Youth Ministry
Youth Ministries includes those in
grades 6 - 12, and many of our congregations have terrific youth programs for students
in their teen years. This is a time of questioning and becoming, as young
people engage the big questions of life and learn how to navigate a world of
adult decisions and grown-up relationships. Each congregation has a different
approach to youth ministries, but each one cares deeply for its teen members. Find
out more on the congregations’ websites!
Additionally, our diocese offers several programs that bring youth together across the state of Oklahoma:
New Beginnings
Welcome to our rebuilt New Beginnings program! NB (as it’s more commonly known) is a retreat weekend for junior high youth (grades 6th-8th). New Beginnings is held at St. Crispin’s, where participants stay in cabins and share together in a variety of activities to develop a deeper relationship of faith with God, self, and one another. You can attend New Beginning as many times as you wish! New Beginnings is led by senior high youth.
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Pilgrimage: Together We Walk in Beauty
Pilgrimage is back! Join us as we explore the world around us, learn about different places and people, and experience God’s creation. This year we are traveling to Navajo-land and Arizona. Our theme will be “hozoni” - together we walk in beauty. We will visit the Grand Canyon, float down the Colorado river, experience a Taize service in Sedona, and learn about the Navajo culture and history from story-tellers and by experiencing ancient sites. As we journey we will experience sites in New Mexico including stops in Santa Fe and Albuquerque. We will spend time working alongside people on the Navajo reservation and listening to their stories. This year we are primarily staying in lodge accommodations. All food, activities, lodgings, and travel are included in the cost. The cost for the pilgrimage in 2022 is $950 (for all participants and sponsors) and registration closes on December 31st, 2021. The Diocese will assist in helping pilgrims fundraise towards their participation. See website for a detailed itinerary and more information on fundraising.
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Youth Board
The Youth Board is made up of youth and adults from across the Diocese of Oklahoma. They work together to create, plan, and lead various programs for youth during the year including Ignite (Senior High Youth Conference), New Beginnings (Junior High Youth Conference), Pilgrimage, and other events. Youth will gain leadership experience, training, and build stronger relationships with God, self, and with other Episcopalians from around Oklahoma. Adults will assist youth in this work but primarily stand back and let youth board members lead. Benefits of youth board membership include discounts on participation in youth events including Summer Camp and Pilgrimage.
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Ignite Youth Retreat
Looking for a way to step away from the distractions and stresses of everyday life. We will spend time exploring our thoughts and beliefs, being with friends, singing, and experiencing God at St. Crispin’s. Participants in grades 9-12 stay in cabins and will share together in a variety of activities intended to help all of us go deeper into our faith and our relationships. November 2022.
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Resources for Youth Ministry
Click on the link below to find some great resources for Youth Ministry.
Youth Resources
Resources for All Ages
small church resources
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact Kate Bond Director of Faith Formation and Discipleship email directly at kbond.epiok.org or via phone at (405) 232-4820.