Joint Youth Ministries

Dynamic opportunities for spiritual growth, learning and fun await 6th – 12th graders involved in the Joint Youth Ministries program, which brings together youth from St. Matthew’s, our partner parish, Wilton Presbyterian Church and Zion’s Hill United Methodist Church.

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUPS

Sixth Grade (Sixers) come together on THURSDAY’S from 5-6:30 pm for dinner and a variety of activities. This year, activities include games, theatre improve, and attending a hockey game among other things.

Sixers is led by the Rev. Jane Field, Chelsea Merwin and Faye White Maier.

7^th and 8^th Grade Youth Group come together on 1st and 3rd WEDNESDAYS of the month from 6-7:30 for dinner, sharing, outreach activities and just plain fun. Activities include a scavenger hunt, discussions on values and stress, a tasting contest, and an important seminar on sexuality (every other year) among other things.

7^th and 8^th Grade Youth Group is led by the Rev. Jane Field, Chelsea Merwin, Kyle Nobles and Becky and Steve Hudspeth.

SENIOR HIGH YOUTH (9th-12th graders)

Koinonia and Katalysta come together on Sunday evenings from 4:30-6 pm for discussion, fun and campfires. (see the schedules below for 9th grade Koinonia and 10th-12th grade Katalysta). One meeting a month will be devoted to our traditional conversation, sharing and support in a confidential setting. The other meeting will be based on this year’s theme of “Faith in Action!” This theme is designed to show our youth how they can make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than themselves and in so doing make a difference in the world.

A highlight of the year is always the DC Mission Trip.

Koinonia and Katalysta is led by the Rev. Jane Field, Chelsea Merwin, Emma Lisa Lesica, Geoff Brown, Kyle Nobles and Sandy Muschler (on “Faith in Action” meetings).

Acolytes

Worship is at the heart of all we do at St. Matthew’s, and the acolytes serve at the heart of worship – leading, guiding, and helping.  This hands-on, up-front ministry is for youth from 4th-12th grades.  Acolytes serve approximately once per month in Sunday morning worship and occasionally at services on special occasions and holy days.

The acolyte corps is led by a youth prior who helps train and prepare the acolytes for each service. This year’s prioress is Rachal Torg, a junior in high school.

Training for all acolytes includes not only preparation for leadership in worship but also the history and liturgy of the Episcopal Church. Vickie Sudano, Vestry member; and Rachal Torg, Acolyte Prioress, coordinate acolyte training and scheduling. For more information call 762-7400.

Confirmation

Confirmation is the rite in which we express a mature commitment to Christ, and receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop. For many years, St. Matthew’s has prepared 8th graders, who were baptized at a young age, to confirm the promises made at their Baptism. We continue this tradition, understanding that each individual young person or adult must choose to participate in this sacrament when the time is right for him or for her.

The process of Confirmation emphasizes discovery, community building, and personal pilgrimage, because Confirmands are preparing for a life-long journey of faith, not just a ceremony. An interactive learning process guided by Becky and Steve Hudspeth will help youth understand more about Scripture, the Episcopal Church, prayer and values. Call 762-7400 for more information.

Scheduled Events

Thursdays, 5:00pm-6:30pm
Usually on the 2^nd Thursday of each month

7th & 8th Grade Youth Group usually meet on the 1^st & 3^rd Wednesday of the month from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Dinner is included in the meeting. RSVP to fayeray@optonline.net or call 966-0509.

Koinonia and Katalysta High School Youth Groups usually meet twice a month on Sundays from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.

For more information about all of these activities call 762-7400