Youth Ministry
Objectives
To provide our youth with a strong, accepting community where they can grow, learn, be challenged, have fun, and actively participate in the Christian faith.Youth are encouraged to be involved in the church at large and in an array of relational ministries centered around:
- Prayer and Worship Study
- Justice and Service
- Fellowship
- Evangelism
Middle school (sixth through eighth grades) and high school (ninth through twelfth grade) youth participate in age appropriate activities and curricula that stimulate meaningful discussions about faith and life through a variety of different experiences. We have excellent adult leaders and amazing young people.
We strive to follow the Five Theological Tasks and Intentions of Youth Ministry in the PC|USA:
Five Theological Tasks of Youth Ministry- To help young people know they are created by God and belong to God forever.
- To help young people know they belong to the community of faith and must claim a place in the community.
- To help young people know that faith itself is a gift from God.
- To trust that the Holy Spirit gives us what we need.
- To help young people become familiar with the Bible, our best hope of knowing God.
- Call young people to be disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Respond to the needs and interests of young people.
- Work together, youth and adults, in partnership.
- Be connected to the whole church, community, and world
- Be inclusive of all young people.
Gail Monsma, our Associate Pastor along with the Youth Ministry Committee provides support and supervision. Gail came to Second with more than 15 years of experience running youth ministry programs in various congregations. The youth Ministry Committee is comprised of both parents and other interested adults who deeply care about this ministry. They provide a strong foundation and support for all that goes on in our vibrant faith filled ministry.
2011 | 2012 Youth Directors
High School: Howard Dudley is a second year Master’s of Divinity student at Union Presbyterian Seminary. Before coming to seminary, he served as Director of Youth Ministry at Howard Memorial Presbyterian Church in Tarboro, North Carolina. He has served as leadership for both Massanetta and Montreat Conferences and we are blessed to have him working among us.
Middle School: Giles Harnsberger is a child of Second Presbyterian Church and is in her second year as a director. She is completing a master’s degree in Urban Planning at VCU. She has been on a Guatemala mission trip with our high school youth and this summer led our High School “In-Richmond” mission trip. Giles is excited about working with the Youth and offering her gifts in this way and we are blessed to have her.
Supporting these two great folks are volunteer Youth Leaders from the congregation. This team approach ensures a strong program that will engage the youth in the full ministry and mission of Second Presbyterian Church.
Sunday Mornings
Middle and High School classes meet weekly September through May from 9:30 to 10:45 am on the third floor in their own rooms. Hot homemade waffles are served each week.Confirmation Class meets January through May. Youth in the eighth grade and older who feel called to become full members of the church are invited to join this class
Youth Group Activities
Both Middle and High School Youth Groups meet Sunday evenings from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, September through May. Middle and High School groups eat together and meet separately for programs. We balance our time together with recreation, discussion, worship, and mission.
Both groups attend Presbytery retreats at Camp Hanover and participate in various retreats and mission opportunities throughout the year. Summer mission trips and conferences are also an important part of this ministry. The Middle School youth attend a Massanetta Springs Conference in the summer and High School youth participate in the Montreat Youth Conference or attend a mission trip.
