Limits

Nativity Lutheran has a strong reciprocity of caring and support among its various ministries and age groups, and that appeals its youth director, John Healy.

Senior Pastor Kristin Wee appreciates the way John Healy works with all ages and thinks he is a "wonderful young man to be the youth director," she said.

The youth group Healy directs ranges in age from senior high to post-grads. They help their church by volunteering during Vacation Bible School, on Sundays by caring for any infants, aiding local charity outreach, and participating in intergenerational dramas and chores as needed.

"We're really excited about raising money for attending the ELCA National Youth Gathering held in New Orleans next July," Healy said. "There will be youth from Evangelical Lutheran churches all across America there, for a week of rallies, music, evangelism and tremendous inspiration to last a lifetime, as I know from my own experiences."

Tell us about your spiritual journey.

"Born in New York, I grew up in the faith. My older brother and sister were active in serving in youth groups, so they were early role models. In our Long Island Lutheran church, Pastor Dunker interacted so excellently with everyone. I was inspired by the way he connected with the young people, recognizing how important they are. For kids he even did great magic tricks as part of his messages. I joined Lutheran League and we all did a lot of community service, kitchen chores and serving in the church meals and the community outreach soup kitchen. The camaraderie in serving others was always wonderful, and I try to teach that to the youth here.

"When my parents moved to Florida I worked as a concierge in Palm Beach until I became disabled. When I found I wouldn't be able to work again, I felt I would like to teach. I earned a bachelor's degree in education at USF, and presently live near here with my mother. We joined Nativity Lutheran and I was asked to be the youth director. It is a volunteer position but truly an enriching opportunity that I enjoy.

"I feel God called me to serve a need in the church and in doing so it filled a void in me I did not even know I had."

What charity work does Nativity Lutheran include, and how do the youth help with that?

"Well, some examples come to mind. For 'The Rez,' as we call it - Resurrection House - part of the farm workers self-help project in Dade City. Our congregation donated shoes for school and supplies for 93 children. Our Nativity Lutheran youth helped to distribute those items, and they did the same for food and clothing for migrant farm workers in Dade City. They help in the kitchen and serving food on Sunday in the Love Your Neighbors free meals program in Brooksville. They just helped in our Son Harvest VBS for area kids. It included several live animals from the mobile 'Noah's Ark.' I wasn't here because I was traveling in Europe. We also have a food pantry for local needy, although in these down times we desperately need much more in food and monetary donations. Anything donated would be appreciated.

What did you learn in your travels to Europe? You were in audience with The Pope?

"My sister treated our mother and me to a trip to visit her in Naples, Italy and we went on a cruise, too. Fabulous! The audience with The Pope came about because we had a hired guide for our limited mobility special needs. He offered the tickets. It was an honor and a thrill to be in such company!

"As a history buff, I was extremely impressed viewing old and historic cathedrals, The Vatican, and especially architectural treasures as in stained glass windows, paintings, and sculpture. A Coliseum now has a giant cross in its mosaic floor in memoriam to all the souls who died there because of their faith, so it is now ironically considered a church."

Describe Nativity Lutheran youth meetings and plans.

"The regular meetings are usually in a format of prayer first, then taking turns sharing 'highs and lows' of the recent past. That leads to discussion of how Christ's teaching would apply to today's applications, and any group business we require. Sometimes there is an easy flow and sometimes it's difficult to talk ...we want them to become active participants in God's story, to learn to be able to help others in a crisis and in serving others generally. To paraphrase what Jesus said, 'Whatever you have done for others you have also done for me.' It's an inclusive yet intimate fellowship in Christ, and it's enriching that it makes me feel good to see youth in one-on-one transitioning to become helpful in serving others, serving and helping rather than taking...

"Some of the youth hope to be able to visit our mission post in Haiti, or help with the church Habitat for Humanity project, and we enjoy fun events too. I have a great affinity for youth. A part of me never grew up I guess ... We had parts in the Lenten drama series of 'The Life Teaching of Samuel Jacob,' and that was intergenerational in the protagonist being back and forth remembering life highlights. The church cast drew from all ages as it portrayed flashbacks in time. Drama and music are as integral as religious education, worship and fellowship."

Healy's mother said by phone that her son has a great capacity for his love of teaching and a heart for young people. She appreciates his being such a good caretaker and gentle companion for her needs as a 'seasoned citizen' of 81 years. "I've had such a wonderful life and I am proud of how my son has such determination to be of help even as it is a constant struggle with his disabilities and pains. He sets such a good example for others," she said.

Senior Pastor Kristin Wee mentioned some classes and events:

Discipleship themes in Sunday worship: "Discipleship is not so much about being good or believing doctrines about Jesus, but rather giving one's heart, one's self at the deepest level to a passionate relationship with God." - Rev. KW

Pastor Philip Schroeder leading Sunday Adult Forum issues discussion starting 9:45 a.m. Sept. 21 - human sexuality, Creation, evolution, ethics.

Theologian Pastor Daniel Wee's Bible study classes on The Apocrypha, the ancient books that did not make it into the Bible, Tuesday mornings - 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. beginning Sept. 21

Academia Hernando lecture series on "Florida Greats" at 10 a.m. each Monday - begins Sept. 22

Interfaith Social Justice Action (ISAK) - action/service group of members from various local churches and faith communities to serve victims of injustice. Call church for information.

"Don't forget 'Junktique,' our annual fabulous mishmash of furniture, baked goods, small items at rock bottom prices." Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

When do they meet?

Youth: Sunday: noon, twice monthly

Sunday worship: 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Sunday Adult forum: 9:45 a.m. (begins Sept. 21)

Tuesday Bible study: 10 a.m., 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Kids Night Out: 6 p.m.

Annual Junktique: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24-25: 8 a.m.-2 p.m.