Youth Programs

The youth at the Church of the Good Shepherd come together to learn about ourselves and each other as a part of our faith journey. We share our stories, we worship together, we go on rafting and skiing trips that challenge our boundaries, we experience the joy of serving others, we question, we re-live and absorb our faith history through study and pilgrimage trips, and we have fun and laugh together. From world-wide travels to local missions, from our individual devotional lives to the worshipping church, the EYC group at The Church of the Good Shepherd is a covenantal community based on the love affair of God with the world. We are learning to participate in that love affair with Christ through being a part of this youth group.

EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) is for 6th - 12th graders. Our youth gather regularly on Sunday evenings for fellowship, for bible study and to participate in service activities. We also come together for many special events planned throughout the year, like the Halloween Party, Hot Chocolate Sale, and Christmas Party. Parents play a crucial role as volunteers and role models and are strongly encouraged to participate. A downloadable calendar of our current events is available from the schedules page, and they are also listed in the on-line calendar. Watch for announcements of our current activities.

Sunday School is available for Middle School (6th-8th grade) and High School (9th-12th) each Sunday. The Middle School class focuses on deepening the youth's understanding of the Christian faith and the traditions of the Episcopal Church, while the High School class discusses faith in the light of current events, daily life, other religious traditions, and more. Both classes encourage our youth to ask tough questions and challenge their faith to become informed and inquisitive Disciples of Christ.

Acolytes are youth who participate in the worship service in a variety of ways, from carrying the processional cross, to holding the Gospel book, to receiving the elements and offertory plates from the congregation. Being an Episcopal acolyte is an opportunity for youth to develop leadership skills and acquire knowledge about our faith and traditions that will stay with them throughout their life. Acolyte training is offered twice a year to prepare the youth for their role in the church service. The current acolyte schedule can be found here.

Kite Flyers are a special group of youth who fly festival kites (the dove and streamers) on significant Sundays like Christmas and Easter. They lead the procession and add spirit and excitement to the church service. Kite flyers are trained at the same time as the acolytes. All enthusiastic and confident young people are welcome to join!

Confirmation is defined as a "mature public affirmation" of faith. (Book of Common Prayer, p.412.) For those baptized as infants or young children, it serves to confirm the vows that were made at baptism. Confirmation takes place each Spring. Youth desiring to be confirmed must be baptized, enrolled in 6th grade or higher, and have completed a course of instruction offered in the Spring.

Diocesan Youth Events provide an opportunity for our youth to connect with Episcopal youth from other parishes around North Carolina. Events like Bishop's Ball, Winter Seniors, Fall Middlers and Happening help youth to explore and deepen their faith while having A LOT of fun! We encourage our youth to participate in these events and to be active in the larger Episcopal Church community. More information is available on the Diocesan Youth Page.

Poinsettia Sale: The EYC sells Christmas poinsettias each year to support programs and activities for Good Shepherd's youth. Order forms are made available prior to the holiday season.