We are pleased to announce the creation of the new Youth Group at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Keyser.

Our Objective:  Developing a greater understanding of God and, through our ministries, allowing God to be known to others.

A Brief Outline of Our Youth Ministries

We understand and realize the importance of involving youth in our church activities and, providing them with adequate education and instruction of the Scriptures, Tradition, Reasoning, Faith, and Ministries of the Episcopal Church. Accordingly, by developing an understanding of the Traditions of the Episcopal Church and experiencing a relationship with Christ and His love for us all, the youth will be prepared to serve within the ministry of The Episcopal Church.

Youth need to know that the Episcopal Church unconditionally welcomes them and invites them to share their unique gifts, skills, talents, and compassion in the act of, and within the presence of, God’s purpose and mission, within the Episcopal Church, and our community.

In addition, we bear in mind that our youth will become the future generations of the Episcopal Church and our community.

In the tradition of the Episcopal Church, we Baptize infants and, young children, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thus distinguishing them as one of God’s children.

During this Baptismal Rite, as a congregation, we promise to teach them about God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ’s love for them, until they are mature enough, and able to declare their own Statement of Faith.

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, these young people will then make their own Statement of Faith, by renewing their Baptismal Vows, in the presence of, and with the congregation.

These Rites of Passage, and the addition of Youth Ministries, lay down the Christian foundations for young people, in order for them to experience and acquire a personal relationship and Faith in Jesus Christ that is truly their own.

Our youth are part of the Episcopal Church, and in accepting Christ's call to discipleship, we are called to minister with, and to them, within the unity and ministry of the whole Episcopal Church.

As we do this, we hopefully begin for them, a lifelong journey and opportunity for them to grow in Love, Faith, Hope, and Happiness.

The call to youth ministry is unpredictable and also very rewarding. It can be a challenging experience when we provide young people with an outlet and opportunity to work out their thoughts, questions, concerns, and commitments within the presence of other young people and, the adults engaged within this ministry with them.

The extent of activities, events, projects, and spiritual counseling encountered in youth ministries are vast, and only limited by the imagination, commitment, and resources that are available to those who are called to, and involved within, this type of ministry.

The youth are invited and encouraged to contribute their ideas, opinions, and suggestions to all related aspects and applications of this ministry.

Our youth ministries will include:

• Youth and young adults within the Junior High through College ages
• A community center for young people, sponsored and supervised by the congregation, that will provide a safe, secure, loving, and exciting place where youth can enjoy friendship, recreation, activities, and Christian fellowship
• Christian education programs for youth
• Bible study, worship & service assistance
• Preparation for Rites of Initiation
• Acolyte groups
• Singing in the choir and participating in musical programs
• Social interaction, classes, functions, events, and projects with young people
• Participation in community events and projects
• Parents and young people attending Bible Study, classes, functions and events together
• Young people planning a "Youth Sunday" service for the congregation
• Reaching out to young people in need of help, intervention, and counseling in times of spiritual and emotional needs, or crisis.

Other future activities may include

• Youth evangelism efforts
• Peer counseling
• Senior high and college retreats
• Young people teaching vacation Bible School
• Education in peace and justice
• Attending Episcopal camps and conference centers
• Attending Diocesan, Provincial, and National Youth events