Youth Formation

Download Life at GSL — Winter-Spring 2021 Guide, a comprehensive publication with winter-spring Christian formation, worship, and music offerings.

I hope this message finds you and your loved ones with power and water, and hopefully the chance to enjoy the snow a bit over the past week. We had hoped to be able to meet back this week in person, but unfortunately will have to let the rain melt a bit more before rejoining in-person EYC.

The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. We are baptized into his life, self-giving, and death; then, we rise in hope to life transformed. This Lent, youth in 6-12th grades are invited to walk with Jesus in his Way of Love. On Wednesday, February 24, we will explore "Turn" and "Learn" on Zoom (Meeting ID: 849 1951 3843 /Passcode: 901) from 6:15-7:15 p.m.

Sunday, February 28 EYC in-person returns! We are so happy to finally be back to having EYC outside and masked, but together! To kick things off, we will be playing Gaga Ball! Come find why this is all time favorite of St. Columba and Mud Camp.  6th- 8th will meet from 3-4 p.m. followed by 9th-12th from 4-5 p.m. Meet outside the Red Door on LeMaster.

Peace,

Amzie

Just over a year ago, on January 18, 2020, nearly 40 Grace-St. Luke’s youth filed onto two charter buses and eagerly departed for the yearly St. Columba ski trip. Looking back, it almost makes me cringe to picture that many individuals seated so tightly together with no mask or GermX in sight. This year has changed so many aspects of how we participate in society and forced us to rethink aspects of our lives that were once the ingrained tradition. 

In an effort to remain positive, I have attempted to pay special appreciation and gratitude for the “silver linings,” or holy moments amidst a global pandemic. Moments that might have once been mundane or routine. Perhaps one of the best I’ve encountered was the opportunity to gather with our 2020 Confirmation Class safely on the grassy knoll next to Miss Lee’s. Here, thirteen youth met for over two months to examine, share, and expand their roles in the Episcopal Church. Though masked, six feet apart, and at the mercy of the weather, I cannot commend this group enough for their dedication to coming prepared and ready to share about their faith. This group’s insight and compassion for the Memphis community gives me great hope for the future of the 901. Here’s to the GSL Confirmation Class of 2020! 

Avery Arkle, Rebecca Burnett, Ron Byrnes, Khaki Callan, Samuel Callan, Grace Ciaramitaro, Henry Duncan, Caroline Holtzclaw, Hays Prather, Charles Rowland, Bronwyn Saatkamp, Jackson Saatkcamp

While the youth were unable to be confirmed during Bishop Phoebe’s annual visit on January 17, they and our adult candidates will be confirmed at some point in Spring 2021.

Amzie Williams

Director of Youth Formation
901-252-6326 | awilliams [at] gracestlukes [dot] org

We are excited you and your household are interested in participating in Confirmation this fall! The sacrament of Confirmation seeks to reaffirm one's faith through the strengthening and renewal of one's baptismal vows and is open to all youth in grades 9th-12th. Our class will start on October 18, and meet virtually once a week until December 16. We will be using "My Life, My Faith" by Jenifer Gamber as our primary text, but will also examine parts of the BCP, the Bible, poetry, music, and art in our discussions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Amzie at awilliams [at] gracestlukes [dot] org.

Sign up by following this link.

An opportunity for fellowship, relaxing, and fun! EYC offers a more laidback atmosphere for youth to build meaningful and lasting friendships. This time is less focused on structured learning and more devoted to community building, self-expression, impactful service, and seeking to understand the ever-changing and messy world around us. Please note that locations and times may change depending on the nature of our activities, look out for monthly emails from awilliams [at] gracestlukes [dot] org to keep updated on all things EYC. In addition, the what and where of EYC is subject to change concerning conditions of COVID 19, but know we always plan to have something offered at this time for you and your family!

Local teacher and GSL parishioner, Jess Steenbergen, will be serving as our primary Youth Formation associate this fall. Jess has had a very active role with Youth Formation the past two years, and we are thrilled to have her with us once again.