God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, pg. 829)
EYC
EYC, the Episcopal Youth Community, is the youth group at Christ Episcopal Church organized for young people from 4th through 12th grades. The EYC at Christ Church was formed with the intent to give the youth in the parish an opportunity to gather in community and to seek God, allowing Him to enter their hearts through new insights and experiences. As we gather with friends, we not only learn about Christ but we begin to foster a deeper relationship with Him, as well. Throughout their time together our youth learn about and begin to apply their faith in a changing world. Activities inside and outside of the church are arranged carefully to be ripe for fun and learning.
Our youth from 6th grade up are challenged and encouraged to attend Confirmation Class and join the church by being Confirmed when our Bishop makes an annual visit to Christ Episcopal Church.
The EYC meets on Sunday afternoons or evenings and gives the youth an opportunity to gather and have fun together. Often these gatherings include community “field trips” for spiritual exploration and/or recreation, and meals. During school breaks and in the summer, additional opportunities for mission are given to the youth in order to provide a chance to grow with Christ, connect with other Christians, and help those in need.
Acolytes
In addition to joining the EYC, our youth have the opportunity to be an integral part of our worship experience on Sundays as Acolytes. Acolytes serve as examples for worshipers, leaders of the congregation during the service, and assistants for clergy and lay ministers. Acolytes participate in various worship services and ceremonies in the church, i.e. Eucharists, Weddings, and Funerals. This ministry gives our young people an opportunity to assume a leadership position in the church, learn our traditions, and to actively participate in services in a very unique and memorable way.
Youth Sunday
One of the Sundays in the late Spring, our youth lead the 10:30 AM worship service of Holy Eucharist. Graduating Seniors preach, and the youth additionally serve as ushers, greeters, banner bearers, musicians, and of course, acolytes.
Mission
Christ Church participates in both foreign and domestic mission trips. We are blessed to have a designated fund that was endowed by the generosity of the Stevenson family many years ago. Our youth participate with adult chaperones during the summer in places like Quito, Ecuador. It is through mission that lives are changed. Often times the lives of missioners are affected by spreading the Gospel more so than those who are in despair. This is a true sign that is much better to give and to receive.
Local Outreach
Our youth participate in local charity volunteer opportunities. Chief among these organizations are: Stop Hunger Now, SOULS Feeding Ministry, Adopt-a-Street, and Food Bank of the Albemarle. The charitable works in which our youth participate are a precursor to the overarching theme of our parish’s desire for fellowship, especially through the ministry of feeding the hungry. The youth also are responsible for the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper held each year on the eve of Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent.
Other Opportunities
In conclusion, the Christ Episcopal Church youth are encouraged to participate in the Diocese of East Carolina and its many opportunities. Some of the great options are: Fall Conference, Youthreach, New Beginnings, Happening, summer camp at Camp Trinity, the diocesan East Carolina Youth Council (ECYC), and the diocesan-wide annual Acolyte Festival.
We hope to see you at EYC to join us on our faith journey.
To keep up to date on what is happening with EYC, Confirmation Class, and Diocesan Youth Events visit our youth Facebook page.
