Youth
The youth at St. James play an active and vital role in our parish. St. James has a renewed emphasis on our ministries for our youth in grades 6-12. The knowledge and love of Jesus Christ is a critical foundation for young people to have in facing the unique issues of adolescence today. We have special church-year related programs (Advent Wreath Making, Christmas Pageant, Easter Party, etc.) for our youth throughout the year designed to incorporate them into our worship and the special feast days during the church year. We also look to do more with area youth groups in Eufaula and beyond in special events, including mission oriented trips with neighboring Episcopal Church youth groups. We also channel our youth into diocesan-wide events at our Episcopal camp Beckwith in Fairhope, Alabama.
Acolytes and Lectors/Readers
Our youth serve in important roles on Sundays during worship. As an acolyte, youth carry torches and crosses (and sometimes flags, banners, and doves) in procession; light and extinguish candles before and after the worship service; lead the Gospel procession; serve the High Altar; carry the Gospel Book in procession; participate fully in the worship service. Acolytes typically serve one or two times each month, and also at special services during Easter, Advent, and Evensongs.
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Youth also serve as lectors/readers during Sunday worship. AS a reader, youth assist with the service by reading the Second Reading and Prayers of the People on Sunday. No specific skill is required to be a lector/reader, just a willingness to read clearly and audibly in the presence of the congregation. Training is provided.
Youth Christian Education
On Sunday mornings beginning at 9:15 am, our youth gather in our "youth loft" for Christian Education. We usually take the lectionary readings for the day and discuss how they relate to our lives. We discuss current events and other issues in the context of the readings. This is an informal group gathering where we share comments and ideas and generally talk about life.
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We also offer our Confirmation Class - Episcopal Identity (click here for more info) once a year. In the Episcopal Church, all baptized members are encouraged, as the Holy Spirit leads them, to make a mature, public affirmation of their faith before God, the bishop and congregation. This is how you become a "card-carrying" Episcopalian. But more importantly, this is the way that you declare that you're ready to follow Jesus as a disciple. Have no fear: while you will make this affirmation as an individual, you will do so as part of a group of adults and youth.