Youth Ministry

Between sixth and twelfth grade, young people begin their transition from childhood to adulthood physically, psychologically, intellectually and spiritually. St. John’s program for youth seeks not to ignore these transitions, but to boldly acknowledge and support young people through them intentionally and pastorally. True, the teenage years are not without hardship, conflict and tension. But they are also exciting and filled with the possibility of abundant spiritual growth and deepening faith. They are also the time when young people can deeply attach to their community of peers and when they can best move into leadership roles in every area of congregational life.

At St. John’s, we are deeply committed to respecting and affirming our youth, and we seek to express this support through a lively and relevant Christian Education program and monthly youth group. Our Youth Ministry also sponsors special events as we encourage youth to claim their rightful places of leadership in the wider parish community.

Sunday School
Sunday School meets most Sunday mornings during the school year from 10:10 until 10:55 am.  Sunday school is provided for children ages 3 (by September 1) up through Senior High.

For grades 6 - 12, we use the 'Making it Real and Relevant' curriculum. The topic-based format examines the characteristics of spiritual development. Examples include learning that one has a life-purpose and that it is possible to discern what that purpose is; to seek connection with the inner self; to seek connection with God and with the world around us. The year progresses from “me” issues to “God issues to “community and world” issues.

6th - 8th Grade Youth Group
Meets twice a month.  One meeting is a Sunday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 pm.  The other will usually be a service project.  Led by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Steve Nicol, Cathy Bouggy, and Deanna Miller.

Confirmation
Open to those turning 16 by the end of May, 2012, the confirmation class will meet twice a month on Sunday evenings beginning in January, 2012.  This class is designed to help the participants explore membership in the Episcopal Church and choose what ways they might continue in their involvement with St. John's.

Annual Rummage Sale
Clean out your basement! Look around for old furniture! Find everything that you no longer want but is worth selling (no clothes, please) and stash it away. It’s not too early to start saving things you’ll want to donate. Sale is held in St John’s Parish Hall – plan to donate and to shop! Questions or to volunteer, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 612-922-0396. All rummage sale proceeds benefit St John’s youth pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage | Summer 2013
The Youth Pilgrimage is the culmination of two years of preparation and fundraising. The pilgrimage trip is an opportunity for spiritual reflection, growth and the chance to live in community.  It is open to youth who have completed 9th grade or older the year that it takes place.

Intergenerational Work Trip to Guatemala | July 29 - August 6, 2012
Open to those entering high school and older, this is an opportunity to experience another culture, do some hard, physical labor, and encounter both the beauty and poverty of a remarkable country.  We work with the mission of San Lucas Toliman on the shore of the “most beautiful lake in the world”, Lake Atitlan. The mission has projects including coffee production, education, a clinic, housing and reforestation.  All the projects are led by local leaders whom we work with and for.

Intergenerational Work Trip with Habitat For Humanity | June 16 - 24, 2012
Open to ages 16 and up on the work site and any age in the kitchen, this is your chance to spend a week sweating and hammering in the southern sun (or cooking in the air-conditioned kitchen if that sounds better). We work with the Baldwin County, Alabama, Habitat for Humanity affiliate. Beginning with a slab, we build an exterior of a house and often are working on wiring and sheetrock by the end of the week. Our next trip will be the summer of 2012.