Diocesan “GROW” Conference at Church of St. Michael and St. George in Clayton
This two-day conference is designed to equip parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers, etc. to grow in their understanding, compassion and skills for relating with children. Rachel Hodges and Jill Oberle, the licensed counselors leading this conference, hope that attendees come away from GROW having developed the lens through which they understand people that is gospel centered, attachment informed, developmentally respectful and trauma sensitive. Friday, Nov. 10 6-9pm, Saturday, Nov. 11 9am-4:30pm. Email marty@csmsg.org to register.
Advent Messy Church
At Messy Church, all ages meet together to learn about Christ through games, crafts and activities, music, and storytelling from the Bible. A foundational ingredient of Messy Church is to gather around a table for a snack or meal and build relationships with each other, God, and the world. This Messy Church time will explore Advent and waiting for God in the mess of life. December 2, 8:30am-12pm
Christmas Eve Liturgy
The Youth of St. Francis’ take the liturgical lead in reading the Christmas story and creating a nativity scene in the midst of the service as the story is read. Sign ups in the hallway and online beginning in December. December 24, 5pm
Youth-led Service Day with our Ministry Partner, Wyman Center!
LaSalle Springs Middle School and Eureka High National Honor Societies and St. Francis’ assist Wyman in “fixer-up” projects around camp to help them meet their mission to empower teens from economically disadvantaged circumstances to lead successful lives and build strong communities. January 15, 9am-11am
Pancake Breakfast with Burning of the Palms
Youth and children take a special role in St. Francis’ “Shrove Sunday” celebration! Shrove Tuesday is the day immediately preceding Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. Shrove comes from shrive, or to confess sins as a preparation for Lent, but in many places it has become a day of celebration. St. Francis’ moves this celebration to the last Sunday before Lent and kids take the lead in burning of the palms to make ashes for Wednesday. February 11, after 10:30am service.
Lent Messy Church–New Date!
At Messy Church, all ages meet together to learn about Christ through games, crafts and activities, music, and storytelling from the Bible. A foundational ingredient of Messy Church is to gather around a table for a snack or meal and build relationships with each other, God, and the world. This Messy Church time is a dinner for families and will explore Lent and turning to God in the mess of life. New date! February 25, 5pm
Youth and Families Meal Ministry Service Day
Love, worship, serve–that is what St. Francis’ is all about. Youth and their families embody serve as they host the St. Francis’ Meal Ministry for the food insecure and hungry in our area. Bud Weber Community Center in Eureka from March 24, 1pm-3:30pm.
How Does Faith Grow: A Time for Parents and Caregivers
When we bring our children forward for baptism, the Presider asks, “Will you be responsible for seeing that the child you present is brought up in the Christian faith and life?” How do we raise children to be people of faith? What are the stages or steps in this journey? Ponder these questions and bring your own as Laurie+ leads an exploration of faith development as described by Dr. James Fowler. April 21.
Youth-led Liturgy
In this liturgy, youth take the lead! From ushering and greeting to reading, preaching and singing, the Youth of St. Francis’ lead the entire church in worship! A BBQ celebrating our youth, the Godly Play year and volunteers to follow. May 19, 10:30am
Camp Phoenix
Camp Phoenix is a safe, fun, and formative week for children and young people in the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri. St. Francis’ will serve as host for the camp training and camp will follow at our ministry partner, Camp Wyman, right here in Eureka! Registration Spring 2024. August 3-9
Ongoing Opportunities
- Children’s liturgical area: for our smallest worshippers in church, books and play that draw on the biblical texts
- Godly Play: a Montessori-based experience for children ages 4 and up that teaches children the Christian language through story, wonder, and play. 10:30am service
- Liturgical Roles: in the Episcopal Church we say, “as we pray, so we believe.” As youth take liturgical roles like reading, acolyting, and joining the St. Francis’ Singers, they pray through their participation and their Christian belief is shaped and formed.
- Leadership: youth suggest programs and projects and work hand-in-hand with congregational leaders to bring them to life. Youth lead throughout our parish!