 
If you’re a 7th- through 12th-grader and are interested in spending time with a wonderful group of young people who enjoy exploring their faith, having fun together, and serving others in a variety of meaningful ways, then you belong in the St. Andrew’s Youth Group!
Who Belongs?
St. Andrew’s’ youth come from a large number of neighborhoods and schools, including areas represented by Dutch Fork, Irmo, Spring Valley, Lexington, Dreher, Columbia, Chapin, Brooklyn Cayce and other Midlands high schools. Outside of church, youth members enjoy wide range of interests and activities as well, from cheerleading and marching band to math club and drama team, from swimming to football and fencing. The diversity of backgrounds, interests and middle and high school loyalties make getting to know each other all the more fun and exciting.
Sundays
During the 9:45 a.m. Sunday School hour, the youth of the church head for the second floor of the education wing and gather in the youth room to share a Bible lesson, fellowship, laughter, and to plan youth events and activities. This class is led by the Youth Director and supported by the youth leaders, seminarians and several adult teachers. They are of course thrilled when any new young people join them for the fun, but you had better like doughnuts and a contagious passion for the word of God, because you are most certainly going to find both in great abundance in this room!
Youth Group
The youth of St. Andrew’s meet at least twice monthly on a Sunday evening for youth group meetings. We begin with supper and then have some sort of program, service project, or fellowship activity. Check the calendar or call the office for more details. And because "the more the merrier," friends are always welcome!
Associate in Ministry for Faith Formation, Sandra Holland
Because the people of St. Andrew's value the youth of the congregation and see the need for youth to continue to grow in faith, Sandra Holland was called in 2010 to serve in this position. One of her main responsibilities is with the youth of the church. Sandra loves being with the teens and enjoys seeing them grow in faith. She has many caring adults and loving parents of the kids who work alongside her in this ministry.
Youth Bible Studies
7th & 8th graders partricipate in Confirmation class two times a month and also spend a week at Campfirmation at Lutheridge. In the classes, the youth study the Bible, the creeds, the Ten Commandments, discipleship, and the history of the Lutheran Church.
9th - 12th graders partricipate in a monthly Bible study held on Sunday nights at youth member homes. In this study, the youth watch a film or video clip, have discussion, pray, and eat supper together. It's also anther chance for the youth to get together for fellowship.
Other Activities
Many of our youth take part in various excursions planned throughout the year, such as ELCA youth retreats, trips to the beach, and ski trips. Other fun activities have included attending Christian rock concerts, hockey and baseball games,  as well as taking part in a variety of service projects and hosting some innovative and exciting events for the congregation.
During the summer, youth can count on the chance to participate in several events, including annual mission trips to help individuals and communities in need, and assisting with St. Andrew’s’ own Vacation Bible School.
Every three years, St. Andrew’s sends a group of youth representatives to the national ELCA Youth Gathering for an amazing week of inspiring Christian testimony and witness, education, music, sight-seeing, fun and fellowship. In July 2012, St. Andrew’s’ youth, Sandra Holland, and youth advisors will travel with 35,000 other Lutheran youth to New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering.
Want to know more?
Call the church office at 772-6034 or e-mail Sandra Holland
 sandrah@salutheran.com.
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