YOUTH
CLICK HERE FOR MORE YOUTH STUFF
-
CLICK HERE FOR MORE YOUTH STUFF -
Feel the energy. Providence UCC models a dynamic youth ministry program
by Carathene Crump
The month of July is always on the calendar for our youth at Providence United Church of Christ (Chesapeake). The purpose is to fuel their Faith while having fun, during a time of great fellowship and enjoyable food.
In the first week the Club Christ‘s activity was to go to the Cinema Theater in Greenbrier Mall, see the movie “Toy Story 5” and do a character analysis on one of the toys.
Four of our youth and the youth coordinators attended the Youth Conference in Charlotte, N.C. during the second week, and saw their faith at work in a different environment.
Third week involved worship design, with a guest speaker and Jabez’s prayer (Chronicles 4:9-10). Our Annual Vacation Bible School was also held during the third week. The Theme was °Reigning with Purpose “ Six different classes studied topics involving Care for Self, Care for Others, Care for Creation and Care for Ones Finances) Two things happened at this Vacation Bible School that brought great joy to all of our hearts and we know the angels in heaven rejoiced: 1) We had to add a class for our college students and 2) a young lady and her two children looking for our Foodbank decided to join the Vacation Bible School and gave their lives to Christ.
Fourth Sunday, the last week of the Youth Month, was a celebratory time involving Men’s Ministry, Sunshine Choir, Annual Church Wide Cookout, youth leading worship, honors and awards presentations and great fellowship.
Our youth can't wait for our Homecoming and Revival to be over so they can have their Sabbath Rest.
From the Youth Event to the Baptismal Waters:
Southern Conference Youth Continue Answering God’s Call
by Rev. Belinda Sledge
The impact of the Southern Conference United Church of Christ Youth Event did not end when participants returned home in July, it continued in the life of the church just weeks later.
On Sunday, August 2, two youth who attended the Southern Conference Youth Event publicly professed their faith through baptism at two congregations in the Eastern North Carolina Association, where Rev. Dannie Williams (Ed.D.) serves as Associate Conference Minister.
At Burchette’s Chapel UCC, Caitlyn Jones was baptized by Rev. Charlie Leath before family, friends, and the congregation. Across the Association at Oak Level United Church of Christ, Makayla Macon was baptized by Rev. Doug Wooten (D.Min.), marking another joyful celebration of a young life committed to following Christ.
For Southern Conference leaders, these baptisms are powerful reminders that youth ministry is not simply about planning events, it is about nurturing disciples whose faith continues to grow long after the weekend is over.
A Sunday Focused on the Next Generation
Burchette’s Chapel celebrated Youth Summit Sunday, welcoming Minister Jayden Watkins as guest preacher. Watkins, who also served as a speaker during the Southern Conference Youth Event, delivered an inspiring message entitled “Ready or Not, Here I Come,” based on Matthew 4:18.
Speaking directly to young people, Watkins reminded the congregation that God continually calls people into purpose, whether they feel prepared or not.
As a Church investing in Every Generation
following Caitlyn’s baptism, youth also heard an important community message from church member Tony Marrow, a member of the Warren County Sheriff’s Department and former Chief of Police for the Norlina Police Department. Drawing upon his law enforcement experience, Marrow spoke candidly about the dangers of vaping, encouraging young people to make healthy choices and understand the long-term consequences of substance use.
The Youth Retreat was the Perfect Combination of Faith and Fun
