Growing into Faith
Youth Ministry at St. Stephen, for 6th -12th graders, is a dynamic program offering multiple opportunities for youth to socialize, serve in mission together, grow in their faith, and to worship. Ministries include seasonal retreats, summer mission trips, recreation programs, youth choir and handbells, confirmation for 6th and 7th graders, and Middle School and High School groups.
What's On Now
Sunday Youth Groups
Every Sunday, 4-6pm
We play games, have times of fellowship, snacks, worship, and a Biblically based message! Currently we are going through a series called the Story of Jesus. We are exploring where Jesus is found in the whole Bible and why it’s still relevant for us today.
Sundays
Sunday Morning
Youth are encouraged and invited to participate in worship in a variety of ways including serving in various ministries. Please join us for our Traditional service at 9am, or our Modern service at 11am.
Youth Group
Youth Group takes place on Sunday evenings from 4-6pm. This is a fun, energized time of games, fellowship, small groups, and a great lesson! Youth Group is for grades 6 – 12.
Check out our calendar for more specific dates and times this spring and summer.
Summer 2024
Appalachia Service Project
This year’s ASP summer mission trip experience is open to adults AND youth (currently in grades 6-12). We will do home repair work at the Appalachian Service Project (ASP). Your week at ASP will include meeting a variety of people, learning new skills, worshipping with friends, and having experiences you will never forget through critical home repair and transformational relationships. You will impact people’s lives for the Gospel, have fun, and learn along the way! The trip dates are: June 16 – 22.
Registration has closed. Email Shelby Wilkins at swilkins@ststephenumc.net for more information.
Summer Retreat
We will return to the Trinity Center in Pine Knoll Shores for the 2024 Youth Summer Retreat. This trip promises LOTS of fun and fellowship for youth currently in grades 6-12. Trip dates are Sunday, July 7 – Friday, July 12
The cost is $590 for youth and $465 for adult counselors There is private ocean access, a swimming pool, basketball, scenic walking paths and a gift shop on site.
Click here to sign up and learn more.
Questions?
Shelby Wilkins
Youth Director
swilkins@ststephenumc.net
704-364-1824, ext 206
More Youth Programs
Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings from 4-6pm and is a gateway into our youth ministry. All youth in grades 6-12, meet together for a time of fellowship, worship, and teaching. Then we break into Small Ministry Groups (Confirmation, Middle School, and Senior High) to provide age-appropriate and engaging programming with opportunities for relational, hands-on ministry in a smaller group environment.
Confirmation at St. Stephen UMC is offered biennially, and is a year-long process of learning more about God and yourself as you make the personal decision to claim Jesus. Open to all ages, most classes contain 6th and 7th graders, while having individual mentors and at least 3 confirmation teachers. The year culminates with Confirmation Sunday in May as confirmands make their personal decisions public to the church family and the congregation responds with affirmation and support.
Middle School Ministry is for 6th-8th graders. We recognize that this is a time when students are developing their own identity and are continuing to explore their own faith. We strive to offer community and affirm their personal journeys.
High School Ministry is for 9th-12th graders. We know that high school is a time of great change in the life of a student as they acquire new freedoms and look towards graduation. We recognize that all students matter and have imaginable possibilities that are worthy of exploration.
Music opportunities, during the school year, include Wednesday evening choirs for youth in grades 6 through 12, including a youth choir and youth handbell choir. Learn more about our music opportunities for children, youth, and adults.
Chartered at St. Stephen in December 1968 our approach to Scouting centers around a Scout-led troop. This teaches the boys both leadership skills and the importance of working together through Scout ranks to achieve a common goal. Our adventures include a monthly camping trip with rappelling, water trips and High Adventure trips scattered throughout the year. Boys have the opportunity to join a weeklong Summer Camp experience to get a jump start on merit badges. We have more than 200 Eagle Scouts from this Scouting ministry. The Troop meets on Monday evenings throughout the year.
Safe Sanctuary
At St. Stephen we are devoted to protecting every child. We write and implement policies designed to reduce the risk of abuse of children and youth. All adults working with children and youth are required to be educated on child abuse prevention and safety procedures. Our heart is to love and protect each child and youth who enters our Church doors.
Belonging for Every Season
Check out other programs and ministries for children and adults.