St. John's Episcopal Church

Wow! Gearing up for another year together! I want to start out by saying thank you to everyone who makes this ministry possible- we would not be able to make EYC happen without the help from our volunteers + parents, who give, serve, drive, listen and pray. This summer has been full of planning for what I expect to be an amazing semester together. At the conclusion of the spring semester, the beach trip, I finally saw the fruit of our labors during the year. Students were branching out beyond their typical friend-groups, students were bonding with their advisors on new levels, and asking deeper questions than I have heard all year. As you all know, we have a wonderful group of students, full of energy + great ideas that should be celebrated. EYC is a place for them to be safe, learn about themselves and their faith, and to grow up knowing that they have people in their corner who support them, no matter what. That is why we do what we do.

As someone who grew up in the Church and attended youth group all of my life, I thought that I was comfortable in who I was and who Jesus is but when you get to college + your young adult life (and I'm sure beyond) you rely so heavily on what you were taught in places like youth groups and you rely on those people who helped you along the way! That is why I do what I do, because I know what others did for me. I also know what Jesus did for me and when you know that, there's no other response but to worship. We hope to give students a space to do so, on their level. Always encouraging them to ask questions, dive deeper, press in, serve others, get to know those around them, and have a little fun along the way!

Rachel Shelton, Youth Minister