First Presbyterian’s Youth Ministry offers a number of ways for youth to participate, including:

Faith Development classes on Sunday morning (9:45-10:45 am)  

Youth Fellowship program on Sunday evenings (5:15-7:15 pm)

Youth Choir (Sunday rehearsals, 4:30-5:15 pm)

Confirmation Class for youth (grades 8 and up) every other year

Senior High Girls Club (monthly weeknight meetings)

Summer Youth Events (Mission Trip, Massanetta Springs and Montreat Youth Conferences)

Special retreats and opportunities for service and fellowship.

Youth Ministry: Mission and Philosophy

See current youth events schedule

"Inside Out"        

by Michelle Robinson, FPC youth advisor

Psalm 139:13-16…”Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God- you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made. I worship in adoration- what a creation! You know me inside and out.” (The Message)

Anyone who has ever had the privilege of going to Massanetta Springs will tell you it is a sacred place. So what better place to hold a four day Middle School Youth Conference? For all Middlers that attend, Massanetta becomes a safe haven, a place where they can discover themselves, meet new friends, learn more about God, grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and practice “kingdom living”  as children of the covenant.

I had the privilege of going with 14 Middlers this July to Massanetta. This year’s theme was “Inside Out”, centered on Psalm 139.  The youth had four days packed with activities that taught them that God knows us inside out and outside in.  A typical day at Massanetta begins with breakfast at 7:30am and ends with devotions at 11:30pm. The hours in between are filled with energizers, worship, keynotes, small groups, workshops, service projects, and activities. The small groups are lead by juniors and seniors in high school, called “Enablers”, who give up over two weeks of their summer to be leaders and examples to middle schoolers. One of our very own, Shelby Brenegar, has been an Enabler for the past two years. All of the Middlers come home from Massanetta saying they want to be an Enabler when they’re old enough. Each year the middle schoolers participate in a service project organized by the conference directors. This year the Middlers prepared 10,000 packaged meals with “Stop Hunger Now”, the international hunger relief organization.

Massanetta is a unique place where youth can escape from their troubles at home or school and renew themselves spiritually and emotionally. Their individuality and talents are celebrated. They are made to feel special and welcome as children of God.  Massanetta is a spiritual and meaningful experience for everyone who attends, young and old alike.