Youth Formation
At St. Andrew's, we believe that young people are the present, not just the future, of the church. The youth of St. Andrew's are vital members of our parish family. We value their energy, we recognize their gifts, and we strive to nourish their spiritual development and ministry in the church and the world.
ST. ANDREW'S CORE VALUES FOR FORMATION ARE:
- Relationship with God
- Learning our sacred stories, worship, and making disciples
- Connecting through prayer
- Feeling comfortable praying out loud and to start writing personal prayers
- Identity: Who are we?
- Cultivating a sense of Episcopal Identity – What does it mean to be an Episcopalian?
- Beloved child of God
- Connection with Community
- Nurturing relationships within our church community and the surrounding neighborhood
- Fostering mission to the larger community
Here are a few of the ways in which we aim to do that: (at this time, masks are required for all indoor offerings)
LITURGICAL LEADERSHIP
Each week, youth in grades five and up serve as acolytes and help lead our weekly worship. New acolytes are always welcome, and training is on-going. Contact Harper Bathel if you are interested. Occasionally, older youth are also invited to serve as lay readers and chalice bearers, either on a regular rotation or for special services like the Christmas Pageant. Additionally, young people with musical or vocal ability periodically perform during our worship services; Richard Rigg coordinates that ministry and can be reached at rrigg@standrewsnorfolk.org.
SUNDAY MORNING OPPORTUNITIES
Our youth are invited from September to May, from 9 - 10 a.m., to participate in the Adult Forum which covers various faith-based topics in White Hall. Youth are also welcome to volunteer with our children’s offerings, be a leader in our children’s choir, or a youth leader with VBS. These wonderful opportunities will earn you community service hours. Applications to volunteer with our children’s offerings are available.
CONFIRMATION
Every two years at St. Andrew's high school students are invited to become adult members of the church through our Confirmation program. These teenagers study the Bible, learn the history of the Church, and explore the implications of discipleship through discussions, videos, field trips, and guest speakers. Our last program also consisted of a mentor relationship in which the confirmands met monthly with an adult in the church for discussion and guidance. At the end of the course, students are welcomed to decide on their own if they would like to take the step of Confirmation. This program will be offered again in 2023. Please e-mail Harper Bathel to register.
EYC (EPISCOPAL YOUTH COMMUNITY) YOUTH GROUP
The primary fellowship in our youth program is the Episcopal Youth Community (EYC), comprised of young people in grades 6-12 who gather typically on Sunday afternoons or evenings for the purpose of fellowship and fun, service to church and community, prayer, and spiritual nurturing. We provide in-person and virutal offerings. New members and friends are always welcome.
Click here for the latest calendar of offerings.
To be added to our mailing list, please e-mail Harper Lewis Bathel, Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries at hbathel@standrewsnorfolk.org.
