Youth

But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation
say continually, "great is the LORD!"

As for me, I am poor and needy,
but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
do not delay, O my God!
- Psalm 40:16-17

Welcome to Our Youth Page!

Are you on our E-mail List? Do you want to be?

Join our e-mail list to get updates on youth ministry events; it's almost as good as twitter. E-mail Gabriel Mayer, Youth minister, at to be added.

Gabriel Mayer has joined our staff as Youth Minister! Gabriel was a member of Third Presbyterian here in Richmond, and graduated from Davidson College in May with a math major. He has served as a Youth Intern at Third, as well as a leader with Reformed University Fellowship, FOCUS (Fellowship of Christians in Universities and Schools) and Young Life.

We thank God for this new addition to St. Matthew’s ministry and for the efforts of the Youth Minister Search Committee.

Youth Ministry at St. Matthew's

We hope to make disciples of Jesus through the five elements in our youth program:

• Teaching through Sunday school, Youth group and Lenten Series.
• Discipleship through Bible studies and "one on ones" with students.
• Serving through service projects and mission trips.
• Fellowship through various activities such as game night, scavenger hunts, bowling, etc., and retreats for both Middle School and High School.
• Worship Leading through the youth Worship Team.

Other parts of the Youth Ministry that are not under the supervision of the Youth Minister include Confirmation and Acolytes.

These activities are meant to provide a solid foundation for the students knowledge of God, as described and revealed to us in Scripture. Additionally, they to allow the students opportunities to practice what they have learned and have fellowship in a safe and fun environment.

Ministry Activities

Sunday School

Sunday school is an age specific class for the students to learn more about faith and faith issues. It is also a place where they can begin preparing for Confirmation.

• Middle School and High School meet at 9:15am in Matt's Place

Youth Group Meetings

Youth Group meetings are a fun time, when students can enjoy each others company, share a meal together, and learn about the significance of what Jesus has done. Join us as we explore what it means to be human, where our problems and joys in life come from, and what difference faith can have. New comers are welcome!

• High School meets Tuesdays from 7:00-8:30pm
• Middle School meets Wednesday from 6:30-8:00pm

Bible Studies

High School boys meet Thursday mornings at 6:45 at Einstein's Bagels near Freeman High School. We are currently studying Romans.

Mission Trips

In the past, we have gone to Belize with All Saint’s Reformed Presbyterian Church, and we returned again in summer '08 (see picture to right of youth group member with her new friends in Belize.) Click here for a review of the trip, where our youth played a very special role according to one veteran of Belize mission trips. We have also gone to West Virginia, Louisiana, and Missisippi.

In the summer of 2008 Colin Custer, a member of our youth at St. Matthew's, spent a month in Ethiopia with Mike Rogers and his family, missionaries spreading the Gospel there. Click here to listen to Colin's testimony of God changing lives in Ethiopia. Read his brief description of his mission work.

Service Projects

The idea behind service projects is to serve our fellow man. It can be a parishioner, church neighbor or local organization. We seek to spread the love and service of Christ to the Richmond area by giving of our time and talents in service to God and others.

Retreats

We normally have a fall retreat each year for middle school in October and November for high school. Spring retreats are also a possibility, based on interest and availability of the students.

Youth Group Advisory Committee

The Youth Group Advisory Committee is comprised of parents and non-parents that meet monthly to provide advice and support for the Youth Minister. They are also a good way for other parents to have their questions answered about the Youth Program from a parents' perspective.

Todd Rich
Greg Peete
Laura Allin
Nancy Godfrey
Rob Lesniak
Norm Hyde

Youth Ministry Links

www.biblegateway.com
www.carm.org
www.mtw.org
www.groupworkcamps.com
www.30hourfamine.org