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Youth Ministries Overview
The Youth Ministries at St. Paul’s seeks to guide young adults into an ever-deepening relationship with God and Jesus Christ through a dynamic program of worship, education, outreach, fellowship, and pastoral care. The program welcomes youth in middle (Jr. EYC) and high school (Sr. EYC), both members and non-members of the church.
Confirmation
Children in 7th grade are invited to begin a one and one-half year confirmation program that will review Scripture, tradition, prayer, reason, experience, and the foundations of the Anglican tradition as learned in church school in preparation for the rite of Confirmation, which usually takes place in December of the 8th grade year. A weekend retreat usually takes place in the spring of the first year.
Youth Forum
Once confirmed in eighth grade, youth are invited to participate in Youth Forum during the Education Hour on Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 9:55 a.m. During this time, contemporary topics impacting youth today are discussed in an open, informal way.
Episcopal Youth Club (EYC)
The Episcopal Youth Club comes under the direction of the St. Paul’s Youth Director. It is a dynamic, multi-faceted ministry consisting of social and spiritual activities designed to engage young people (grades 7 through 12) in deepening their relationship with one another, with their church and wider community, and with Jesus Christ. The hope and goal of this ministry is that teens will find a place where they feel accepted, discover what makes them unique, and continue their search for what it means to be a Christian. The group meets at various times throughout the month and participates in fellowship activities and out reach events. See the bulletin board in the Undercroft or ask to be placed on the Youth mailing list to receive information about upcoming events.
Mission Trip
Each year the youth group plans and takes part in a mission trip to a specified location. In the past the group has helped the needy in Appalachia, taught children at an Indian Reservation, and painted homes for the elderly in Charleston, SC. This annual outreach opportunity is often the highlight of the year. It is usually a week trip around the second week of June. Teens (grades 8th through 12th) can experience service ministry, spiritual growth, as well as fun and fellowship activities.
Study Break
Study Break consists of a few hours set aside each week to allow the youth at St. Paul’s to take a step back from the “busy-ness” that sometimes surrounds life. Watch the bulletin and the Messenger for details.