Youth

Teenagers are all about exploring their beliefs, passions and identities during their formative adolescent years. The mission of our youth ministry is to create strong intergenerational communities and sacred spaces where spiritual formation happens among friends. Midtown Youth Collective (MYC) is a neighborhood youth ministry among the churches in Bolton Hill (Brown Memorial Park Avenue Presbyterian Church, Memorial Episcopal Church, and Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church).

Midtown Youth Collective is:

Oriented around Jesus. Together we explore the life, teachings and person of Jesus Christ through stories, songs and experiences.

Theologically and socially open. Youth are encouraged to bring their doubts, questions and experiences here without fear of judgment or rejection. Youth that identify as lgbtq+ are welcome.

Playful. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. Games and laughter are essential ingredients to our time together.

Passionate about justice. We believe that loving God means loving the world and that justice is what love looks like in public.

Youth have many ways to become involved with the Midtown Youth Collective. Explore the opportunities below. Adult mentors and volunteers are also appreciated. Contact Michele Ward if you are interested in becoming involved with Midtown Youth Collective.

BMPA: Sunday Small Groups - Church House

Middle and high school classes offer opportunities to study, discuss and explore the Christian faith tradition in casual, age-appropriate groups. Sunday morning classes do not meet over the summer (Memorial Day – Labor Day). Youth classes take place on the Church House third floor. Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Education Hour is taking place virtually. Learn more.

BMPA: The Confirmation Experience

This class is a year-long journey through “Christianity 101,” as well as current events, controversies and spiritual practices. Confirmation is for young people (typically 8^th and 9^th graders) who are considering their own faith and relationship to God and to the Presbyterian Church (USA). The class includes games, field trips, a retreat, and the opportunity to join the church. Our next confirmation cohort will start in the 2022-2023 academic year. Contact Michele Ward for information.

MYC: Sunday Night Live! - 3rd Sundays, 5:30-8 pm, Assembly Room

Sunday Night Live! is our monthly evening gathering for middle and high school youth (3rd Sunday of the month). SNL begins with a homemade meal and ends with games, activities, worship and small groups revolving around a theme. SNL goes offsite occasionally for special activities. SNL does not meet over the summer (Memorial Day – Labor Day). Contact Michele Ward for more information.

MYC: Trips and Retreats

A typical year in youth ministry at Brown includes winter and fall retreats, cookouts and dinners out, and conferences with hundreds of other youth, including:

Fall Retreat @ Brown (middle school and high school)

Winter Weekend @ Massanetta Camp and Conference Center (middle school and high school)

Spring Backpacking Retreat @ Appalachian Trail (middle school and high school)

Montreat Middle School Conference @ Maryville College (rising 6th to graduating 8th)

Montreat Youth Conference @ Montreat Camp and Conference Center (rising 9th to graduating 12th)

MYC: Mission, Justice, and Service

Brown Memorial encourages youth and their families to connect with our mission partners in Baltimore City and beyond.

School Year Opportunities

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Canoe Trip

Social Justice Retreat & MLK March, Memorial Episcopal Church

Mission Week with The Center

Summer Opportunities

Soaring Eagles Learning Camp, Eutaw Marshburn Elementary School (rising 9th to graduating 12th)

Youth Choir Camp, Eutaw Marshburn Elementary School (rising 9th to graduating 12th)

Pejuhutazizi Family Learning Camp, Upper Sioux Presbytery (family mission trip)

Biannual Opportunities

El Salvador Trip (high school students 16 & up): June 2022