Youth

The Youth Ministry of Christ Church embraces and supports our youth and their families, inspires and guides their spiritual growth as disciples of Christ, and empowers them to serve the church and the world. To be added to youth emails or for more information, contact Kate Oldham Keenan, Director of Youth Ministry, at kkeenan@ccral.org.

View the full 2022-23 calendar via this link.

Serve for Sadiki with Rise Against Hunger – April 30, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

This day of service honors the memory of Sadiki Young, a Christ Church member and acolyte, who was a senior at Wakefield High School when he died as the passenger in an alcohol-related accident in 2007. In 2008, the Run for Young was founded by Christ Church youth as a way to both honor the memory of Sadiki and raise awareness of safe driving methods for local teens. After 15 years of the 5K, thoughtful discussions began with family, former Sunday school teachers and early supporters of the race on how to best continue this legacy. We look forward to this new opportunity to honor and remember Sadiki Young and hope you will join us. This event is open to all youth (grades 6-8) and their families, and will be our Sunday night program in place of EYC on April 30. Register via this link.

Youth Confirmation Focus Classes

Come for EYC and dinner, and stay for focus class!

Sunday, April 16 – The Rev. David Frazelle
Sunday, April 23 – TBD
Wednesday, April 26 – The Rev. Mary Davila 

All classes are 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary unless otherwise communicated. 

Glory Ridge 2023 – June 25-29

Youth, rising grade 8 – graduating grade 12, are eligible to serve on our summer mission trip to Glory Ridge, June 25-29. Glory Ridge is a multi-denominational Christian camp founded in 1973. The camp is located in Madison County, N.C. on 28 acres overlooking the French Broad River. Students work with the Madison County Housing Coalition providing services like painting, roof repair, or plumbing. Glory Ridge provides us with a staff member who serves as our daily site manager. We travel by vans to Glory Ridge and all meals will be made onsite by our kitchen crew. The trip costs $250 and includes most meals, travel and building materials. Register by Thursday, March 30 via this link.

High School Forum – April 16

Sunday mornings from 10:10 to 10:50 a.m., we are offering a High School (grades 9-12) morning program focusing on relevant life topics. Forum is offered twice per month in the parlor, and feature guest speakers from the parish and beyond. Upcoming forum dates are April 16 & 30 and May 7.

Middle School Sunday School

Join us for Middle School (grades 6-8) Sunday School in the basement of the Baker Wing from 10:10-10:50 a.m. on Sundays. Register for the program year via this link.

Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)

EYC is held weekly on Sunday evenings for grades 6-12 and provides a space for students to explore, deepen, and sustain their relationship with Christ, learn more about the church, and find ways to connect with peers. We look forward to seeing you in the new year!

Junior EYC (grades 6-8) – 5 to 6 p.m.
Dinner (all grades 6-12)  – 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Senior EYC (grades 9-12) – 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Confirmation – May 21

Confirmation is a sacramental rite where you are affirming your covenant, or promise, from Baptism that was made by your parents. Confirmation is your turn to prepare and renew or strengthen your beliefs.  There is not a set time to be confirmed, however, we offer as a class beginning in 8th grade. This spring we will have a service of Confirmation on Sunday, May 21 at 11 a.m. with The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Brooke-Davidson for our youth. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact Sarah Phipps, Children and Youth Program Coordinator, at sphipps@ccral.org. Learn more about Confirmation via this link.

Pit Stop for Parents

As our children grow up, life only begins to move faster. In the midst of school and activities, we can often miss the experience of faith development and a deeper understanding of relationship in the family. The hope is to allow a space where parents can stop and reflect on how we can help our children develop through communication and connection with their family and faith. Classes are offered periodically with a different guest speaker, target age group, and focus or theme.

Contact Liz Howes, Director of Parish Programs lhowes@ccral.org, and check out recordings below: