A Stephen Minister Church

Involvement of young people in all dimensions of the church’s life and work - Sunday morning classes, worship, music, youth fellowship groups, service projects, and bible study-is an on-going priority of First Church’s ministry.   All that we do seeks to affirm every youth as a child of God, created with uniqueness, giftedness and immense potential.  We believe we can help develop healthier spiritual lives through regular, active participation in the “household of faith” which is the congregation as well as through regular individual prayer, study, and service.   

 We make no apologies for putting a strong emphasis on regularly exploring what it means to be Christian with young people and their friends in our gatherings.  Our senior highs have Sunday evening “Twilights with Jesus” and middle school fellowship has a study group of its own.  Both groups carry on energizing discussions of selected biblical texts and other readings, considering their implications for current events and personal decision-making—led by teams of pastors and adult youth advisors.

 In addition, youth leadership teams plan and lead other regular fellowship events, outings, mission and community service activities.    We have fun!

There is a fifth and six grade fellowship group (in addition to Sunday morning classes) led by parents which meets for monthly activities.

 Finally, our church has the larger goal in youth ministry to support each youth’s journey -- at home, school, church, and in the larger community -- as an adventure of growing in the knowledge of God’s love for them; coming to know and live into their distinctive God-given identity; to be filled with a sense of wonder at the whole world of which they are an important part; and to become really grateful for grace available to them through Jesus. 

 We welcome more and more young people, their friends, and their families to join in this shared quest.