Youth Events and Education
The experience at church that youth, middle schoolers, high schoolers and even into the college age, can have an amazing impact on the rest of their lives. It can determine how they continue to follow God. Our education series, confirmation classes and YAC (Youth and Christ) enrichment discussions and events, help youth of all ages feel and understand the greatness of God. The youth are a huge part of our congregation and there is always something happening to keep them engaged.
Faith Formation Through Education
Youth of all ages are welcome to our Sunday School Classes which begin the first Sunday after Labor Day and conclude the last Sunday before Memorial Day each year. The younger classes are grouped by age. The 7th and 8th graders are in our confirmation program and the High Schoolers are members of our YAC (Youth and Christ) group.
Vacation Bible School
July 8th-12th from 5pm-7:50pm **note time**
Spread the word to your neighbors and friends and sign up for a fun week. We will dive in to an egg-cellent adventure that goes DEEP into faith-building fun. Any questions? Contact Cristina Wells. !
May 19th at 11:30am
VBS Volunteer Meeting in Fellowship Hall
Join us to find out how and where you can help!
Confirmation
We celebrated the confirmation of seven of our youth on Reformaton Day.
Congratulations to Ben, Ben, Alex, Logan, Lydia, Emerson and Olivia.
Calling all Acolytes
We are looking for 5th, 6th, and 7th graders to acolyte on Sunday mornings. If you would like to serve in worship, please contact Amy Marek or Scott Sheets. There will be an introductory refresher meeting soon.
Lock-Ins
Lock-ins are an enjoyable event and are a great opportunity to spend extended time with the teens that attend. A typical lock-in features fellowship time, a age appropriate discussion, activities, plenty of food and, of course, sardines.
Fellowship Activities
Over the years, the youth have done a variety of fellowship activities ... bowling, scavenger hunt, corn maze, movie, fundraising, whirlyball, Super Bowl party, campfires and just hanging out at the church.
Fundraising Events
The youth are active in the congregation and have several events throughout the year to raise funds. Christmas Candy (we make and package candy all day as part of a working lock-in), pancake breakfast (Easter and Christmas Pageant days), Rivalry Sunday (when the pastor is a Steelers fan and most of the congregation are Browns fans, it is a natural) plus several other fellowship events.
30-Hour Famine
Take a youth group lock-in with thought-provoking Bible studies, games, inspirational videos and more ... all while going an unforgettable day-and-a-half without food and sleeping outdoors in boxes and tents ... and you have our annual 30-hour famine experience.
Mission Trips
Youth Director Paul Travaglianti has a strong feeling that some of the youth in our area "live in a bubble" and don't realize that people in our own country are in need of help. Each year, except the National Gathering year, the youth go on a week-long mission trip to a city typically 4 to 6 hours from the church. Working with a Christian based organization, the youth begin the day with devotions before serving the youth and adults of the area. The days conclude with fellowship time, dinner, an evening activity (like serving dinner to people in need), worship and church time.
Since 2011, I have been blessed to hear Gods calling to be our Youth Director. Through the years, I have learned that each child has a story, they each need a safe zone where they don't feel judged and they need to be shown that they are loved and can make a difference in our world. Through our many activities, we have some amazing conversations which help build confidence for the next chapter in their lives. I have been known to randomly text everything from a personal note, a spontaneous challenge, a random puzzle or an inspirational quote ... because I care!
The razor blade is sharp, but can't cut down a tree, the axe is sharp, but can't cut hair. Everyone is important according to their purpose.
If you don't have something nice to say, you're not thinking hard enough.
Paul Travaglianti, Youth Director