YACYM

The Young Adult, Children and Youth Ministry (YACYM) team may have an awkward acronym, but we are a joyous, inclusive and productive group.  This team was created in early 2001 with the full support and enthusiasm of the parish and the vestry to expand youth ministry efforts at St. Stephen’s.

Our committee consists of about 15 parents, current and former Sunday School teachers, teens, and others interested in the welfare of our parish’s kids.  We meet for a couple of hours about once a month, usually after the 10 a.m. service on Sundays. 

  During that process we also prepared a mission statement, which will guide us in all future youth ministry endeavors:

  St. Stephen’s is called by God to:

• create an environment that will motivate, enhance, engage, involve, and excite the children, youth and young adults of our community;
• teach and exemplify Christian faith and values in a playful and caring manner, and
• advocate for and with children, youth and young adults within a multigenerational community.

We are looking at many new programming ideas including the exciting Journey to Adulthood program.  Our team has committed to a youth ministry program that is fun, where spirituality is balanced with youth music, humor and lifestyle.  Kids will also feel safe to express themselves in diverse ways in an atmosphere of unconditional love and acceptance.  And, kids will feel respected and important, but also occasionally challenged to get outside their own comfort zones.  Ultimately, they will also have ownership of the program and not feel that it is being thrust upon them.  To ensure a successful program, our team will also be concerned with community building, and garnering support from parents and the adult leadership.

We welcome input from any member of the congregation, and encourage attendance at our meetings. Please refer to the youth calendar for current meeting dates and times.  Then, plan to join us for spirited discussion, creative thinking and energetic fellowship.  To get involved, please see our contact page.

Questions about YACYM?  Email us at yacym@systephenstroy.org.

This page last updated: 02/01/2008