LIFE AT ST. JAMES’
St. James’ Episcopal Church offers a variety of activities for youth.  We hope you will join in one of our Sunday Schools, Bible Studies or Sunday Night Youth Groups.  Anyone and everyone is welcome at St. James’ so come on by!  Any questions please call the Director of Youth Ministries, Heather Wilson at 601-968-7090.

Sunday School
Confirmation Class Location on the Sun Porch of the Youth House
All 6th graders participate in the Confirmation Class.  Also, any other youth in the church who are not confirmed may participate in this class.  Confirmation will be May 17, 2008 during the 11:05 service.  A reception will be that Sunday at 10am in the Oak Ridge Hall.   
7th and 8th Grade will meet on the Living Room of the Youth House
Our JH Sunday school class this year will be focusing first semester on the issue of Poverty in the World.  They will be studying about global and local poverty, doing service projects in the community and will even be adopting a child to support throughout the year with their own fundraising money.
9th-12th Grade will meet in the Back Room of the Youth House
Our SH Sunday school this year will be based on a DVD series of people throughout the bible.  The stories will be focused in present day with the same problems that they faced in the past. 

Special Sunday School Dates
December 28 : No Youth Sunday school (Christmas Break)
January 11:  Sunday school starts back (same times and same locations)
February 22:  All Youth classes to the Oak Ridge Hall for a presentation by John Maxwell
March 7-8:  Confirmation Lock In at St. James’ Episcopal Church
March 15:  No Youth Sunday school (Spring Break)
April 12:  No Youth Sunday school (Easter Sunday)
April 19:  No Youth Sunday school (Cajun Sunday)
May 3:  Last Youth Sunday school

(E.Y.C.) Episcopal Young Churchmen
EYC group meets every Sunday evening during the academic year for dinner and a blend of social and spiritual activities. E.Y.C. is designed to be much more than a social event. In a relaxed atmosphere of fellowship and fun, the Minister to Youth and adult mentors attempt to bring the Christian faith to life in ways that relate to the daily experience of youth. Junior High, 6th-8th graders meet from 4:30-6:30, dinner served from 6:00-6:30pm unless otherwise stated. 

Special EYC Dates
December 28:  No EYC (Enjoy spending time with your family!)
January 4:  No EYC  (Have a fun Sunday before school starts again!)
January 11:  Junior High EYC starts back tonight in the Youth House from 4:30-6:30pm.  Dinner will be served and the event is a surprise, but I can reveal two elements:  super glue and cups (hmmm??)  See you there. 
January 18:  Field Trip for Junior High and Senior High!  We’ll be meeting at Malco Theater in Madison for a Movie.  Meet in front of the theater at 5pm (if time changes we’ll let you know).  Bring $5 for a ticket and extra money for food. 
January 25:  Servie Hours for Junior High and Senior High!  All kids are needed to be Pages at the St. James’ Annual Meeting in the Nave at 4pm.  Arrive a little early.  We will collect ballots as the church members vote.  This can count as service hours. 
February 6-8:  Annual Youth Council for 9th-12th graders in Hattiesburg, MS.  Registration Forms can be found on line.  Heather will be driving so call or text her ahead of time if you want to save gas and hitch a ride.
February 20-22:  Junior High DOY for 6th-8th graders at Camp Bratton Green.  Senior High members sign up to staff.
March 15:  No EYC (Spring Break)
March 27-29:  Senior High DOY for 9th-12th graders at Camp Bratton Green.
April 12:  No EYC (Easter Sunday)

Parental Help Needed for these events…

DIOCESAN EVENTS:
Applications for all events are available at Heather’s desk and the diocesan website, http://www.dioms.org/ - click on “Youth Ministries” in the sidebar, then click on different conference names to see details.  Please note: DOY registration forms must be sent to Allin House, P.O. Box 23107, Jackson, 39225-3401.

SPRING DOY:   A Division of Youth (DOY) weekend retreat is full of spirituality, fun, getting messy, and just plain being yourself.  The weekends are planned and led by the DOY Council made up of senior high youth and adult advisors.  Registration begins Friday at 7:00 pm and ends at 8:00 pm.  Activities cannot begin until everyon has arrived.  Departure time is Sunday at 11:00 am.  Senior High DOY weekends are for students in 9th - 12th grades.  Junior High DOY weekends are for students in 6th - 8th grades.  DOY weekends are always held at Camp Bratton - Green, just north of Canton, MS.
JH DOY February 20-22
SH DOY March 27-29
Applications can be downloaded at http://www.youth.dioms.org/

DOY STAFF:  Any rising 10th grader can apply to staff JH DOY.  You’re application must be to the Diocesan Office by October 16, 2008 to staff Fall JH DOY.  Staff members must be present the entire weekend and cost is $30 for the whole weekend.
JH DOY February 20-22
SH DOY March 27-29
Applications can be downloaded at http://www.youth.dioms.org/

Happening:  Happening #68 is November 7-9, 2008 will be at Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church in Madison, MS.  The Happening Experience is a powerful weekend of renewal for young people in the Episcopal Church.  Participants explore deeply what is means to believe in Jesus and to be members of the Body of Christ.  Through large and small groups discussions, meaningful experiences of worship and prayer, new friendships and laughter, participants learn about the rich connection between faith and the challenges of daily life.  This weekend is for young people in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, and there is one small group for adult participants.  Happening is open to all denominations.  Bring a friend or a family member!
Applications can be downloaded at http://www.youth.dioms.org/

Happening Staff:

Happening Reunion: Happening Reunion is a relaxed atmosphere that allows former Happeners to gather together for an extended opportunity to share in the Happening experience and further develop our Christian life.  It also gives us the chance to discover and share our talents while serving the new Happeners behind the scenes.  Happening Reunion meets the same weekend as Happening.
Applications can be downloaded at http://www.youth.dioms.org/