children's and youth ministries
planting seeds of faith,
nurturing their growth
YOUTH MINISTRIES
CHILDREN
CHILDREN IN WORSHIP
We recognize that with crunched and busy schedules many families only have one day in the week to spend a lot of time together and that sending a child to the nursery during worship curtails more of that time. We have created a space for families with toddlers and infants at the front of the church for those who prefer to stay together during worship. There are books and rocking chairs and a clear view of everything that will happen during the service. We believe that children who can see what is happening in worship will be more engaged in the worship experience. However, you are also always free to sit anywhere that you are most comfortable.
CHILDREN'S LIBRARY
The newly created “Everybody’s Story Children’s Library” contains board books and beautiful picture books which address diversity. Books are chosen that will include all races and abilities to help us realize that the world is full of diverse people who are all children of God. These books, telling “Everybody’s Story” are for preschool and elementary-aged children to check out, take home and bring back the next week, or to use while in church, but are also available for all (grandparents included).
YOUTH
YOUTH GROUP
Youth at St. Martin’s (6th – 12th graders) are invited to participate in events sponsored by the Diocese of Missouri, including Camp Firebird, the official summer camp of the Diocese.
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is an important rite of passage in the Episcopal Church. Confirmation is important because it is the point at which we ask teenaged youth to accept the vows their parents made for them during their Baptism (a big deal because most of our children are baptized as infants). Confirmation is for teenagers in 7th and 8th grades. We use a program called Confirm not Conform. This program doesn’t ask youth to sign on to an inculcated dogma but asks them to think through and consider how their worldview shapes and is shaped by their Christian upbringing.
This program is offered every other winter/spring, for more information please contact our clergy.
YOUTH MUSIC ENSEMBLE
The Youth Music Ensemble is made up of youth in the church who sing or play musical instruments for special times during worship services throughout the year, especially for Holy Week and Christmas. The Music Director assembles this group and can be contacted by anyone interested in participating.
Contact Denise Marsh: dmarsh@stmartinschurch.org.
ACOLYTES
Youth at St. Martin’s are invited to serve as acolytes. The acolyte ministry is made up of members of the parish who volunteer their time and talent to serve during the liturgy by carrying the processional crosses, torches, banners and flags. The acolytes assist the clergy throughout the service and help define the tone of worship for the community. Our program is open to all church members from 5th grade through adulthood. Acolytes must be baptized. If they have not been confirmed, we encourage them to consider confirmation as a vital step in their development as Christians. Training sessions are held at various times throughout the year. Please contact our clergy if you are interested in serving as an acolyte.