For youth (grades 6-12)
Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. -- Matthew 18:3
Because we recognize the divine wisdom of childhood and adolescence, St. Stephen's is a place where youth and adults walk side by side as companions on the journey of life in Christ. We strive to honor questions, avoid pat answers, laugh together and look together to see the ways God is at work in our lives. Our mission is to love and affirm all young people as God’s beloved by a ministry of presence, to serve them on their way as companions and guides, and to faithfully entrust their sacred growth to God. Here, all are invited; all are welcome.
Registration and sign-up links
- Registration for children's and youth formation for 2023-24
- Registration for Kings Dominion trip May 11, 2024 (Registration closes May 6 or when we reach capacity, whichever comes first)
- Sacred Pause (April 30) and Senior Recognition (May 5)--one form for either/both
Offerings for 2023-24
The family ministry team has worked diligently to prepare a robust offering of ministries and events for children, youth, and families. Below is a detailed calendar presenting these offerings; it's revised throughout the year as needed.
YOUTH MINISTRY CALENDAR (Grades 6-12) as of August 14, 2023 (PDF download)
Bible Study, Sundays, 10:10 – 11:00, Room 4
Every Sunday between the 9:00 and 11:15 liturgies, adult leaders offer an engaging Bible study for youth in small break-out groups given the ages of those present. Participants will learn ways to read, reflect, and pray with the Scriptures. Youth Christian formation (Journey to Adulthood) principally occurs in the youth groups described above which meet on Sunday evenings.
Youth Confirmation
Confirmation is the rite of passage from childhood to Christian adulthood, by which the confirmand, of their own choosing and volition and in the presence of the bishop and congregation, lays claim to the sacred vows made on their behalf at Baptism (The Book of Common Prayer, 302-305). Confirmands both affirm their identity in Christ and accept the implications of following Christ’s way of sacrificial love, compassion, and forgiveness.
Our program provides youth, who typically participate during their ninth grade year, with a path for spiritual growth and maturation, an experience of Christian community among both peers and adults, times and spaces for authentic and brave engagement with the content and marrow of our faith, as well as learning practices for living joyfully and faithfully.
The youth confirmation program begins in September and culminates with a retreat in April prior to the bishop’s visitation for confirmation in May.
Please visit the youth Confirmation page for a description of the program and the expectations of participants and their parents.
Staff contact
Caroline Jones, youth ministry coordinator // email
804.288.2867