Youth Group

6th - 12th Grade

Grace First - Youth Group with FUMC

Shared ministry on N. Haywood Street has a long history. In the Faith Classroom at FUMC, you can find a large Bible given by Grace Church at the turn of the 20th Century as a sign of our shared Christian witness. Similarly, at Grace in our Fellowship Hall you can find a large Bible given in celebration of Grace's "new" sanctuary in 1957!

Over the last few years we've collaborated on community worship services, creation care ministry, and food distribution events. This year our collaboration is becoming even deeper as we enter into partnership in our youth ministry program, which we're calling "GraceFirst." We anticipate sharing kids, resources, fellowship, space, and time together to learn from and guide our middle and high school youth as they grow in their faith and life experiences. Concretely, this will look like having volunteers from both Grace and FUMC at the Sunday night youth program; collaborating on Wonderful Wednesday youth ministry and the famous Winter Retreat. Undoubtedly, more opportunities for shared outreach will emerge, as well.

Leadership from both FUMC and Grace are supportive and excited about this new season of ministry as we proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to a broken and beautiful world.

Youth Acolytes and Lectors

All upper elementary, middle, and high school youth are invited to serve at God's altar on Sunday mornings as acolytes and lectors. Acolytes assist in leading worship alongside with clergy and eucharistic ministers to help the service go smoothly. Youth lectors are typically assigned to read the New Testament.

There is no experience needed! We have wonderful eucharistic ministers that make excellent mentors to our young acolytes as they grow into this new role. Contact the Rector if interested in setting up a training.

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!

Interested in volunteering with Children and Youth?

Contact our Rector to learn more.