Table of Contents Introduction Children Youth Adult Sunday Adult Study Special Programs Baptism Commission Members	YOUTH Task Group Co-Chairs: Robin & Rob Pollock Back to St. Mark's Home Introduction Children Youth Adult Sunday Adult Study Special Programs Baptism Commission Members

Programs for Youth at St. Mark’s – Grades 6 through 12

Youth programs at St. Mark’s focus on building relationships, seeking the holy and searching for the answers to tough questions. We take seriously the need to deal with what is real for young people, to honor their questions, and to assure them that they are real people with real, valid, and authentic experiences. This is accomplished through the use of the Journey to Adulthood curriculum, a program which balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person during the passage from childhood to adulthood. Leaders model living the faith and remind young people of the ever-present love and mercy of God.

Youth in grades 6-12 are on a JOURNEY TO ADULTHOOD! This is a comprehensive program of spiritual formation for young people that provides a liturgical frame for their experience in our modern culture, celebrates their individuality and their creative potential, and instructs them in skills needed for successful adult participation in church and society. The program is based on two key concepts:

        Manhood and womanhood are gifts from God.
        Adulthood must be earned.

The curriculum falls into three (3) distinct phases, each of which is two years in length: Rite-13, J2A (Journey to Adulthood) and YAC (Young Adults in the Church). September through May, all the youth classes meet on Sunday mornings at 9:30 for Sunday School.

Rite-13: Grades 6, 7 & 8

Rite-13 celebrates the gift of gender and provides a foundation for the remainder of the youth program. The name “Rite-13” is based on a liturgical celebration integral to the program. Youth are eligible to participate in a celebration when they are 13 years old.

J2A: Grades 9 & 10

The Journey to Adulthood (J2A) curriculum builds on Rite-13 by training young people in six necessary skills of adulthood: listening, assertion, negotiation, research & information management, partnership, and leadership. J2A will make their pilgrimage in June 2010.

YAC: Grades 11 & 12

Young Adults in the Church (YAC) includes confirmation training and encourages older youth to take on adult responsibilities in all aspects of parish life and community and to become good stewards of their time, talent and treasure.

Youth Kick-Off
Sunday, September 13, after church from 12:00 to 2:30 PM

All parents and youth in Grades 6-12 are invited to remain after church for lunch, games, and fellowship. Following the meal, the youth will meet with their leaders while the parents meet with the program coordinator to discuss plans for the coming year.

Afternoon Meetings usually the 2^nd Sunday of the month

Afternoon youth meetings are held immediately after church. Youth gather for a meal together and a celebration of birthdays, then separate into their individual groups for fun or service activities. Parents are asked to share in this ministry by signing up to help provide one of the lunches. Occasionally the youth may meet on a Saturday for a service project or some other function. Groups may also choose to have an event last an entire weekend, such as a retreat.

Youth Task Group & Fundraising Committee Meetings usually the 4^th Sunday of the month

Parents, youth leaders and any others interested in participating are invited to meet with the coordinator and clergy to plan and implement all of our activities, especially the fundraising work, which benefits the Pilgrimage. We meet from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM in CLC-2.

Celebration of Young Manhood & Young Womanhood October 18 & May 16 (if needed)

When a youth is at least 13 years old and feels ready, he or she is invited to participate in a Celebration of Young Manhood & Young Womanhood. In this ceremony, we give thanks to God for the gift of gender, and we recognize the responsibilities that come with that gift. The ceremony is held during the 10:30 service. Following the service, we host a formal reception to honor the participants during Community Time.

St. Mark's Annual Meeting November 6, 2009

The annual meeting is a regular fundraiser for the Pilgrimage. Youth assist in seating dinner guests, busing tables, and other such activities that help make the dinner a success. Tips are offered by members of the congregation.

J2A Retreat January 16-18, 2010

The J2A class meets in retreat with leaders to do work on the lessons on sexuality from the J2A curriculum. Times and location to be decided..

Shrove Tuesday February 16, 2010

Parishioners and friends gather for food, fun, music and to “bury” the Alleluias in anticipation of Lent. The youth present this fun-filled event as a fundraiser for their Pilgrimage. The past two years, this event has included a youth-led (intergenerational) talent show. In CLC-1 from 6:00–7:30 PM.

Youth Sunday (Youth-led Worship) May 16, 2010

During this service, the youth and older children of St. Mark's lead prayers, the readings and sermon time for the whole community at the 10:30 service. We celebrate our graduates (from High School, College, Tech School and graduate programs) and recognize teachers. We also celebrate Young Manhood/Womanhood for Rite 13 youth if there are candidates. This year we are hoping our youth will work with the clergy to develop prayers for the service, including the prayers of the people and a Eucharistic prayer.

Service Activities various dates throughout the year

Service to others and all of God’s creation is an important part of the St. Mark’s Youth Program. Fall and spring events to be determined. In December, we will decorate the church’s Chrismon tree.

Pilgrimage Fundraising Opportunities various dates throughout the year

In addition to serving as wait staff at the Annual Meeting (see above), the Youth will plan and implement other fundraisers during the coming year.

Youth Activities Sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese various dates throughout the year

The Diocese of North Carolina sponsors youth ministry weekends. St. Mark’s youth in grades 6-12, along with several adults, will attend many of these weekends. Our special favorite is the Bishop’s Ball in December, for grades 6-12. The youth are treated to a special dinner and dance and their own time with our bishops. The other conferences are also special with FUN games, small groups, singing and worship. Those who wish to seek a deeper faith relationship with God and others have an opportunity to do so by attending a Happening. Youth can also serve on the staff of these conferences and serve as “helper campers” for the HUGS camp.

For more information, log on to the Diocese Youth website - http://www.episdioncyouth.org/. There you will find other activities and conferences throughout the Diocese.

The following are dates for Diocesan Youth Events, so mark your calendars and plan to attend

Youth also have opportunities to attend Episcopal Summer Camps throughout NC: Camp Henry and Kanuga, in the mountains, and the Trinity Center, at the coast. Contact Robin & Rob Pollock or Jim Melnyk for more information.

Other Special Events

Watch The Messenger during the year for parties, outings, service projects and other events.