Youth Formation

A Bible Study for 6th-8th Graders, resumes September 12

Location: The Red Door, Red Room

Time: Wednesday mornings, 6:45-7:45 am

Leaders: Youth Associates and Youth Intern
This Wednesday morning Bible study has quickly become a favorite for our Middle School students. we will meet from 6:45-7:45 am to explore the Gospel for the week and its relevance to our lives. Chick-fil-a breakfast is provided, and all are welcome, regardless of church or school attendance (early pick-up is available for non-GSL students).

In close collaboration with the clergy and clergy-appointed lay leaders, Youth Formation Associates, Ms. Addison
Combs and Ms. Jessica “Jess” Steenbergen will collaborate with Mr. Zeke Smith, Youth Formation Intern
effective August 26 to prepare for our Fall 2018 Christian Formation program launch on September 9.

A native of Atlanta, 2015 undergraduate alumna of Auburn University, and 2018 master’s alumna of the University of Florida at Gainesville, Addison has been a Leadership Coach for Teach for America in Memphis since May 2018. Addison’s full-time work follows a Teach for America 2015-2017 assignment in Shelby County Schools. Based on wide-ranging experience with children and youth in church and camp communities from her high school through college years, Addison brings a broad perspective and energy to spiritual formation for teens. Addison was confirmed in the United Methodist tradition, has worshipped at GSL before, and looks forward to even more time here. She will spend most Sundays, Wednesdays, and other occasions at GSL.

A native of Upstate New York and a 2015 alumna of State University of New York at Geneseo, Jess has been working as a full-time Founding Kindergarten Teacher at Perea Elementary School in Memphis since July 2018. Jess’ work follows Teach for America 2015-2017 assignments in Shelby County Schools and Gestalt Community Schools in Memphis. Based on sound experience working with children and youth in grades K-12 and time already spent volunteering with GSL youth during the 2017-2018 program year, Jess brings a variety of gifts, natural talents, and energy to support the formation of our teens. Jess was confirmed in the Roman Catholic tradition and has been attending worship at GSL over the last year. She will spend Sundays, Wednesdays, and other occasions at GSL.

Most recently from Jackson, Tennessee and a sophomore at the University of Memphis where he is enrolled in the Army ROTC, Zeke has served in several Episcopal communities beginning as a youth at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Jackson. His experience includes youth program volunteerism at Church of the Holy Communion, Waterfront Director during Mud Camp at St. Columba, Counselor and Lifeguard at Camp Gailor-Maxon at Dubose Conference Center, and Summer 2018 Intern for GSL youth’s SOS service learning week. Zeke will spend Sundays, Wednesdays, and other occasions at GSL.

Rite 13 for Middle School
6th–8th Grade; Location: Red Room, Youth Space
Taught by Youth Formation Associates Jessica Steenbergen and Addison Combs assisted by Youth Formation Intern Zeke Smith.
Rite 13 is a curriculum from Journey to Adulthood, an Episcopal youth formation series. The Rite-13 program assists young people as they begin to take the first steps of independence from their families into their own lives. The class creates a safe haven in which to explore new ideas, new interests, and new abilities.

J2A for High School
9th–12th Grade; Location: Room 212 (adjacent McClure Hall)
Taught by Youth Formation Associates Jessica Steenbergen and Addison Combs assisted by Youth Formation Intern Zeke Smith.
J2A is a curriculum from Journey to Adulthood, an Episcopal youth formation series. Through Scripture reading, prayer, and fellowship, this class helps students create and understand the importance of Christian community as they develop critical thinking and other skills needed in adulthood.

Youth Confirmation Class
9th–12th Grade; Location: The Peete Conference Room
Taught by Grant Adams, Anne Ayres, Jennifer Gibbs, and rotating clergy
Using the Episcopal curriculum entitled, “My Faith, My Life,” high school students will have the opportunity to talk candidly about God, the Episcopal Church, and personal faith in a friendly and inviting atmosphere. At the end of the course, youth will be invited to participate in the Confirmation Service during Bishop Johnson’s visit to GSL on November 11.