Youth Groups

Any youth grades 7-12 are invited to become part of a fun and meaningful group. The youth groups meet twice a month during the school year, starting in September. Actvities last year included:

• Movie Nights
• Serve at the Homeless Center
• Westminster Worship/Coldstone Creamery
• Hayride at the Smith Farm
• Christmas Shopping Babysit
• Lock-in at the Church
• Air Hockey Tournament
• HeroSong with Big Daddy Weave
• Frisbee Disk Golf
• The BIG MISSION TRIP

Contact Arlene Richardson (684-2858), or Tracy Ezell (683-7131) for further information. Or just show up!

Don’t forget about Sunday School!
The Senior High Class is continuing to consider
13 Questions About God,
and having some really in depth discussion, and even some debate, as we study things such as “How can I know God exists?”, “Which is right, evolution or creation?”, “Will God forgive any and every sin?” and many others. Join us during the 9:00 hour for a time of spiritual exploration. Remember, there are always doughnuts and refreshments along with a great time of fellowship as we grow to know Jesus Christ more today than we did yesterday!

Confirmation classes

Confirmation classes follow the Presbyterian curriculum which involves a team approach to deal with the Major Questions about faith, baptism, and confirmation. Participants took turns teaching a lesson and giving their personal faith story. In addition to the discussions and thought provoking questions, the youth had a great time and camaraderie. Last year, 18 youth were confirmed.

 

Youth Mission Trip

Last July, the youth boarded the church van and headed to Coahoma, Mississippi for their youth mission trip. There they joined 40 other junior and senior high students from 4 states to fulfill extraordinary things for God's glory.

The youth had many fundraising events during the reay, including, Hire a Kid, babysitting for church social events, and selling Scrip.

More about the 2008 misson trip...

Fundraising

Fundraising for the youth groups goes exclusively towards the youth mission trip. The youth participate in a variety of fundraising efforts throughout the year, including babysitting and Hire-a-Kid. A major portion of their available funds come from the use of Scrip by the congregation.

Scrip is a very easy and painless way of supporting the youth of the First Presbyterian Church of Niles for mission trips. Scrip is essentially a gift certificate you buy for yourself or others that can be used at a LARGE number of local and national businesses, including Martin's Supermarkets, Amazon.com, Toys-R-Us, Sears, Applebees, and many, many more. Disney Scrip has just been added to our list with $25, $100, and $1000 demoninations at a 7% return rate! Each business donates a portion of the certificate you buy to our youth program. Business percentages range from 1.5-25%. If you buy a $25 gift certificate, you spend the $25 the same as cash at the business. This is a real win-win situation. A complete list of participating retailers is available here or at the Scrip sales table by the parlor.

Please start planning your purchases ahead and use Scrip as your spending money. Scrip can be purchased after each worship service in the hallway by the parlor. Look for a table for Scrip by the parlor doors.

Martin's and Meijer's cards

Martin's cards and Meijer cards are also available (free of charge). A portion of each of your normal purchases goes to our church.

YMAT: Youth Mission Advisory Team

The Youth Mission trips are carefully planned by a committee of dedicated adults. If you would like to be a part of deciding where, when, and what the next mission trip should be, contact Arlene Richardson (684-2858), or Tracy Ezell (683-7131)

Upcoming Events in January and February

• sledding and tubing
• ice skating
• laser tag
• Superbowl party
• bowling
• mission trip information meeting