Youth Ministry at Grace and Glory
Christian Education
Every Sunday from September through May we offer an education hour for children. This is where Bible stories come to life, where friendships are born, where children come to know of God's incredible grace and glory.
Our middle school youth enter a process called "Confirmation" in which they engage in study of the Bible. Each Sunday morning from September through May, the youth and their guides seek to take knowledge from the head to the heart. We recognize that parents play the most critical role in teaching their children the faith--so each week, parents are involved in sharing hi's and lo's with their child, sharing devotional time, and blessing them. After this period of study, youth affirm their faith in a service called "Confirmation"--a rite of passage into even deeper discipleship and service through the church.
Fun and Fellowship
There's lots of that! Activities range from back-to-school beach parties to lock-ins and even a week away at Camp Mar-Lu-Ridge in the summer. We believe healthy relationships are important to develop and maintain. And the parents like to tag along too; doesn't every young person want to see their parent snow tube?
Service
Jesus talked a lot about serving. But more than that, he lived it. Our youth live it too, following Jesus' example. From leaf raking for seniors, to cleaning up trash from the middle school property, to gleaning local orchards to give produce to MACAA, to an annual week-long Middle School Servant event, our youth have found that serving others is the heart of the Christian faith.
Worship
We believe that worship is the most important thing we do as Christians. And since Jesus put children in the midst of his disciples when he wanted to teach them about the kingdom - we believe children have an important place among us at worship.
At least 4 times a year our youth plan and lead Sunday morning worship, doing everything from musical accompaniment to children's sermons, reading of lessons and ushering. We are proud of our young people and believe that developing their abilities to lead worship gives them confidence and the unshakeable knowledge that God loves them and has gifted them for service in the church and in the world.
And that's not all. We also offer the following:
+Children may receive a blessing at Holy Communion;
+A children's sermon is offered every Sunday morning;
+Worship bags with age-appropriate toys are available for children to use each Sunday;
+A first communion course is taught to give instruction to elementary age children about receiving Holy Communion;
+Quarterly child protection training for all who work with children and youth is offered.
"Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs."
--Jesus
(Matthew 19:14)
A Message from the Pastor
I would not be doing what I am right now if it weren't for great youth leaders who were being faithful to God's call. From the fifth grade Sunday School teacher who believed enough in me to give me the main part in the church Christmas pageant (a donkey!) to the faithful woman whose scholarship paved the way for my first mission trip, to the youth leaders who challenged me to participate in my first 30-hour famine to combat world hunger. I am grateful to God for those character-shaping experiences in my life as a young person. Yet, as Jesus said "from everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required".
I am glad for the opportunity to work alongside our children and youth and their parents and grandparents to raise yet another generation to know, love, and serve the Lord, confident in GodŐs claim and call upon their lives. I welcome you to join us in developing a safe, caring, and challenging ministry for the youth of Fluvanna County rooted in God's amazing grace.
In joyful service,
Ken Albright,
Pastor