CHILDREN & YOUTH

Children’s and Youth ministries are a vital part of Grace congregation. As we help the next generation grow in faith and service, we find they bear witness to us of God’s great love and grace in so many ways.  On this page, you will find a number of ministries that are designed to help our children and youth grow in Christ.  Links for other children's and youth programs appear at the bottom of the page. Click on the link for our Child Safety Policy and Procedures.

CHILDREN'S CHURCH (Ages 2-8)

Children’s Church is offered every Sunday following the Children’s sermon, except during the summer months. For ages two through eight, Children’s Church meets in the fellowship hall for a special message time for children, including a Bible reading and lesson, brief liturgy, and often a craft or activity. One Sunday a month, the Puppet Ministry offers the Children’s Church program. A nursery for young children is available throughout the worship service every Sunday.

JUNIOR YOUTH (Grades 2-5)

Junior Youth (Grades 2-5) meets on first, third, and fifth Wednesday nights for a meal (6 p.m.) and program or activity (6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.) Youth Team members Ashley Metts and Wendy Long coordinate programs and activities for the group. Junior Youth Co-Presidents are Camryn Long and Parker Metts.

MIDDLE YOUTH (Grades 6-8)

Middle Youth (Grades 2-5) meets on first, third, and fifth Wednesday nights for a meal (6 p.m.) and program or activity (6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.)  Middle Youth sometime meet with the Senior Youth for outings such as the Carowinds Trip, State Fair Trip, and Chrismon Tree Decorating party. Middle Youth are also the core group of participants in Puppet Ministry and assist with the annual Youth Sunday worship service. Middle Youth President is Tim Dominick.

SENIOR YOUTH (Grades 9-12)

Senior Youth, for Grades 9-12, meet one Sunday afternoon each month and on Sunday mornings in their  Sunday School class. Senior Youth also have special events and times of fellowship throughout the year such as Lutheridge retreats, Clemson campus ministry visit and football game, winter ski trips, and summer service trips.

At Christmastime, this group provides leadership for obtaining and decorating the church’s Chrismon Trees. Senior Youth also adopt four local children from the Angel Tree prison ministry and provide blankets and thermal clothing for the Oliver Gospel homeless mission in Columbia. Each year, Senior Youth serve as hosts for a congregational fellowship meal during the season of Lent and lead the worship service on the annual Youth Sunday.

Senior Youth President is Heather Brown.

More Youth Information on our Youth News page and at SC Synod Lutheran Youth page and Youth MInistries of the ELCA.

PUPPET MINISTRY (Grades 6, 7, and 8)

Puppet Ministry features the Mighty Christians Sunday School Class - youth in grades six through eight - who serve as puppeteers and have fun sharing stories and songs of faith in a creative way. The group leads Children’s Church on the third Sunday of the month and provides special programs throughout the year. Puppet Ministry practices during the Sunday School hour (10 a.m.) on third Sundays. Laney Pollard is director of this ministry.

ACOLYTE MINISTRY (Grades 3 and up )

Children and youth in grades 3 and above serve as acolytes, crucifers, and torchbearers during Sunday worship services. Training sessions are conducted annually. Generally, youth receive training as follows: grades 3 and 4 – torchbearers; grades 5 and above – acolytes; grades 8 and above – crucifers. Exceptions to this age grouping are permitted. Within each group, youth may apply for the position of “head” torchbearer, acolyte, or crucifer. Barry Hartman is providing leadership for this ministry.

CHILDREN’S VIDEO LIBRARY

Through a special memorial gift, Grace has purchased a Children’s Video Library, featuring multiple sets of Bible videos which can be checked out by families to take them home and bring them back when finished. The sets of videos include:  Veggie Tales, Amazing Miracles, Bible Adventures, Amazing Bible, Beginners Bible, Animated Stories from the Bible, and Animated Stories from the Old Testament. 

LUTHERIDGE/LUTHEROCK

Lutheridge and Lutherock in the mountains of North Carolina have summer programs for Grades 1 through 12. In addition, family camp is available for all ages, as is Music Week and the Art and Faith programs. During a week at camp, friendships are made and strengthened, faith grows, and leadership develops in significant ways. 

A week-long Lutheridge Daycamp is held each July staffed by Lutheridge counselors at Grace, Holy Trinity, Mt. Pilgrim, Macedonia and Mount Tabor Lutheran churches in Prosperity and Little Mountain. Camp is for students having completed Kindergarten through Grade 5. 

The Wicker Campership Fund offers camp scholarships to all Grace children and youth attending Lutheridge/Lutherock or Lutheridge Daycamp. Campership applications, as well as camp brochures and registration forms, can be obtained through the church office.

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Since its inception in 1997, the Scholarship Fund has provided $20,000 in college scholarships for Grace members. These scholarships, currently $500 per academic year, are for any Grace member enrolled in a post-high school degree program. Applications invite the students to reflect upon God’s calling and work in their lives.

For a list of campus pastors at South Carolina colleges and universities, click on this link:  Campus Pastors. Visit the websites below by clicking on the logo. 

MORE CHILDREN'S AND YOUTH MINISTRIES

Please check out these children’s and youth ministries, too. Just click on the links:


Children’s Sunday School      Children’s Choir          Tone Chimes              Confirmation

 

Youth Sunday School            First Communion        Preschool                   Afterschool