Welcome to SPY
St. Peter's Youth (SPY) is a place where middle school and high school students (grades 6 - 12) can build friendships, grow in faith, serve others, and have fun together. Whether you're brand new or have been part of the group for years, there's a place for you here.
Throughout the year, SPY gathers for games, discussions, service projects, prayer, and opportunities to explore what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. Every gathering is designed to help youth connect with one another, ask meaningful questions, and develop a faith that is their own.
Weekly Gatherings
Sundays | 5:00-6:00 PM
SPY meets most Sunday evenings throughout the school year. Each gathering includes a mix of fun, conversation, and faith formation, all packed into one hour.
- Games and community-building activities
- Discussions centered around monthly themes
- Opportunities to ask questions and share perspectives
- Prayer and a blessing for the week ahead
Be sure to check the current semester calendar for exact dates, themes, and holiday adjustments.
Location: SPY HQ
Located at the end of the Sunday School hallway. For arrival and pickup, youth may use the side entrance closest to the parking lot facing Ladue Road.
Kickoff Night
September 13 | 5:00 PM
The new year begins with SPY's annual Kickoff Night, featuring the return of the friendly competition between middle school and high school students for the coveted Kickoff Cup.
It's a great opportunity to meet new people, reconnect after summer, and get a glimpse of everything planned for the semester.
Service and Outreach
Serving others is an important part of SPY. Throughout the year, service projects are incorporated into regular youth gatherings and special outreach events.
October 3 | St. John's Episcopal Church
Youth are invited to assist with preparing and serving a community meal in partnership with the Outreach Committee.
- Meal preparation
- Serving guests
- Cleanup and hospitality
This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact while serving alongside friends and members of the church community.
Health Forms and Registration
To help provide a safe environment for all participants, families should complete and submit the current release/health form at the beginning of the program year.
- Emailed to youth ministry staff
- Brought to a Sunday gathering
Up-to-date contact information for parents and guardians is also appreciated.
Frequently Asked Questions
SPY is open to middle school and high school youth.
Not at all. While regular participation helps build community, students are welcome whenever their schedules allow.
Just yourself. Occasionally there may be special activities or events that require additional items, and those details will be shared in advance.
Absolutely. Friends are always welcome.
About The Rev. Zack Rugenstone, the Youth Minister:
Hi, I’m Zack! I grew up in northern Virginia with my parents and younger sister. Throughout middle and high school I was an active member in an Episcopal church that had an emphasis on service to the local community and abroad. After graduating high school I went on to get a degree in Criminology with minors in Psychology and Sociology from Longwood University. I went on to Chapel Hill, NC where I worked with the Episcopal Service Corps in a church, a correctional facility, and with an afterschool program for youth. From there I went on to Duke Divinity school where I met my now wife Sarah and earned my master's degree. Sarah and I graduated and moved to St. Louis together, along with our dog Gus and cat George. Upon our arrival to St. Louis, Sarah began working as a pastor at a local Methodist church and I joined the staff of St. Peters. It's a blessing to be here working with the youth of St. Peter's!
Confirmation
Confirmation
Beginning September 27
Confirmation is available for youth in 8th grade and older who have not yet been confirmed.
- Explore and claim their faith for themselves
- Deepen their understanding of Christian discipleship
- Grow as leaders and servants within the church
- Build lasting relationships with peers and mentors
Participation is a chance to ask questions, learn more about the Episcopal tradition, and discover what it means to follow Jesus in daily life.
As for the requirements for the confirmands, the first big ones are Confirmation Classes, Children's Chapel , and assisting at the Sunday morning worship service. Each of those takes place on Sunday morning and will be done by noon. The Sunday morning movement for the Confirmand will look like class from 9 - 10:15 am, Children's Chapel from 10:15 - 10:25 am and then assisting in the service from 10:30 - 11:30 am. The only requirement that is not on Sunday morning is Shrove Tuesday. More information on all of this is immediately below! (Perfect attendance is not necessary to be Confirmed)
Confirmation classes are broken up into 6 classes with a session being taught in both the Fall and Spring, that way students who are athletes can participate in their off season. The Confirmand is only required to attend one session. Each class session will be Sunday morning, 9:00 - 10:15 am, in the confirmation classroom.
At 10:15, we will go from the Confirmation Classroom up to Children's Chapel where the Confirmands will be helping with the service! The Confirmands will be doing readings and helping with activities for the children to better understand the story.
It is my hope that each confirmand will begin assisting in the service on Sunday mornings as well. Whether that be by Ushering (handing out bulletins and collecting the offering), Lectoring (reading the scripture to the congregation) or Acolyting (helping with the liturgical movements on Sunday morning). These are all things we will go over and practice in Confirmation class itself. The Sunday morning movement for the Confirmand will look like class from 9 - 10:15 am, Children's Chapel from 10:15 - 10:25 am and then assisting in the service from 10:30 - 11:30 am.
The other date to put in the calendar ASAP is Shrove Tuesday, February 9, 2027. That evening the youth host the Pancake Supper for the whole church, and the confirmands are an essential part of serving the community that evening. Please plan on having the youth be there that evening to help set up and serve! Set up starts at 5 pm and we wrap the evening up by 7:30 pm.
If you have questions about the dates of classes, how to sign up, or need any more information on Confirmation, email Zack at
Confirmation instruction for adults is also available!