Talk About Clyde: Smith leading local Christian youth group

The Clyde Community Youth Group has a new leader, Cassidy Smith.

CCYG is a Christian group for teens, age middle school through high school, which meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. every other Sunday at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Average attendance is 60. CCYG is unique to Smith since it is a Christian community group open to all, rather than being limited to one denomination. It may even be the first time some teens have been in a church.

Youths learn Christian topics, play games, enjoy food

Youths attending have fun while learning and discussing religion and related topics. At gatherings, they hang out, enjoy food, games, fellowship and worship. First they eat, since some have not had time to eat, having come directly from a school game or event.

Smith's goal is to build relationships with the young people. "I want to know the kids so I will know what to say to them," she said, stressing that they need to feel safe and loved by God.

"If all they hear is that God loves them and I love them then I have succeeded," she said. "Life is hard and they can call me. I can be their confidant and shoulder to lean on."

Upon her arrival in late summer, she immediately noted that Clyde is family- and sports-oriented, so she makes it a point to attend school games and events, sitting with and getting to know parents.

Smith is highly qualified, having led Christian youth groups since she was in high school. She formed close bonds with those teens who still call her 13 years later, she said.

In addition to creating and writing lesson plans, researching Christian-based games and planning simple menus, Smith is studying for her master's degree in Ministry and Counseling from Grace Theological Seminary in Indiana. She will graduate this May.

Smith grew up in Brooklyn, Michigan, a community of 1,100 where she was in a church youth group. The positive influence of those adults involved changed her life, she said. Her plans are to develop the same type of communication here. "I want to be the kind of person (to them) I needed when I was young."

Her plans for CCYG include holding weekly meetings which continue informally through the summer. She wants to see more volunteer adults involved with meetings, getting to know the youths, talking with them, listening to them and maybe even becoming a surrogate grandparent.

"Kids like to be seen and heard," she said. Interested adults can contact Smith at the church from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at 419-547-9225. The next meeting of CCYG is 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18.

CCYG was formerly led by Jen Rawson, who moved on more than a year ago for other employment. Temporary leaders were Jeanette Greenlade and Amy Hillaker, who continue to stay involved. Smith was hired as youth director at St. Paul. Her duties include CCYG.

CHS seeking new principal

Joe Webb, Clyde High School principal, is retiring at the end of the school year after 22 years in that position. He has been employed in the Clyde-Green Springs Exempted School District for 34 years, teaching middle school students for eight years and five years at CHS.

Webb said that he loves the community, his staff and the students, all of which he will miss upon his retirement.

"I'm leaving something I love," he said. "I was blessed for the opportunity to work with such great people. Retirement is a new opportunity for adventures and challenges."

He and family will continue to stay in Clyde but may become "snowbirds" during the winter at some point, he said.

Tarris tries to fly around the world

Former Clyde native Tim Tarris began his flight around the world with Cannon Bleeker on Jan. 28. Both returned home temporarily to Arizona to regroup. Flight plans since pre-approved overflight and landing permits for several countries were denied. The decision to return and change the flight route was made after waiting five days in Lima, Peru, for approvals.

Jeanette Liebold Ricker writes about Clyde and Green Springs. Contact her at 419-547-8177 or by email at jeanette.ricker@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Talk About Clyde: St. Paul adds new youth director