Youth

*During Covid-19 a lot has changed with our children's programming. For the most up to date schedule, please follow the link here.*

Youth ministry engages middle and high school age youth with opportunities for Christian fellowship, for service to their community and for personal, spiritual growth. This is provided through various activities and events throughout the year. All young people are welcome and encouraged to invite friends!

Re-imagining Programs for Middle School Aged Youth

For the 2019 - 2020 program year, we are implementing a new plan for our middle school youth programs, both EYC and Confirmation Class. We believe that the values we share are reflected in the program concept. Visit here to read more about regarding this programming. The program elements include:

• Middle School Youth gather every Sunday 6-8PM
• 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, EYC and dinner 6-6:45, Confirmation Class 6:45-8PM
• Confirmation Class taught by volunteer teachers, EYC led by Youth Minister and interns
• 2nd Sunday of the month, all EYC fun activities 6-8PM
• 4th Sunday of the month, service activity 6-8PM (this session could be longer)
• 5th Sunday of the month, EPIC event (bowling, Pumpkin picking, etc.)
• Confirmation Class for 6th, 7th and 8th grades, with confirmation in fall of 9th grade year.
• 9th graders will continue to meet on Sunday nights util their Confirmation in November.
• All activities structured
• No cell phones at St. Paul’s Youth events
• Parents come into building for drop-off and pick-up
• Parents provide dinner in rotation
• 2 parents volunteers to join Youth Minister and interns to chaperone each week
• A parent coordinates volunteer schedule
• End Tuesday night Jr. EYC
• Youth Forum (taught by Youth Minister) and other service opportunities Sundays at 9:45-10:45AM
• 2 retreat a year (fall and spring), all youth together, with separate tracks for each grade

Sheldon Calvary Camp

Many St. Paul's youth and families attend the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh summer camp, Sheldon Calvary Camp. Learn more about Calvary Camp by visiting their website.

Scout Troop 284

For nearly 80 years Troop 284 has been dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through the Scouting Program. Founded in 1930, we have nurtured hundreds of young people into successful adults, and have had the pleasure of seeing over 125 of them become Eagle Scouts. Our meetings are held every Thursday evening during the school year at St. Paul's from 7:30 to 8:45 pm.

If you would like to join in on the fun, visit http://www.troop284.net, just attend one of the meetings or send a note to [email protected]

Handbell Choir

This group rehearses Sundays from 12-1 pm and is open to teens and adults. The only requirement for joining this group is a good sense of humor and a desire to grow as a musician! No prior experience needed!

Acolytes

An important youth ministry involving Worship service is our Acolyte ministry. Acolytes are trained to perform specific duties during Sunday morning services to ensure the proper flow of Worship. We take our service seriously but we keep it fun! Plus, you don’t have to sit in the pews! All youth grades 5 and up are invited to participate.

Youth Praise Band

This music ensemble consists of middle school and high school age youth. Musical styles are a bit more modern and the ensemble includes piano, guitars, bass, and percussion. Praise Band plays at the 8:45 service once a month during the program year as well as at the Christmas Pageant and Calvary Camp Sunday. Praise Band also provides musical accompaniment to our annual Vacation Bible Camp. The group rehearses Tuesdays during the program year in the church from 6:00 until 7:00 PM.

Youth Mission Trip: McDowell County, WV

We believe a good mission trip has three components: meaningful work, spiritual growth, and Christian fellowship. Since 2012, our youth have experienced this and more through our relationship with ministries in McDowell County, West Virginia.

Projects range from home repair, to hunger initiatives, to animal shelter support, all coordinated by local individuals and organizations. Our youth and chaperones spend a week, living in community in Welch, WV and working on a variety of sites.