Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)

EYC is a way for our youth to explore and deepen their relationship with Christ, learn more about the Episcopal Church, and grow as part of a Christian community. We play, pray, eat, worship, share our lives with one another, and talk about all things big and small. Most Sunday evenings youth and volunteers will meet in the Youth Room upstairs. We also go off campus to engage in outreach, attend diocesan events, and participate in other fun activities like bowling. Regular EYC is most Sundays during the school year.

The schedule is:

Junior EYC (6th–8th grades) 4:30–6 p.m.

Senior EYC (9th–12th grades) 6:30–8 p.m.

Dinner together at 6 p.m.

For more information contact admin@ststephenschurch.com

 

 

We are excited to share our EYC 2023 Digital Yearbook with you! We are grateful for each of these amazing young people!

 

 

 

And here is a wonderful video the Youth put together virtually for Mother’s Day, 2020:

https://www.facebook.com/StStephensChurchGoldsboro/videos/833934387091985

Acolytes

Youth in grade four and up serve as acolytes each Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service. Acolytes lead the processions into and out of the church, carrying a processional cross, torches, and flags. Training and ongoing mentoring are provided, and a highlight of the year for many acolytes is the spring Diocesan Acolyte Festival at St. Andrew’s-by-the-Sea in Nags Head. Contact admin@ststephenschurch.com or (919) 734-4263.

Seasonal Activities

Blessing of the Animals – To celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals, St. Stephen’s will conduct a blessing of animals and pets. Takes place outdoors in the garth. Whatever the animal — all creatures great and small — are welcome!

Christmas Holiday Activities

Advent Wreaths and Chains — Prepare for the coming of the Christ Child by making an Advent wreath with fresh evergreens. The wreath reminds us that God, like the circle, has no beginning and no end while the evergreens symbolize our everlasting relationship with God, the source of continuous new life. Children can also make an Advent paper chain with devotionals and service ideas to countdown to Christmas Day. Meet in the Fellowship Hall.

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal – All Christmas Pageant participants will practice in the church from 9:00–10:00 a.m.

Christmas Pageant – Join us for a fun retelling of the Nativity story in scripture and carols. Children, teens and adults are all invited to participate in this intergenerational production that is sure to be a favorite for participants and audience alike.

Happening and New Beginnings

These are diocesan programs for youth in grades 6-8 (New Beginnings) and 9-12 (Happening). Each is a weekend program designed to respond to the unique challenges and concerns of youth and to help them grow in their faith and their love of Jesus. Both programs include youth from across the diocese, lots of fun and music, and all at our beautiful ocean-side Trinity Center. Happening is led by youth who have already participated in Happening, assisted by clergy and adult leaders; New Beginnings is led by a team of adults and youth.

Happening is scheduled twice a year (fall and spring).

New Beginnings is usually scheduled once a year in the spring. This event is by Parish Registration, individual registration forms are not accepted for this event. Check with admin@ststephenschurch.com for more information and find out how you can register either you or you child. Parish registration requires at least one adult for every six young people. Please remember if you are bringing both males and females to an event, the adult leadership you bring should reflect this as well.

In addition to Happening and New Beginnings the diocese sponsors a Fall Conference for Middle Schoolers.  Join us for a weekend of fellowship, faith and fun as we explore all the ways we forgive and need forgiveness. Young people must be currently in grades 6-8. Parishes must sent at least ONE adult for every 1-6 young people who are participants. So if you have 8 young people you will need TWO adults.  Adults are full participants in the weekend – not sideline chaperones! For more information contact admin@ststephenschurch.com