St. James Episcopal Church

Spiritual formation at St. James is anchored around the Journey to Adulthood program. This program balances Bible study, prayer, confirmation education, and both serious and fun activities to nurture the whole person during the passage from childhood to adulthood. Youth Ministers model living the faith and remind youth people of the ever-present love and mercy of God. Youth are in a two-year age/grade group in which they form a community that continues throughout high school. The formation groups are: Rite 13 -- 7th and 8th graders, J2A -- 9th, 10th, and 11th graders, and YAC -- seniors in high school. Rite and 13 and J2A meet every Sunday morning, except the second Sunday of the month, at 10:10 a.m. in the Youth Rooms, which are located in the Catacombs (undercroft). All of the youth meet again on Wonderful Wednesday for supper, games, Bible study, and community. Meeting twice a week gives continuity to our young people's spiritual formation. In this fast paced world, things change quickly, especially in the life of a teenager.

The St. James Youth Group, directed by Teresa Rogers, is active in a variety of ways. They assist with every major fund-raising opportunity of the church, and, of course, some not so major events, too. The group has spent the last two years, yes, you read that right, two years working and saving for a Pilgrimage to Rome, Italy. The "pilgrims" left on their journey June 21, 2008. Be sure to view their blog to follow their journey.

In months that have a fifth Friday, our youth participate with other Episcopal youth groups throughout Wichita, at St. John's Church doing "community outreach." Sack lunches are prepared on Friday night, and the youth return on Saturday to serve them to homeless/poor of our community. Over 200 lunches are typically served on any given Saturday.

St. James Youth have many opportunities to serve:

DIOCESE OF KANSAS YOUTH PROGRAMS

Our young people also have opportunities to participate and be actively involved in the life of the Diocese through our Diocesan Youth Program. The Diocesan Youth Commission and Peer Ministry program (made up of youth and adult representatives) plan and facilitate numerous events throughout the year. We, in the Youth Ministry program at St. James, feel that it is extremely important for our youth to learn that they are a part of a bigger community than just the one at St. James. We support and are actively involved with Diocesan youth events. To facilitate involvement, we try to help with registration, arrange transportation, and assist with scholarships whenever possible to cover fees.

Summer Camp -- The High School session is for students finishing grades 9-12 of the current school year. Junior High is for students finishing grades 6-8 of the current school year. Intermediate is for students finishing grades 3-5 of the current school year. The Summer Camp program is NOT restricted to Episcopalians or regular churchgoers. All are welcome, so invite friends and family to go with you.

Missionpalooza trains teens to be Christ's hands and feet in the world. For five days, youth from all over Kansas come together in community, mission, fellowship, and worship, to volunteer their time and untapped talents in the urban mission field heeding Christ's call to feed the hungry, visit the sick, and comfort those in need. Our teens have done everything from feeding the homeless, sorting and counting thousands of eggs, to putting siding on a home. Of course, there's always "fun time" after the Lord's work is done. This event is sponsored by Episcopal Community Services of Kansas City and is held in July each year.

Happening is a weekend retreat put on "by teens for teens" at different locations through the Kansas Diocese. The program is focused on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ and centered on youth sharing their experiences and faith with other youth. Happening participants hear talks from youth and adult leaders on topics such as identity, reality, prayer, faith, piety, and discipleship. Participants also spend time in small groups discussing the talks and engaged in activities. And of course there's lots of time for worship, singing, games, and fun. Happening is for high school students grades 9-12. Happening #82 will be held February 20-22, 2009 at Church of the Covenant, Junction City.

For more information on St. James youth events, contact Teresa Rogers at teresa@stjameswichita.org. For Episcopal Diocese of Kansas Youth events, contact http://www.episcopal-ks.org/youth/index.html.

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