Children & Youth

Children, Youth, and Families at Grace

Click on the buttons below to learn more about our special programming for each age group.

When we baptize children, the Church vows to “do all in our power to support these persons in their life in Christ.” Offering a formation program aimed at specific developmental stages in a child’s life is one fundamental way of fulfilling this vow. With that in mind:

We support and equip adults called to minister to, for and with young children ensuring they have emotional and spiritual support, training, and material trusting that teaching children can be a means for their own spiritual growth.
We ensure that children and youth are in a safe, supervised, and caring environment at all times.
We care for families with young children, youth and their families pastorally by showing genuine curiosity about their life, faith journeys, opportunities for and barriers to participation in Grace Church.
We integrate the gifts of children and youth in our common life by engaging them in our most central act together, the liturgy, as well as other ministries of the church (e.g., outreach, fellowship).

Interested in volunteering with Children and Youth?

Contact the Rector, to learn more.

Upcoming Events

Click on the images below to learn more:

Children's Sunday, August 7
Every first Sunday of the month we celebrate the children in our midst at our 10:30 worship service. Join us for a children's message and special music!

Backpack Blessing - Sunday, August 21
All students, teachers and all those preparing for another school year are invited to join us, Sunday, August 21st at the 10:30 am service with you backpacks or lunchboxes to be blessed with a special prayer.

Back to School Picnic
Following the Backpack Blessing on August 21st, families with children and youth are invited to join us for a Back to School Picnic at the Rector's House from 4-6pm! Bring sides or dessert to share. Please RSVP to the office (828)456-6029.

Godly Play returns this Fall!
For children Kindergarten - 5th Grade, Godly Play takes place during our 9:15 Education Hour, and is a curriculum designed for our little ones in mind! We meet downstairs for music, snack, and lots of play! September 11th will be the first Sunday of Godly Play.

GraceFirst returns, September 11!
Our youth partnership with First United Methodist resumes on Sunday night, September 11 at 5:00 pm! Save the date and stay tuned for more!

Save the date for Middle and High School Diocesan Youth Retreats!

Diocesan retreats are a super fun way for youth to make friends with other Episcopalians across Western North Carolina and lean into their faith tradition! Scholarships available! Joslyn+ is the parish's point-person for questions. Sign up for one of the retreats below:

Middle School Retreat
A one-night retreat, Sept. 24-25, for youth in 6th to 8th grade. At the retreat we will play games, build community, talk about our lives and our faith. The retreat is at Camp Henry.
Click here to sign up!

High School Retreat
A weekend retreat, Nov 18-20, for youth in 9th through 12th grade. Themes and activities are planned and led by the High School Youth Council. The retreat is at Camp Henry.
Click here to sign up!