Our Senior Youth Group, consisting of junior high through college age youth, usually meets every other Sunday evening after the worship service for fellowship and instruction. The president of the Youth Group, elected by his peers, opens each meeting with Bible reading and prayer. To help our youth grow in character and spiritual maturity, various adult speakers deliver topics, our pastors host sermon discussions or Q&A sessions, and we frequently hold song services to worship the Lord with singing.
To aid in developing meaningful relationships, a small committee organizes monthly activities. These may include ice skating, hayrides, canoeing, biking, gym nights, or getting together at a members home for recreation, singing and group discussion.
We also reach out within our community through various service projects such as yard cleanups, packing care boxes for our military, helping with the neighborhood Sunday School outreach, and serving meals to our seniors.
The annual Youth Conference is held for young people between the ages of 15 and 25 every July. The conference is held in Hastings, Michigan at beautiful Camp Michawana, from Tuesday through Friday. Approximately 140 young people attend. Some have come from as far away as Europe. Each day begins with a prayer meeting. Following breakfast and supper, we have topics led by our ministers or seminary students. During the course of the day, optional workshops are held with time for discussion. Free time is also given for the young people to become acquainted with each other, and they participate in a variety of outdoor activities. The day ends with singing around the campfire and devotions in the cabins.
We pray the Holy Spirit will use this ministry of instruction and activities to lead our young people to a spiritual life in Christ that may be witnessed in their daily walk and talk.