Youth @ The CENTER do a lot of things,
but most of all we have FUN together!
Guess what we overheard at the 9:00 a.m. service last week?
14 year old visitor from out of town: "What kind of church is this!!?"
"Episcopal."
"Episcopalian?"
"Yes."
"How do you become an Episcopalian? I want to be one!"
So what makes coming to church and joining Youth @ The Center so enticing?
Youth meet weekly, but not always at the church! We also go on trips together: to the Park, to Six Flags, Bowling, Swimming and more! Fun and fellowship are part of every experience !
Youth are called to serve as Acolytes, Ushers, Lay Readers and Intercessors during the 9:00 service on Sunday mornings. Acolytes are recognized for their service at a special ceremony once a year and wear different colored ribbons on their crosses to designate their years of service. Older Youth can apply to serve as Youth Vergers as well.
Community Service: We encourage and provide opportunities for our youth to engage in Community Service. Every year is a little different, but in years past they've made lunches for the homeless shelter, served as Youth Delegates at the United Nations, helped wrap Christmas gifts for homeless children, walked to help eliminate hunger at the NYC CROP WALK and to raise awareness about clean water at the WALK FOR WATER as well as created a meditative labyrinth open to the public.
Youth @ The Center also learn together! “Fishbowl” is a special Youth Bible Study that encourages youth to get to know the bible and its contents. For “Stump the Clergy” one of our priests attends our 10:00 meeting and youth are encouraged to try to "stump" him or her with their hardest questions! “Can of Worms” is a game of Ethics designed to engage youth in thought-provoking moral dilemmas. Our annual Youth Confirmation Class provids appropriate biblical and spiritual instruction to youth who wish to be confirmed.
Guest Speakers frequent Youth @ The Center to discuss special t opics with our Youth. In the past we've had Bishop Drew discussing Confirmation (pictured here) and the District Attorney talking about Cyberbullying as well as speakers who discu ss ed the teenage brain, how young people can be active in changing policies at the UN and others.
If you would like to be a part of a group where you can be yourself, have fun, and make a difference in the world, then Youth @ the Center is for you! For more information, e-mail Julie Ross at .
