Our youth are disciples growing to know Jesus and make him known to others. As the Youth Commission and 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. For the 6th and 7th graders, their Sunday morning gathering is called TeenText-Junior High and meets in the new Upper Room located in the Parish House. The 9th-12th graders come together for TeenText – Senior High in the Youth Cafe to discuss real issues in the real world. These meet at 11:05am and wrap up at 12:00pm.
What about fellowship and fun?
We’ve got it! EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) takes place on Sunday evenings from 6:00-8:00pm. These are intentional Holy Hanging Out times. Games, goofy crafts, movies, prayer, worship, outings, and lots of laughter…it’s a great way to start the week. Click here for upcoming events.
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 and Faith @ Five Sunday service at St. Thomas as worshippers, readers, acolytes, and more. We also volunteer at “Harvest Fest” and the “Be an Angel 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 Church 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 on Sunday mornings, 11:05am-12:00pm, for Confirmation class. Following the Confirm Not Conform curriculum, the Confirmands journey with the Confirmation leaders and their self-selected Mentors for 9 months. Confirmation takes place at the Bishop’s annual visitation on May 20, 2018.
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 Youth Commission. The Youth Commission is a volunteer bimonthly gathering of youth leaders organized into working groups interested in planning special events and discussing projects and programs for our youth. The Youth Commission has an important role in synthesizing the many opinions and perspectives of the Youth Group members. There are also opportunities for Sr. High Youth to serve on the various Commissions of the church. To join a working group in the Youth Commission, please contact Erika at ebower@stthomaswhitemarsh.org.
Where do the Youth meet?
Discovery Hour locations are as follows:
TeenText – Junior High meets in the new Upper Room in the Parish House
Confirm not Conform – Confirmation Class meets Hutchinson Hall of the Emily Norris Carey Learning Center
TeenText – Senior High meets in the Youth Cafe located in the Schoolhouse.
Announcements of alternative locations will be communicated through social media, email and text. You’ll also receive weekly newsletter emails along with other communications.
What is a sampling of the annual special events of the Youth Ministry?
Bowling nights, Harry Potter Night, White Elephant Christmas Party, Flock your Friends Fundraiser, Youth Sunday, End-of-the-Year Bash, and Mission Possible in the summer. Diocesan Opportunities will be communicated at a later date.
