Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Tim 4:12
We seek to foster a non-judgmental and compassionate environment where youth in grades 6th through 12th grade can be themselves. Friends and additional guests, in grades 6-12, are always welcome at youth ministry activities.
Youth Gatherings
Generally, youth gather on Sundays between 12 pm and 1 pm at St James’ for formation, fellowship, and serving others.
About our Youth Ministry
Christian youth formation at St James’ comes in various forms, including serving in leadership roles in the church, such as a lector, an intercessor, choir member, musician, or an acolyte during worship services, performing community service projects and mission work, and engaging with the traditions of our faith, and exploring the spiritual practices.
During Youth Group, we get together for study, prayer, service, social activities, worship, games, hands-on arts and music experiences, and gathering at the table.
We discuss topics from readings in the Bible, in the Book of Common Prayer, in the lectionary, or in other spiritual texts, current events, hot topics, or even those questions that you might be afraid are too irreverent, too basic, or too out-of-bounds, knowing that wherever youth are on their journey of faith, they are welcome at this table.
You can follow us on Instagram @StJamesYouthATX
Connectional Church
Throughout the year, we connect with youth from our Episcopal siblings at churches in the greater Austin area through Austin Area Episcopal Youth Community (you can follow @Austin_EYC on Instagram), and in Houston (Christ Church Cathedral, St James’ Houston, St Luke’s, and Hope Episcopal), and from around the country and beyond with the Union of Black Episcopalians Youth and Young Adults (UBE YAYA).
Confirmation
Confirmation will be celebrated on December 4 during the bishop’s visitation to St. James’ at 10:30 am or 1 pm. Our youth minister, youth sponsors, St James’ clergy, and rector, would love to support youth in grades 8 through 12 in their discernment and journey towards being confirmed in the Episcopal Church.
For more information, contact our Youth Minister Kennedy Thedford.
Youth Registration Forms
At the beginning of every school year, we register or re-register our youth and volunteers, and update our church records to reflect your current information, as well get renewed permissions for media release required annually. You will only need to submit this information once for the 2023-24 school year.
Safeguarding
We require all Youth Sponsors who volunteer to work with our youth to go through a screening process that includes an application form, reference checks, and a criminal/child abuse background check. Sponsors also take part in 3 hours of Safeguarding God’s Children training.
Safeguarding God’s Children policies of the Diocese of Texas states that two Safeguarded adults be present at all times when caring for children or youth. (Adults interested working with our children or youth, please submit this interest form.)
Youth (ages 12 and older) who are interested in volunteering as helpers with children’s activities must also participate in a Safeguarding process and annual training geared for adolescents and teens. Please contact our youth minister for more information.