Youth
At Redeemer, we use the term “children” to refer to infants through students in 5th grade, and we use the term “youth” to refer to students in 6th through 12th grades. Click here to visit the page for Children.
Youth (6th to 12th Grade)
The Youth Ministry Program at Church of the Redeemer focuses on C.O.R.E. values (Community, Outreach, Reflection, and Evangelism). All programming is centered around lifting young people up to lead so they can strengthen their relationships with one another and God. This allows them to effectively go out into the community to serve others and then invite people throughout the community to worship with us. We believe that every young person is fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. No matter where you are in your faith journey, you are welcome at Redeemer!
Middle School Youth Group, for students in 6th through 8th grades, meets on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Redeemer’s dedicated space for youth ministry, the Babcock Youth Center. Gathering typically include fun activities and a lesson. Middle and high school youth join together for an all-youth dinner on Wednesdays from 6:30-7 p.m.
High School Youth Group, for students in 9th through 12th grades, meets on Wednesdays from 7-8 p.m. in Redeemer’s dedicated space for youth ministry, the Babcock Youth Center. Gathering typically include fellowship and formation time. On Wednesdays from 6:30-7 p.m., middle and high schoolers come together for an all-youth dinner.
On the second Sunday of each month, we host The Gathering, a social event for all middle and high school students and their parents. Some of these events are held on the Redeemer campus and some are held at other locations. They are typically from 6-7:30 p.m.
Sunday School classes for students in middle school and high school meet on Sunday mornings from 10-10:40 a.m. during the academic year. Sunday School classes for students in middle school are held on the second floor of the Robinson Center. The high school Sunday School class meets in the Babcock Youth Center. Sunday School classes are also offered in Spanish during the Sunday at 1 p.m. mass.
Youth Confirmation Class is held for students in 7th grade and up who have not yet been confirmed on Wednesday nights during the academic year from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Redeemer’s Youth Confirmation Class is offered in preparation for the Confirmation service in May. For more information, please email Father David Svihel.
Serve on Saturday outreach projects are typically held on the third Saturday of each month throughout the academic year. These community service opportunities, hosted at Redeemer or an area nonprofit, are for parishioners of all ages, including middle school and high school youth.
Every summer and occasionally during other parts of the year, Redeemer Director of Youth & Outreach Ministries Jackie Overton leads mission trips for Redeemer middle school students and high school students. Past destinations have included the Dominican Republic, New Orleans, and New Mexico.
Middle school and high school students can serve as acolytes during services at Redeemer. For more information, email parishioner Beth Cave.
Middle school and high school students can become members of the Redeemer Choir School and sing in the choir on Sunday mornings and at other services throughout the year. For more information, email Redeemer Organist-Choirmaster Sam Nelson.
Jackie Overton is Redeemer’s Director of Youth & Outreach Ministries. She studied Biblical Studies, Theology, and Anthropology in college, and since graduating, she has served in youth ministry at the parish level full time. Jackie believes in empowering young people to design, develop, and lead youth ministry programming themselves to increase engagement.
Email Director of Youth & Outreach Ministries Jackie Overton
Programs for Youth and Families Throughout the Year
Serve on Saturdays: Outreach projects for parishioners of all ages that are typically held on the third Saturday of each month throughout the academic year.
The Fourth Trimester & Beyond: A Sunday morning offering (10:10-10:40 a.m.) for parents, grandparents, caregivers, and all those who love children with a focus on health, happiness, faith, and our shared goal of building a supportive, nurturing world for children.
Advent Event: Held on the Sunday morning before Advent begins, the Advent Event gives families the opportunity to make an Advent wreath and Christ candle.
Christmas Eve Family Mass: This service, which includes a live nativity and special visitor, is held on December 24, at 3 p.m. Childcare will be available for children ages 6 weeks to 4 years old during the service.
Christmas Break Camp: This overnight camp for children and youth in grades 3-8 is held at DaySpring Episcopal Conference Center in Parrish, Florida, at the end of December. It’s led by Director of Youth & Outreach Ministries Jackie Overton.
Race Back to Sunday School: Student-built cars are manned by Sunday School teachers during this fun Olympic-style event in January.
Bagels & Bacon in Bathrobes with Candy Bar Bingo: This event for children and youth is held during the Annual Parish Meeting in late January.
Movie on the Lawn: Each February, Redeemer hosts a Movie on the Lawn in the courtyard with snacks and a fun feature film for families.
Summer Sunday Specials: These intergenerational Sunday School classes are held on Sundays in June after the 9 a.m. mass.
Vacation Bible School: This week of fun and faith for elementary schoolers takes place the week before the new school year begins. Middle school and high school students can serve as volunteers during VBS. In 2024, VBS will be held from August 5-9.
Blessing of the Backpacks: Children and youth bring their backpacks to church on Sunday, August 10, 2024, to receive a special blessing for the new school year during the 9 a.m. mass.
Vacation Bible School Celebration Sunday and Sundaes on Sunday: To mark the end of Vacation Bible School week, children and volunteers, including middle school and high school students, sing special songs during the 9 a.m. mass, and everyone enjoys ice cream sundaes and highlights from VBS after the 9 a.m. mass in Gillespie Hall. In 2024, this will be held on August 10.
Parents in Prayer: As the new school year begins, parents come together to attend the 10 a.m. mass in the chapel. In 2024, Parents in Prayer will be held on August 12.
Rally Sunday: Children, youth, and parents meet their new Sunday School teachers and sign up for the year. In 2024, Rally Sunday will be held on August 17, after the 9 a.m. mass.
Sunday School Open House: Parents and all parishioners visit Redeemer’s Sunday School classrooms on the second floor of the Robinson Center (VPK-8th grades) and the Babcock Youth Room (9th-12th grades). In 2024, the open house will be held on Sunday, September 1, from 10-10:40 a.m.
Parents’ Night Out Interactive Cooking Class: Led by a chef, this fun evening gives parents the chance to learn how to cook a special meal and then enjoy sitting down to eat together.
Blessing of the Animals: Redeemer priests offer a special blessing for family pets of all kinds. Bring your pet to the courtyard on September 29, 2024, at 5:45 p.m.
Trunk or Treat: Members of the community come to Gulfstream Avenue in front of Redeemer to see car trunks decorated for Halloween and receive candy. In 2024, this event will be held on October 26, from 10-11:30 a.m.