Youth

In an effort to assist you in the personal, spiritual, and emotional development of your young person, we offer many opportunities for our youth to grow together and play together. Here are a few of those opportunities.

6th - 12th Grade Sunday School

Youth Sunday School meets during the 10 a.m. worship service. Our middle schoolers gather in the youth room one Sunday a month, and High School youth gather on a different Sunday. Contact the church office for the official schedule.

Living LOGOS

Living LOGOS meets Wednesday evenings from 4 pm-7 pm from mid-September to mid-March and is a great opportunity for our youth to help out with the younger children in our congregation in our mid-week program. We also have a Bible study for our 7th-12th graders from 5:20 pm-6:00 pm. Dinner is served family-style at 6:15 pm and costs $2. Stay for part of the evening or all of it!

Confirmation

In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), baptized people who have made a profession of their faith in Jesus Christ can become members of the church. We have an opportunity for those in 8th grade to become church members by going through our Confirmation experience. Our confirmands meet monthly with the pastor to discuss topics such as Church, Sacraments, Prayer, Jesus Christ, God, the Holy Spirit, and Sin & Forgiveness. Contact the church office for

Do you have any ideas for something new or different? We'd love to hear them!

The Good News and Church Calendar

If you are not yet receiving The Good News (our church newsletter), you can sign up here:

https://www.pittsfordpres.org/newsletters or just click the link at the bottom of the homepage.

The calendar on the church website can also be a great resource for double-checking the times of events and meetings!

https://www.pittsfordpres.org/calendar or just click the link on the homepage.

2024 Youth Planning Letter

Dear Parents,

As your children embark on their teenage years, it's essential to consider how to support their spiritual growth. Lisa Miller's insightful book, The Spiritual Child, offers valuable insights into the significance of religious traditions in a young person's life.

Miller argues that religious participation can give teenagers a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaning. By engaging in religious rituals, practices, and communities, teens can:

Develop a strong moral compass: Exposure to religious teachings can help shape their understanding of right and wrong, fostering empathy, compassion, and ethical behavior.

Build resilience and coping mechanisms: Religious beliefs can provide comfort, hope, and strength during challenging times, helping teens navigate life's ups and downs.

Cultivate a sense of connection: Participation in religious communities can foster friendships, a sense of belonging, and a deeper understanding of their place in the world.

Explore their identity: Religious traditions can offer a framework for exploring personal values, beliefs, and purpose, helping teens to develop a stronger sense of self.

This year, First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford will focus on four aspects of faith formation: mission work, Spiritual development through Bible study and prayer, and community building through games and mission tips.

Gen Z, known for their digital-native status and strong social consciousness, has emerged as a powerful force for positive change. Their passion for social justice aligns seamlessly with the core values of Christian mission work, which emphasizes compassion, service, and a commitment to the well-being of others.

Christian mission work has traditionally involved spreading the Gospel and comforting those in economic distress. However, in recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on addressing systemic issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental issues. This shift aligns with Gen Z's desire to create a more just and equitable world.

By combining their faith with their passion for social change, Gen Z can make a significant impact on the world. But by addressing these issues in the world around them, they are living out the call of God through the Holy Spirit that came to them in their baptism.

Mission trips provide a unique opportunity for teens to form meaningful relationships. The shared experiences of working together on a common goal, often in a foreign or challenging environment, foster a sense of friendships and belonging. Research suggests that a group takes approximately 15 hours of uninterrupted time to truly bond and develop cohesion. Mission trips offer this extended period of togetherness, allowing teens to connect on a deeper level and form lasting friendships.

Here is how you can get involved:

Fill out the family information form and indicate a desire to participate: https://www.pittsfordpres.org/family-registration

Join the parent board to help set the dates of activities based on your calendar. Email Craig Kunkle and indicate your desire to be on the list.

Here is how to get your child involved:

Have them bring a friend. They don't have to be Christian or want to join but must fill out a family information form if the event is not at church. https://www.pittsfordpres.org/family-registration

Start with a program they are most interested in, either social or mission work.

If the activity is mission work, focus on how their participation will help the cause.

Make sure Craig has their cell number so he can invite them personally.

Permit Craig to find another teen to ask your youth to attend with them.

Tell them that youth groups and community service look good in college applications.

We understand that raising teenagers comes with unique challenges, including supporting their spiritual growth. First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford offers exciting opportunities to nurture your teen's faith. Through engaging programs in mission work, Bible study, fellowship, and service trips, teens can build a solid moral compass, connect with friends, and explore their faith in a welcoming environment. We encourage you to get involved alongside your teen - visit our website for more information and take the first step towards a fulfilling spiritual journey for your whole family.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to contact me.