The St. Mark’s congregation is very supportive of its youth. We welcome youth into the church family and nurture them through Christian education, fellowship and opportunities for service and mission. To ensure that we do our best to provide a sacred and safe environment for all who participate in these St. Mark’s programs, we have established a Safe Sanctuaries policy. A minimum of two teachers, chaperones, etc. are required to be with youth and have been background-checked. (Download/print a background authorization form.)

Sunday School

St. Mark’s is committed to providing quality Christian education programs for our youth. Classes for youth are held each Sunday morning at 10 a.m. in the Wesley House. There’s a class for grades 6-8 and another for grades 9-12. You are welcome to join us any Sunday! The curriculum for youth Sunday School is filled with ice breakers, learning games, discussions and participatory skits to help kids really get into the Bible.

Confirmation

Confirmation is open to young people in grades 8-12. The class meets every Sunday morning through the traditional school year. It concentrates on the Bible, history of Christianity and United Methodism, and exploring church membership. Students meet various people on the church staff and have the opportunity to spend time with each of our pastors. In addition, there are field trips to churches of other faiths and denominations.

United Methodist Youth Fellowship (Youth Group)

Youth Group is open to all students in grades 6-12. Most often held on Sunday evenings from 4-6 p.m., it is a time of fun, games, fellowship and Christian caring for one another. Specific events and activities can be found in the center spread of the monthly Messenger newsletter.

Youth Missions

Soon after the school year ends, St. Mark’s serves as host for the South District Middle School Mission. This is a four-day youth mission experience for young people who have completed grades 6-8 by the end of the school year. It allows students to serve in a variety of ways throughout the local community.

During mid-summer, high-school-age volunteers have the opportunity to participate in the Sierra Service Project. This is a week-long youth mission trip to assist in the repair of homes in urban communities or on Native American reservations in the Southwest.

The St. Mark’s youth are also involved in other mission projects during the year. Each December, the youth members prepare and serve dinner for about 120 men at the Primavera Homeless Shelter.

Youth Leadership Team 

The St. Mark’s Youth Leadership Team is a student leadership team that assists in the planning and implementing of Youth Group activities. Students will learn important leadership skills and practice using these skills at weekly Youth Group meetings. Students in the Youth Leadership Team apply to and are selected by the youth ministry coordinator. Students are expected to attend training three times a year and commit to assisting at weekly Youth Group meetings.