Youth Ministries

Discover Your Faith

Youth aren’t just the future of the church, they are the church now. We want our teenagers to find a home at Saint Luke’s: a place to ask their questions, to learn and grow in faith, and to discover the gifts they have to offer for ministry. Friends are always welcome! If you are a newcomer, we can’t wait to meet you!

Make sure not to miss any updates or events! Sign up for our email list by contacting the Rev. Ansley Walker, check out this month’s events calendar, and follow Saint Luke’s on Instagram at @saintlukesparish.

Youth Groups

Our Middle School and High School Youth Groups meet regularly for food, fellowship, faith formation and fun! Friends are always welcome!

Contact the Rev. Ansley Walker to find out more!

Middle School Youth Group – Every other Wednesday night from 6:30-8:30PM in the AYCC.
Winter/Spring Dates: Jan 17 & 31, Feb 14, Mar 6 & 20, Apr 10, May 1 & 15.

High School Youth Group – The 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 6-7:30PM in the AYCC.
Winter/Spring Dates: Jan 14, Feb 11, 14 & 25, Mar 10 & 24, Apr 14 & 28, May 12 & 26, Jun 9.

Confirmation

Our Confirmation program is for students in grades 6-8 who wish to further explore their faith. Classes are held bi-monthly on Wednesdays, October – May, from 6:30 to 8:30PM. Every week begins with dinner and time for fellowship. Students are divided into small groups by grade for study and discussion, then we come back together for Compline (night prayers). After 8th grade, students may choose to affirm their faith and make the decision to be confirmed.

Information about the Confirmation program, schedule of classes and requirements can be found here.

To register for Confirmation or for questions, please contact The Rev. Ansley Walker.

Monthly Gatherings for All Youth

Each month, all Saint Luke’s youth will be invited to come together for different special events, activities, service projects, fellowship or worship.  As we put a program together for the upcoming year with input from our youth groups, stay tuned for dates and times to come!

Get Involved in Sunday Liturgy

Liturgy is the church’s public worship; in other words, our service on Sunday is liturgy. There are a few things during our service that only priests can do (consecrate the bread and wine and give the final blessing) but the rest of the service can be led by anyone. All 6th-12th Graders are invited to participate, and students in Confirmation class are expected to serve regularly with at least one ministry group. If you feel called to participate in one of the following ministries, please contact Ansley Walker and she will put you in touch with the right person.

  • Acolytes – Assist the priest during worship (carry the cross, candles, etc.)
  • Lay Assistants – Read the Bible and/or present the chalice at Communion
  • Choir – Sing the hymns, psalms, and anthems
  • Ushers – Greet people and collect the offering
  • Flower Guild – Prepare the altar flowers

Global Philanthropy Leaders

Global Philanthropy Leaders is a program for high school students that uses micro-loans to make a difference in the world, all the while learning about personal finance. One of our leaders, Anna says, “After always hearing about how widespread the poverty crisis is, I was so excited to join Global Philanthropy Leaders and use Kiva (the micro-lending platform). It gave me the opportunity to provide loans and support to those in need so they could better their own, their families, and their communities’ lives.” We meet one Sunday a month during our youth group time, all are welcome!

CrossLit

CrossLit is a faith-based ministry created to serve all Darien High School students – athletes, artists, and academics alike! CrossLit offers DHS students a place to gather together for support, fellowship, encouragement and personal growth. We meet every Monday morning, unless school is closed or it is a national holiday. ALL STUDENTS are WELCOME to attend! Grab & go breakfast is also provided. Join Ansley and the youth leaders from other churches.

CrossLit meets Mondays (When there’s school), 7:00-7:25 AM at Darien United Methodist Church, 345 Middlesex Road (on the corner of Middlesex and High School Lane). Many students come for CrossLit and take the short walk to DHS together

Youth Covenant and Permission Slips

We want Saint Luke’s Youth Group to create a space for all youth to feel safe, seen, heard, and to grow in their faith. There is usually no RSVP needed for weekly meeting, however we ask all participants of youth events to complete this one-time program year form. All participants in Youth Group abide by our covenant found here.

When we hold special youth events, retreats or trips, all relevant permission slips and release forms will always be available here.

Please contact Ansley Walker if you have any questions and/or would like to become more involved at Saint Luke’s!

Meet the Rev. Ansley Walker

Saint Luke’s Associate Rector, the Rev. Ansley Walker, is passionate about creating a space for our youth to feel safe and grow in faith. Want to connect with the Saint Luke’s community? Have a question or concern about faith and parenting? Connect with Ansley.