Youth

First Church is committed to the Middle School and High School students of our community. We strive to offer ministries that will help them navigate the difficult times of adolescence by challenging them with the truth of scripture, and supporting them with a loving peer community. The mission of First Church is to be a welcoming and nurturing family, committed to helping people grow as followers of Jesus Christ who make a positive difference in today’s world. We design our Youth programs to reflect this mission statement. If you have any questions about the Youth Ministries of First Presbyterian Church, please contact Dan Oedy at (239) 992-3233 or .

Wednesday Nights

Throughout the school year the High School youth group meets on alternating Wednesday nights for Bible study. These studies meet in the homes of members of the youth group. Because we believe an understanding of context, author and audience are important to understanding the message of scripture we spend each school year focusing on one book of the Bible. In 2007-2008 we will work our way through the book of Romans. Information about the next Wednesday night study can be found in the bulletin.

Sunday Nights

Sunday night youth programs meet year round. This is a fun time of activities, games, mission opportunities, discussion and friendship. The Middle School Group and High School Group meet weekly for a variety of events. Check This Week at FPC for this week’s meeting time and details.

Special Events

The Youth Ministry experience is highlighted by a variety of memorable trips and events.

Summer Retreats
• “Road Rules” — Road Rules is an adventure trip for Middle school students. Participants head out to an unknown destination and must decipher clues about their daily travels and activities.
• Montreat Youth Conference — High school students travel to the Montreat Conference Center outside Asheville, North Carolina for this exciting one-week event that brings together youth from all over the country.
• Mission Trip — Juniors & Seniors can get a short-term mission experience as they join other church members on an annual trip to Northeast Brazil, to work with the Sertão Project.
• Mission Trip — All Middle School and High School Students can participate in an annual Florida mission trip.

School Year "Weekend" Retreats
• “Night of Joy” — This annual fall event takes place at Disney's MGM Studios in Orlando and features today’s biggest contemporary Christian artists.
• “Acquire the Fire”— A weekend of spiritual renewal and lifestyle challenges, featuring bands and speakers from across the country.
• Busch Gardens— We travel annually to this theme park for a fun weekend of friendship and laughter!

First Church also hosts a variety of social outings, concerts, lock-ins and more for our students throughout the year.