Like a lot of mainline Protestant churches, St. James Episcopal Church in Belle Fourche has struggled with declining membership rolls in recent decades. St. James is finding an answer to its questions on how to remain a vibrant and vital congregation in the Mutual Ministry program of the Episcopal Church, which identifies church leaders from the laity sitting in the pews instead of importing new clergy from outside the local church. Getting young people in the church to take ownership of it early is essential to its survival, and the annual Youth Service at St. James on Sept. 27 is one piece of that puzzle.  The youth of the parish conducted the entire service.

Kemper Gusso of St. James offers communion during the annual Youth Service Sept. 27.

Eli and Gretchen Satzinger passed the collection plates at the annual Youth SErvice at St. James Epsicopal Church in Belle Fourche.

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