Survived a night of camping barely... / Ruthann and Clara painted until their arms fell off.. they're still recovering.. send prayers.
The formation of our youth is essential to our formation as a community. Whole-life discipleship is initiated in childhood and invigorated in young adulthood. Youth is not wasted on the young; it is as God gives; a wonderful gift! We are all called to help Him in their great growth!
Beginning this Fall 2025, our time together has been all about service, worship, and community. What we do as Christ’s hands and feet, what we lift up with one voice, what we do together prepares a way for us all to think deeply and be like Jesus. We’ve braved a night in the foothills, carved pumpkins, painted the endless walls of the youth room, and began walking alongside one another in pursuit of the true Word. Our youth exist in transition – from childhood to young adulthood, dependency to autonomy, home to the world, one school to the next, a life of family to a network of friends – we seek to support them by listening, confirming, catechizing and praying.
We’ve had some wonderful times together; from frolfing at Trail West, pitching tents just in time, frolicking around the church, cultivating playlists, singing songs in St. Julians, baking cookies, supporting our friends in their acting endeavors, studying for finals, celebrating Christmas white elephants, and so much more. We hit the ground running this fall and it was sweet to do it beside all our amazing young people. They bring it on Sundays serving as acolytes, as readers, as generous care givers to our children, as leaders in worship, and essential witnesses to Christ’s work in the Kingdom.
There are so many to thank for their commitment to this ministry. Thank you, Bruce Dunn, for your consistency, sharing your presence, offering prayer, being loving and kind, supporting and counseling all our youth. Thank you, Paula Philbrick for leading us into deeper participation as Christ’s hands and feet in service projects through Metro Caring. Thank you, all parents, for being such patient and prayerful leaders and partners; thank you for all the rides to and fro!
Looking Ahead
Further alignment with Children’s and Adult Formation
Through continuity: Having what we do as children informing our youth and what we do as youth informing their adulthood
Forming wider as Christians – Ecumenically - what we all hold in common
Narrower as Episcopalian (Anglican) – Denominationally – what we hold personally and as a local parish
What we'll aim to do:
Bible Study (Christ/Scripture) - *through our Sacramental lens
*Catechesis + Confirmation (Scripture/Tradition) - echoing the story and faith of our mothers and fathers
Acolyting
Pursuing spring and fall service opportunities *particularly what is Christ centered right here in Denver along with seeking summer service trips for HS Sr’s/Gap years/All students
Community events/Youth events/Worship/Trips and Retreats
*Summer Adventures - $ vs $$ vs $$$
Ministry Goals:
Increase Volunteers to 4-6 MS and 4-6 Youth
Provide clearer opportunities to give: of Time/Monetarily/ of Parent & Community skills
Reiterate - MS+HS Trips = life together, deepening community