youth ministry

The aim of Grace Covenant's Youth Ministry is to help students to cultivate a deep, rich, enduring faith in Jesus Christ - a faith that will carry them through college and young adulthood into life.  We help equip students to enjoy and glorify God; and to serve both in the Church and in the world. 


It is our mission to connect with students (grades 6-12) and their families, encouraging them with the transforming power of the gospel of Jesus Christ, that they may grow in His grace through study of the Bible, prayer, fellowship with the Christian community, and engagement with the world around us. 


Our ministry to middle school and high school students is rooted in these key commitments:


Gospel-Focused


Many teens see faith like a jacket: something they can put on or take off based on their behavior. We seek to help students develop a more robust understanding of the gospel, and help them to integrate their faith into every aspect of life.


Partnership With Parents


Research demonstrates that parents are the #1 influencers when it comes to spirituality in young people - yes, even in teenagers! Grace Covenant is committed to partnering with parents, and empowering them to nurture faith in their families.


Inter-Generational Relationships


Despite the age segregation that exists in many churches, and in the broader culture, research indicates each young person is greatly benefited when surrounded by a team of five adults. So while we provide time and activities for students to gather together, we are committed to integrating teens into the whole life of the church in order to benefit from relationships with people from every generation.


A Safe Place for Questions & Doubts


Doubt is not toxic to faith; silence is. Young people want conversations in response to their hardest questions, not just simple answers. We encourage questions, and we want to have discussions that deepen the faith of everyone involved.



If you are interested in more information, contact the church (757-220-0147), or e-mail Lynne or Annette at youthmin@gracecovpca.org.


You can also check us out on Social Media


Instagram: 

GCPC_YM


Gatherings & groups

Large groups and Discipleship Groups

 

The entire youth group, Middle School and High School, meets every Sunday night from 4-5:30 at the church. This is a fun, safe place for students to encounter Christ through study of the Bible, discussion, and interaction with their peers and adult leaders. A typical youth evening consists of a large group talk by one of our leaders and then students split into groups divided by age and gender along with adult leaders to dive more in depth into the study, followed by a group game for everyone. This is a doorway into our ministry, and a great place for new students and volunteers to get plugged in.

 

Sunday School

 

Classes meet each Sunday morning during the church’s education hour. These classes feature a Bible-based curriculum designed to educate our students on the fundamentals of the Christian faith.

 

High School Class Leaders: Aaron & Dena Kota

Middle School Class Leaders: Daniel & Katie Block

 

Activities


Fun/Fellowship


An essential part of our youth ministry includes creating opportunities for students to interact with each other in informal fun activities. A variety of events throughout the year provide terrific opportunities for our students to both develop relationships within the group and reach out to friends by inviting them to join an enjoyable activity in an un-intimidating environment.


Service


The service aspect of our youth ministry aims to introduce students to Jesus' call for his followers to love our neighbors and to serve others in practical ways, and to instill a Kingdom vision of the community and world around us. We partner with organizations around Greater Williamsburg, as well as serving our local body by helping those who are in need within the Grace Covenant community.

 


Special Events & Retreats

 

Middle School Modgnik – September

Youth World Awareness Weekend (YOWAW) – March/April

RYM High School Conference - July/August



RYM MID-ATLANTIC from Reformed Youth Ministries on Vimeo.



All these activities help to build community within our group through a fun shared experience. Our retreats in particular help get us out of our usual surroundings and routines, and provide us opportunity to connect with other students both from around Virginia and across the USA .