Youth Ministries

St. Anne's encourages an active spiritual life for all its members. The spiritual development of youth, from Godly Play to Teen Mission Trips, is a priority of the congregation.  

Check out the Fall 2007 Christian Education details!

2007 Church School Brochure

Nursery:

There are professionally trained Nursery Associates who specialize in taking the very best care of your baby and toddler up to 36 months. Parents may either leave their children during worship or take them into our worship.

Preschool (Ages 3-4):

Godly Play is the name given to the methods and way we teach our children about our worship, our prayer, our community, and the mystery of God’s presence in their lives. It uses a discovery method of teaching that brings out the love and creativity of each child.

Lessons and stories are learned from the Old and New Testament. The goal is to use religious language, parables, sacred story, silence and liturgical action to learn the Bible stories presented each week.
 

Activities for Youth Ages 5 and up

Youth K-Grade 5: The advanced class of Godly Play uses the creativity of each student ad their artistic talents as they are applied to Bible Based stories or the Old and New Testament. They are encouraged to ask deeper questions as their life experiences enter into the sacred story.

Senior Youth Grades 5-12: Journey to Adulthood is the name of the time in which students are encouraged to enter Rite 13 as the rite of passage into adulthood. This process is honored and supported by the adult community. Adolescents emerge as leaders in the church family once they have completed J2A in grades 8 and 9 and are confirmed by the community as adults. Senior youth in grades 10 -12 are encouraged to participate in adult ministries and take part in leadership and worship ministries.

Pine Ridge Mission Trip:

Annually, young people from St.Anne’s and other Iowa Episcopal churches combine to form a mission team, sponsoring a week-long Vacation Bible School for children on the Pine Ridge Reservation (near Kyle, South Dakota).

See Pictures from the 2007 Trip!  

Youth Sundays:

Our youth pre-schoolers through high school age take a leadership role in leading our worship as they hold skits, teach and share their musical talent with the people of St. Anne's. Youth Sundays take place four times annually.

Worship:

Our youth are encouraged to share their gifts as acolytes in worship each week. High school youth 16 years of age or older are invited to read lessons and serve as chalice assistants during weekly worship.

Summer College Internship:

Each summer our college bound youth are involved in teaching our youth on Sunday mornings through songs, bible study and crafts.

Soup Suppers:

 6:00 pm weekly September –May Parents are encouraged to bring the family so mom and dad do not have to cook on this day. Enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by our hostess and cook Connie Skinner. Meals include such favorites as chicken enchiladas, meatloaf pot roast and chicken pot pies.

Living Nativity:

Each December the parish family combines the talents of youth and adults to state the living nativity in costume, animals and song. All members of the church family participate in this moving drama that is live and share in the food and fellowship on the Sunday prior to Christmas Day.

Youth Choir:

Preschool ages 2-Senior High share in their musical talents on 4 occasions throughout the year under the direction of Peggy Alexander.

High School Youth:

High School Grades 9-12 High School youth events are held at Stamen’s and among the Metro-Youth group of Des Moines including the Episcopal Churches of St. John’s, Ames, St Luke’s, St. Paul’s, St. Timothy’s at St. Andrew’s all of Des Moines. Overnight Retreats mission trips and a ski-trip are planned through the year together. Happening Weekend and a newsletter named Living Arrows keep our youth in leadership training and encourage them to use their gifts for ministry.

College-aged Young Adults:

Discipleship Plunge is designed for College students and helping develop their leadership skills for life.  Graduates of high School or those who have completed one year of college are encouraged to stretch and grow in leadership skills and in their faith with Jesus Christ. www.TentamakersYM.org for dates and times.

For the most up-to-date information, check our monthly calendar and online Announcements!