St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Saturday, May 25, 2013
There's a place for you here.
 
 
 
 
 
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Youth

 
Summer mission trip to the Dominican Republic: A group of youth from St. Stephen's will once again travel to the Dominican Republic to serve our friends in the village of Azua. The will lead Vacation Bible School and offer other activities as well. You can support this mission trip by taking part in one or more of our fundraisers, including attending "Faith Night" at the Diamond to see the Richmond Flying Squirrels play (a portion of the ticket sales will support our trip), and donating goods to the youth group rummage sale that takes place Saturday, May 4. We also appreciate your prayers for our trip, for the planning, and for the people we will serve in Azua.
 
 
About youth at St. Stephen's
 
Welcome to the St. Stephen's youth community! However you ended up on this page, we're glad you're here. At St. Stephen's Church, young people and adults share their lives with one another to help realize God-given gifts and talents, and to demonstrate God's boundless love and grace.
 
Where to begin?
 
If you are new to St. Stephen's--or new to Kairos--you are especially invited and encouraged to join us in Kairos [God's Time].
 
Kairos is the principal weekly offering for youth in grades 6 through 12 seeking fellowship and Christian formation at St. Stephen's.
 
Kairos (pronounced KYE-ros) meets Sunday mornings from 10 until 11 a.m. and includes a light breakfast, brief worship, and engaging speaker, and small group time. The photos on this page were taken during Sunday morning Kairos sessions--as you can see, we're having fun.
 
Kairos [God's Time]
"Kairos" is one of the Greek words for time. "Chronos" (KRO-nos) is the other. Chronos is mechanical time--the ticking of the clock, the passing of the years. Kairos is God's Time. Eternity.
 
We live our lives in Chronos. We find life in Kairos.
 
For symbolic and practical reasons, youth and adults leave their cell phones (and other timekeeping devices) in a basket by the door when they enter Kairos. In this way, we physically set our intention to enter God's Time.
 
Our Mission (or what Jesus says)
Jesus says, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35) Would we be recognized as disciples? The philosophy of Kairos is to become followers of Christ by practice, not by the study of doctrine and dogma.
 
Jesus also says, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3) Conversations about youth formation in the Church often focus on how we teach and model Christianity to young people. Christ turns this idea on its head. They have the answers, he says, not us! We ought to learn from them. Because we recognize the divine wisdom of childhood and adolescence, Kairos is a faith journey where youth walk side by side with adult mentors. We strive to honor questions, avoid pat answers, and look together for the ways that God is at work in our lives.
 
Sign up for a series
Kairos runs in 5- to 8-week series, each focusing on a particular topic. Because the heart of Kairos is small groups, youth are encouraged to sign up, to become part of a group that will share a 5- to 8-week journey together.
 
Youth are welcome to sign up with their friends (members of St. Stephen's or not). All are welcome on any Sunday. Signing up is recommended only for a richer experience; it is not necessary for participation. You may sign up for Kairos here.
 
The latest information on speakers and Kairos series can be found on Michael Sweeney's blog. If you want to send Michael an email, use this link.
 
 
Diocesan Youth Ministry
Youth ministry in the Diocese of Virginia is led by the Parish Youth Ministries Committee (PYM), a group composed of senior high youth from parishes throughout the diocese. This group plans youth weekends at Shrine Mont, an annual youth day of service, and other events. Several St. Stephen's youth serve on PYM.
 
Want to be part of PYM? Please contact Michael Sweeney or be in touch with Mike Wade in the diocesan office.
 
Worship Ministries for Youth
Acolytes   
All young people in grades 8-12 who feel called to serve at the Lord’s table are encouraged to join St. Stephen’s acolytes. The acolytes meet regularly throughout the year for planning and training.
 
 
Lay Readers  
 
Anyone in grades 8-12 may serve as a Lay Reader at our Sunday worship services.
 
 
Ushers  
 
Sixth and seventh graders serve as ushers at our 9:00 service on Sundays.
 
 
Chalice Bearers  
 
If you are at least 16 years old, confirmed and are interested in being trained, please contact Michael Sweeney.