Our goal is to help children and youth discover rich relationships with Christ, one another and the community. We aim to help each child develop important Christian spiritual tools for life through action, learning and service.
CHILDREN
CHILDREN’S TIME
While much of church service is geared toward adult levels of thinking and worshiping, we also set a moment aside time in each worship service to reach out to the faith of the children among us. Afterwards, our children head to Sunday School where relationships and learning are further enriched.
CHILD CARE
Loving childcare for infants and young toddlers under age 5 is always available in our nursery, located downstairs in the church building.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School at St John’s is concurrent with the worship service during the school year. Following the Children’s Time, children Pre-K through 12th grade continue their worship through learning about the Bible, Faith and God. After worship, children and youth join the congregation for fellowship at 10:45 am.
THIRD GRADERS’ BIBLES
Every Fall, there is a Sunday in which our third graders receive their own Bibles in worship from the church family to begin their journey in God’s word. When we pass on these Bibles, we also commit to passing on the faith to our children through our baptismal vows.
CHILDREN’S FELLOWSHIP
Every year, families are invited to intergenerational event with their children ages 4th grade and under like the Easter Egg Hunt, Advent Craft Night, Fall Festival, and Fall Family Fun Day.
CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE
At the early service on Christmas Eve, we celebrate Christ’s birth with a creative, engaging, and interactive worship service filled with hymns and carols as the children experience the Nativity story.
SACRAMENT WORKSHOPS
Every year in the Spring, Pastor Ridgley meets with our children and families to help them learn about our sacraments of Communion and Baptism
YOUTH
JUNIOR AND SENIOR HIGH YOUTH GROUP
We strive to graciously walk with youth as they develop their sense of identity and potential as a follower of Christ. We hope that our youth recognize themselves as a unique creation, a significant member of our community, and that they go forth to bear the image of Jesus beyond our church walls.
Twice a month on Sunday evenings, we gather together for a mission project or a fellowship activity followed by a homemade meal from a church member. From games, fellowship, and food, to prayer, conversation, and service, we simply want to actively love God and love God’s people. We hope you’ll join us!
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
Youth grades 5-12 are nominated to join a leadership council for a two year term. The youth council is made up of Adult youth advisors, the Associate Pastor and youth representatives. Each month, they gather to plan youth group. Each member of the council serves as “youth in charge” at youth group each month and helps lead the group.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
Eighth and ninth grade students are invited to participate in Confirmation Class. Through class time, mission projects, retreat, and time with an adult mentor, students learn about the basics of Christianity and their own God-given gifts and discover what they believe about their own relationship with God. Students participate in various ministries of the church and are received as members on Confirmation Sunday in spring.
RETREAT
Every Fall or Spring, students grades 9-12 gather together for a weekend away at a camp to grow in faith, share life together and learn more about God and ourselves.
DEVON HORSE SHOW PARKING
For 10 days each spring, St. John’s grounds become a parking lot for visitors attending the famous Devon Horse Show. This “extravaganza” is great fun, and serves as our primary fundraising event for youth activities. Proceeds support youth programs here and benevolence to organizations chosen by our youth.
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH CONFERENCE/MISSION TRIP
Youth grades 9-12 spend a week each summer at Montreat Conference Center in North Carolina for food, fellowship, service and fun along with other youth from all over the nation. Here they join together in small groups in God’s creation discussing topics they learn about in morning keynote and evening worship. One of the days of our week long retreat features a chance to serve the community of Greater Asheville with Youth Mission Co.
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH CONFERENCE:
Youth grades 6-12 spend four days each summer in Harrisonburg, Virginia at Massanetta Camp and Conference Center for food, fellowship, recreation and learning. The conference is led by High School students known as “Advocates” as our middle schoolers begin to make their relationship with God their own.
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