Youth

Youth Programs at Eastminster

Worship Participation: Eastminster Youth help usher and also frequently fill the role of Lay Reader/Liturgist during Sunday Worship. In May of each year they are responsible for the entire service, including the preaching of the Word.

Sunday School: Sunday School grades 7th through 12th meet in the Youth room from 9:30AM – 10:30AM. We use a variety of curricula that are applicable in the lives of youth.

Fall Worship Celebration: The Youth Worship Celebration takes place on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. It is an opportunity for the youth of Grace Presbytery to gather to praise God and give thanks. Worship and music leaders are invited from various Grace Presbytery congregations. Speakers are usually members of the senior class, and communion servers are youth from across the presbytery who have been elected by their church to serve as elders and deacons.

SHYC - Senior High Youth Connection: SHYC is the mid-winter youth retreat held at Austin College in Sherman, TX. for all 9th through 12th graders in Grace Presbytery. Late each January (sometimes early February), the Senior High Youth of Grace Presbytery gather at Austin College in Sherman for SHYC: a high energy weekend of challenging theme presentations, thought-provoking and encouraging small groups, interest groups, music, worship, and of course, energizers. SHYC is planned by a special team of adults and youth from across the presbytery in partnership with the Austin College ACtivators.

Grace Presbytery Youthquakes: Youthquakes are retreat weekends with other 6th - 8th grade youth from all over the presbytery at Camp Gilmont. During the weekend, youth will experience worship, small groups, fellowship and FUN together. Event leadership is provided by the Austin College ACtivators (Fall Events) and Grace Presbytery's High School "STARS" leadership team (Spring Event).

Synod Youth Workshop: Each July all 9th through 12th graders have the opportunity to attend SYW the synod-wide youth conference held at Tulsa University in Tulsa, OK. Opportunities for community building through small group experiences, recreation, service projects, energizers and the closing communion worship service provide a rich spiritual experience for those who attend.

Summer Mission Trip: Each summer 6th through 12th graders embark on a major mission project. Through the experience, devotions and special activities, young people leave with a deeper faith. Each day, the participants break up into work crews consisting of youth and adults and head out to their worksites. They return in the afternoon for dinner and the evening programs which center on worship and a message. This is truly a life changing experience for all those who attend.

One Mo Trip - Mo Ranch: Labor Day weekend is the date that our brothers and sisters in Christ gather at Mo Ranch in Hunt, TX. This event which started 8 years ago brings together youth and adults from churches all over Grace Presbytery and Synod of the Sun. All 6th through 12th graders are welcomed to participate in a great weekend of music, recreation, energizers, swimming, mud fights and fellowship. At One Mo Trip - Mo Ranch – you will experience great people, great times and a great God.

Presbyterian Youth Triennium: Triennium is an international gathering of Presbyterian and Reformed young people that takes place at Purdue University. Every three years, the Presbyterian Youth Triennium or PYT gathers thousands of Presbyterian youth and adult youth leaders together for worship, play, music, community building, and Bible Study.