Dear St. Paul’s,
It’s wonderful to connect with you all via this letter. I started my role as Youth & Family Minister at St. Paul’s nearly eight months ago, and it’s been a joyful and busy time ever since! It’s an honor to serve in this role, and I’m looking forward to many, many more months ahead.
Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished over the last few months, and what’s coming up this summer.
A Few Family Ministry Highlights
- Sunday School: We now offer Sunday School every week for kids from Preschool to 5th grade, and it’s been a huge success! Each week, we read a Bible story, have a snack, dance, do a craft, and pray. It’s a special time for kids to grow in friendship and faith. You can join the fun as a volunteer once every six weeks, and we pick the date based on your schedule. Please email me to learn more: milamsamuelt@stpaulcathedral.org
- Community Service: We’ve teamed up with Groundwork to offer community service projects for families (and everyone else!). Every third month, we help plant and weed at the EarthLab, a beautiful 4-acre garden. Join us on June 6th at 8:30am. Email me for details or to sign up: milamsamuelt@stpaulcathedral.org
- Christmas Eve Pageant: Last year’s Christmas Eve service was a joy, especially with the new costumes for the kids. It was wonderful to see the Christmas story come alive through our youngest members.
- Easter Egg Hunt: We held our first Easter egg hunt in the Dean’s Courtyard. The kids loved collecting Jesus-themed eggs and enjoying their treats before the Easter service.
- SD United Youth Collective: We’ve partnered with SD United, a nonprofit youth group, to provide our tweens and teens with a consistent, fun faith community. You can learn more about SD United here: SD United.
A Fun Summer Ahead: 2026
- Vacation Bible School (VBS): This summer, we’re working with Normal Heights United to offer VBS. Kids entering TK to 5th grade can join us July 27-31 from 9am to 1pm for a week of fun and learning about God’s love. We also need volunteers for flexible 3-hour shifts. Learn more and sign up here: KIDS CAMP.
- Camp Stevens Retreat: Family Ministry is headed to Camp Stevens in Julian for a weekend retreat. All St. Paul’s families and Family Ministry volunteers are invited to join us for a weekend in the mountains with campfire songs, delicious food, hikes, pool time, and fellowship. More information is coming soon!
- Family Pride Party: Mark your calendar for our Family Pride Party in the Dean’s Courtyard on July 11 from 4pm to 6pm. This is a chance for our church to celebrate LGBTQ+ families and welcome the community to visit our campus for a festive afternoon. We’ll have a performance by Tree of Dreams, face painting, free food, and a prize booth.
We have a great summer planned, and I hope you’ll join us for some (or all!) of the events. I also want to thank our wonderful Family Ministry volunteers: Stephanie G., Julie, Mandy, Allen, Stephanie H., Angela, Anastasia, Maura, Nina, and Hadrian. We couldn’t do this without you, and your dedication to the kids at St. Paul’s is a real gift.
I’m so grateful for God’s blessings on the Family Ministry at St. Paul’s, and I’m praying for even more blessings to come.
All my best,
Taylor Milam-Samuel
