Our youth are disciples growing to know Jesus and make him known to others. As the Youth Ministry of St. Thomas’ Church, we are committed to creating an inviting Christian community for our youth as they grow in their discipleship.
Here is the scripture passage that is the grounds our Ministry:
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith…
-1 Timothy 4:12
What is the age span and community draw of the Youth Ministry?
The Youth Ministry at St. Thomas’ provides opportunities for formation and fellowship for young people in 6th-12th grades. We pull from at least 15 different schools, public, private, homeschooled, charter school, and even some boarding school youth when they are home for the weekend.
How does Spiritual Formation happen in the Youth Program?
Spiritual Formation and formative conversation and opportunities are constant; however our time together on Sunday morning after the 10:00am liturgy (September-May) is the most specific time for Bible reflection and current event discussion. Youth meet in the Upper Room across from MacColl Auditorium for Breakfast+Bible from 11:15-12:15 on Sundays (September – May).
What about fellowship and fun?
We’ve got it! Youth Group takes place on Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm. These are intentional Holy Hanging Out times. Games, movies, prayer, worship, outings, and lots of laughter…it’s a great way to start the week (September – May).
What role do mission and service play in the Youth Ministry?
At the core of who we are as Christian is the call to love and adore God and care for our neighbors, to love them as we love ourselves; the Youth Ministry at St. Thomas’ lives into this with frequent and regular worship and outreach. Our youth are regular participants in the 10:00am service at St. Thomas as worshippers, readers, acolytes, and more. We also volunteer at Harvest Fest and the Outreach Christmas Party among other events and opportunities. We do regular local projects and Youth take a week-long summer Mission trip called Mission Possible. Youth are also volunteer leaders at the parish’s Vacation Bible School in August. Fundraising efforts will take place throughout the year to help with the expenses of Mission Possible.
How does Confirmation work at St. Thomas’?
During their 8th grade year, youth interested in being confirmed meet once a month for Confirmation class. Using My Faith, My Life and Called to Mercy, the Confirmands journey with the Confirmation leaders and their Mentors for 9 months.
What are the ways Youth are involved in the liturgy?
Youth have the opportunity to become acolytes, readers, ushers, and chalice bearers, as well as members of the choir. To learn more please contact Erika Bower at ebower@stthomaswhitemarsh.org
Are there leadership opportunities for the Youth?
Each year, the Youth Commission selects a member of the Sr. High Youth Group, usually a 12th grader, to serve as the Youth Vestry Representative. This teen attends the Vestry meetings, having voice and no vote, and also serves as a member of the Children & Youth Commission. The Children & Youth Commission is a volunteer monthly gathering of youth leaders planning special events and discussing projects and programs for our youth. TheCommission has an important role in synthesizing the many opinions and perspectives of the Children’s Ministry and Youth Group members. There are also opportunities for Sr. High Youth to serve on the various Commissions of the church.
What is a sampling of the annual special events of the Youth Ministry?
Hang Out, Diocesan Dinner Church, Province III Pilgrimage, Flock your Friends Fundraiser, Youth Sunday, End-of-the-Year Bash, and Mission Possible in the summer.
