What We Do and Why:
Greetings from the Junior & Senior High Youth Group Leaders.
First things first - we have an incredible group of youth this year and truly appreciate the opportunity to work, learn and play with each of them.
Our goal for the Junior & Senior High Youth Groups is to provide a fun, safe place for our youth to:
- Begin or continue their faith journey
- Explore and expand their relationship with God and Jesus
- Build relationships with each other
- Develop relationships with the community.
With regard to the first two items it is our intent to support what the youth are learning through the church and their families while offering an opportunity/place for them to safely explore their own ideas if they are so inclined. A common theme that comes up with discussions with past youth group members is how much many of them relied on their youth group friends to help them through difficult times during junior high and high school. It is our hope that each of the youth will develop a group of unconditional friends to help them through the turbulent process of being a teenager.
Both youth groups meet Sunday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. A typical meeting includes time for games, music, and a message with a Christian theme.
Special events throughout the year include kick-off Sunday (in September), the Rock of Ages Concert (October), Operation Christmas Child (November), and baking Christmas cookies for COTS (December). Other special events include a Church sleepover that we call a “Lock-in”, the Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser (February 11th this year), and the annual March Ski/Snow Trip to the Zephyr Cove Presbyterian Conference Grounds at Lake Tahoe (March 2-4 this year).
Both youth groups are involved in service projects throughout the year. During the past year, the junior & senior high groups raised money through “Souper Bowl” contributions for hunger programs in the community; the junior high group did a beach clean-up project in April; and both groups baked cookies for COTS. Both groups, with support from the congregation and Mission Commission, were involved in putting together Christmas Boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
Many of the youth make contributions here on campus. Some youth of the church have assisted in the nursery care, counting the 2 Cents-A-Meal Program, Church Work Days, helping out at Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, helping provide Sunday Morning Special Music, and taking part in the Bell Choir.
This past summer, the youth were involved in a mission trip here at church in lieu of an away trip. The mission trip in July involved youth from both groups who spent 4 days cleaning out the upper floor of the Agape House, made interior repairs from previous roof leaks, and repainted nearly the whole upper floor. Work is continuing on the remodel of the Agape House upper floor for use as meeting space for the youth and other Church groups. Special thanks to Jack Overton, Ted Arntz, and Dave Francone for their construction assistance towards finishing the new exit staircase. Also thanks to Hope Counseling for their patience during the construction.
The youth of this church are an integral part of the church family and are the future of the local and global church. We pray that you will continue support this important mission of the church including attending the annual Spaghetti Feed Fundraiser on Sunday evening, February 11th, 2007 here at church. Many thanks to those adults who have stepped in to assist this ministry with the special events during the past year.
Who is Involved:
The leadership team includes:
SENIOR HIGH LEADERS
Adam Camacho
Stirling Trayle
Doug Manson
John Richards
JoAnne Richards,
Ellie Wynkoop
Pastor Dave Weidlich
JUNIOR HIGH LEADERS
Mike Roberts
Brent Russell
Connie Ahlman
Lorraine Lindstrom
Steve Crook
Brent Russell is the Elder for Youth Ministry.
Volunteers Needed:
Would you like to join the Youth Ministry? If you would like to get involved, or have questions, please call Brent Russell or Mike Roberts for Junior High. Call Adam Camacho or Stirling Trayle for Senior High.
Or call the church office: 762-8269 or email fpcpetaluma@sbcglobal.net
© 2006 First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma |
