Middle School and High School Ministries

The Mission of youth ministry is about building Christ focused relationships.  The youth ministry environment provides a place where middle school and high school kids can come, feel safe, and not be judged.  It is a time and space when individuals and the group can grow closer together through Christian fellowship.  Relationships formed are to be based on trust and the experience of God's love.   As Jesus said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself."  Jesus' point is that it takes the fullness of being a human to love God and neighbor; youth ministry requires that same full expression of humanity. 

Our middle school girls look forward to their "Thursdays with Ashton".  This is the youth group for the St. James Middle School.   They meet once a week and spend an hour with food, fellowship, and fun.   The goal of this program is to build a strong support system among the middle school students and grow deeper in a relationship with Christ.  The middle school girls also enjoy getting together with the high school girls every few months for "Girls NIght Out" where they all have discussions about what's going on in their lives.  The goal of this event is for girls to be able to develop trusting friendships and a place of encouragement for the young ladies of the group.  The high school group also meets once a month for youth group dinners. 

Our St. James Youth Group keeps busy with many activities throughout the year.  In March, they will host the annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.  They work as a team to sell the tickets, set up, decorate, pass out mardi gras beads, cook and serve the food, and clean up afterwards.  In April, the youth will participate for the fifth year with Relay for Life.  Relay for Life is a wonderful way to give back to our community while raising money to help find a cure for cancer.  The youth group helps out with Vacation Bible School in June and will go on their annual mision trip in July.  At Christmas they help out and decorate our St. James Family Renew cottage. 

Building relationships with the youth continues to be the most important aspect of our youth ministry.  Everyday we all learn more about each other which helps us grow closer as a community and with Christ.