If you’re looking for a place that welcomes you just as you are, please consider joining our awesome group of youth at Grace.

Sunday Programming (Grades 5-8)

First Sundays: Come hang out in Grace’s “living room” for games, conversation, Bible study—and, yes, donuts. We make space for curiosity and wonder, and we’re not afraid to ask the big questions (even when there aren’t easy answers). We trust in a God who loves us unconditionally, knows us by name, and invites us to keep exploring what faith can look like.

After class, students head back to the sanctuary to join the congregation for communion.

All other Sundays: Teens are always welcome to jump in as helpers in the younger classrooms or join the congregation for worship. There’s a place for you here, whatever your Sunday looks like.

Youth Group

We weren’t quite sure what to call it — so for now, we’re calling it The Thing.

Think of it as a third space for teens. Not school. Not a club or a sport. Just a place to show up, be yourself, and belong. 

We share a meal, do something fun, and make space for conversations about things that actually matter. Our guiding theme is connection: connection to ourselves, connection to one another, and connection to something greater than ourselves.

When: First and third Thursday of each month

Middle School: 6–7:30 pm

High School: 7–9 pm

Where: Grace Church, 8595 NE Day Rd, Bainbridge Island

Leadership Team

Bea Crook
Walker Hauptman
Kathie McCarthy

Bea Crook

Bea is a mom and therapist who loves creating fun, welcoming spaces for teens. She brings creativity, curiosity, and a genuine respect for each young person’s journey. When she’s not at Grace, you can find her outdoors, reading, enjoying time with family and friends, or exploring new hobbies like rowing and meditation.

Walker Hauptman

As a teen at Grace, Walker Hauptman was deeply involved in the youth group and summer pilgrimages—experiences that left a lasting impact on him. Today, he serves as the Deputy Director at Bainbridge Island Rowing, where he coaches high school boys and works with youth year-round. He says, “I look forward to growing a space where young people can dive into the topics of self-reflection, connection, spirituality, and many topics that maybe they don't have the ability to approach in other parts of their lives.”

Melissa Meyers

Melissa is the Coordinator of Youth Ministry at Grace, where she spends a lot of time encouraging teenagers to ask big questions—partly because she has quite a few of her own. She’s also a mom to two teenagers, one dog, and two cats, and spends her free time planning adventures, collecting good stories, and enthusiastically participating in most forms of dumb entertainment.

High School Youth Group – Coming Fall 2026

Grace Church is launching a high school youth group this fall for students in grades 9-12! Stay tuned for dates, events, and ways to get involved!

Other Youth Events

Our youth have gone on summer pilgrimages, ski trips, served La Iglesia Episcopal de la Resurrección in Mount Vernon, joined other generations at Grace for Service Sundays, and participated in a multitude of faith-formation opportunities. We also host regular hangouts, to give teens a chance to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and build friendships in a low-pressure setting.

Want to learn more or volunteer with us? Sign up for our youth e-news or contact Melissa Meyers, our Coordinator of Children, Youth, and Family Programs.