1. Worship: strengthening personal spiritual development and engaging in corporate praise, confession, and thanksgiving.
2. Study: increasing the knowledge, understanding, and experience of the Christian faith, life, and mission through lessons that are developmentally appropriate and foster dialogue with other faith traditions.
3. Community: affirming God’s image in one another by fostering relationships which nurture the spiritual, mental, and physical health of all people.
4. Mission: partnering in the Holy Spirit’s work of equity, justice, and reconciliation in the world through service, stewardship, witness, and evangelism in ways that honor the diversity of God’s creation.
5. Play: joyous celebration of God’s gift of life.
Youth
Youth Ministry Program
At Calvary Episcopal Church, youth ministry is integral to our life of faith and sense of community. Knowing that all people are beloved in the eyes of God, we seek to cultivate a culture of inclusiveness where each individual’s unique gifts, talents, and perspectives are valued and celebrated. We aim to give every youth opportunities and support to explore and develop their own relationship with God, recognizing this is a lifelong process. Youth are encouraged to join in the fellowship and mission of the people of God through involvement in parish life and ministry, and within their own peer groups.
In practice, these principles and ideals are expressed through
Middle School Youth Group
Sundays at 2:00 pm
Middle Schoolers gather weekly for spiritual formation and community building. We use Rite13 as a guide (the newly updated Episcopal curriculum for Middle School). Lessons are crafted to encourage youth to grow in their relationship with God, participate in the community, and develop self-compassion. Activities range from bible studies and community service to games and art projects.
High School Youth Group
One Sunday evening a month
High Schoolers gather monthly for spiritual formation and community building. We will share a meal together, followed by games and time for spiritual exploration. Youth who attend the high school youth group and/or confirmation class will have the opportunity to help plan and attend a mission trip in the summer.
Both youth groups will be invited to participate in off site activities throughout the year, such as Diocesan Youth Events, arcade games, and escape rooms.
In the Episcopal Church, Confirmation marks a personal decision to live out one’s baptismal vows as an adult. 9th graders and older are invited to explore their Anglican faith in a deep and personal way. We will use the book My Faith, My Life: A Teen’s Guide to the Episcopal Church as a guide. Candidates for confirmation will explore their faith by discussing class content with their peers, participating in a lay worship ministry, building a relationship with an adult sponsor from the parish, and engaging in outreach service. The confirmation class will meet roughly 2x per month, from September until April.
If you or your teenager is interested in confirmation, contact Rev. Carrie Cabush.
Please contact the Rev. Carrie Cabush at ccabush@calvarysummit.org or 908.277.1814 for more information.