Youth
Grades 6 through 12
Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3
About our youth ministry
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
Registration for youth offerings–acolytes, youth ushers, youth group, Sunday morning Bible study, Confirmation preparation, and more–is available now! One form covers all these offerings, so you will not need to complete multiple forms!
Calendar of Events for 2025-26
Here’s a downloadable, printable PDF of important dates in youth ministry for the program year that begins in September 2025 and continues through May 2026.
Other important links
Spring 2026 events for grades 6 through 12
Sunday, April 19, 6-8 p.m.
Youth movie night in the small fellowship hall
Youth groups will have dinner and then enjoy a movie accompanied by popcorn and other theater snacks. This is open to all youth in 6th-12th grades. Friends are welcome; come as you are. Use the button below to RSVP so we know how many to expect and can provide dinner accordingly.
Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Youth trip to Busch Gardens
Youth in grades 6 through 12 are invited for an exciting adventure to Busch Gardens. We will meet outside the café at 9 a.m. to ride together and will return for pick-up at 6 p.m. Registration will close on May 2 or when we reach capacity (24 spots). A ticket ($94) includes admission to the park and a meal. You will be sent a link to pay for your ticket after submitting a registration form (see the button below). Financial support is available; if needed, contact Caroline Harris to make arrangements.
Special events for graduating seniors
High school senior recognition
Sunday, May 3, during the 9 and 11:15 a.m. services in the main church
This annual event gathers graduating seniors during the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services to receive a blessing and gift from the congregation. No seniors are singled out or asked to speak; they all come forward and experience a beautiful moment of recognition, blessing, and gratitude for them at this important threshold moment in their lives.
High school senior send-off
Sunday, May 3, 10:10-11 a.m. in the Café
During the 10:10 a.m. formation hour, graduating high school seniors and their families are invited to gather in the café for a celebration. There will be treats, fellowship, and a time to reflect on this milestone.
SIGN UP
Youth Groups, Selected Sundays
6:30-8 p.m.
Youth groups meet on Sunday evenings, usually twice a month. Gatherings begin with an informal supper (provided) for all grades, 6 through 12. Then youth divide into age cohorts for the program. Sometimes youth group gatherings are strictly for fun, such as a movie night, and a couple of times a year we’ll take field trips (whitewater rafting, a tour of local holiday lights, a trip to Kings Dominion).
A youth group schedule for 2024-25 will be available this summer.
Questions? Contact Caroline Harris, youth ministry coordinator.
Youth serving
June 29-July 4, 2025
This summer, youth of St. Stephen’s Church will take part in a trip to Asheville, N.C., designed to deepen their spiritual lives as they engage in service, learn about social justice and the challenges faced by unhoused people who suffer from poverty and food insecurity, and take part in worship, reflection, and meals with one another. Visit this page for details: deadlines, costs, expectations, trip schedule, and how to reserve a place.
Youth Acolytes (Grades 9-12)
At St. Stephen’s, all high school youth are invited to serve at the Lord’s altar in the ministry of the acolyte. Rooted in both the Hebrew Scriptures and the early church, acolytes lead worship alongside clergy, assisting with essential practical tasks that make the liturgy unfold with grace and beauty. Acolytes practice Christ’s commandment to love one another by enacting values of inclusion and respect, mutual care and forbearance, forgiveness and acceptance.
Who is invited and what is expected?
All high school youth are invited to serve in this ministry and no prior experience is necessary. The commitment one makes is to be fully present and prepared when serving, and to be accountable to one’s teammates, the congregation and other ministers. This is a ministry in which one grows in skill and maturity; it also requires a level of shared commitment with parents who help with transportation and executive skills that youth still are developing, particularly with communications and scheduling.
Essential details:
- Staff and vergers train and coach acolytes in their respective roles in a caring and supportive environment. Training is offered in late August and early September before school resumes, and for special liturgies.
- Acolytes serve in teams led by a senior acolyte called a “warden.” Each team serves about once a month, successively alternating between the 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Sunday liturgies, and in the summer at 10 a.m.
- Acolytes serve at special services on days other than Sunday including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and the Easter Vigil. On occasion, they will be invited to serve at funerals or weddings.
- Acolytes commit to arrive and vest on time; secure their own substitutes; and responsively communicate with their team’s warden.
- Registration is through the children/youth registration form (just one form!)
Youth Ushers (Grades 6-8)
All youth in grades 6-8 are invited to serve in the ministry of the usher. Youth ushers greet worshippers as they arrive for the 9 am liturgy, distribute bulletins, collect and present the congregation’s offerings, and help foster a welcoming and reverential atmosphere. Ushers serve about once per month on four teams led by an adult captain, typically a parent.
Serving Others
Opportunities for youth to serve others in our community include volunteering in our food pantry, our Saturday farmers market, Vacation Bible School, the Advent Fair, and with our outreach partners like Caritas and Shalom Farms.
Youth Confirmation
At St. Stephen’s Church, the Rite of Confirmation is open to youth in grades 9 and above. Read about Confirmation preparation, expectations, dates, and download a one-page summary about Confirmation here.
Get Involved
If you’d like to get involved with the youth ministry at St. Stephen’s Church, or if you have questions, contact Caroline Harris, youth ministry coordinator.