WorshipProgramsAbout ELPCHope AcademyNewsELPC Mission ActivitiesCalendar
 
 

Youth Ministry

View the summer calendar (PDF)Our youth ministry programs focus on children in grades 6 through 12, with special “tweens” programming for those in grades 4 through 6. Throughout the year, we offer a range of opportunities to come together, share, learn, and grow as Christians. View the summer calendar (PDF). For questions on any of the Youth Ministry programs, contact or by phone, (412) 441-3800 x21. Note that many programs, including Sunday school and Club 116, require an enrollment form. Please click to download the PDF; fill it in and return.

Our Youth Ministry programming features the following current and upcoming activities:

  • Sunday school classes (resumes September 8, 2013): From mid-September to early June, we offer Sunday school classes for all ages, including classes for youth. Junior High Youth (grades 6-8) meet in room 341; Senior High Youth meet in room 343. See the “Youth” section of the Christian Education page for details.
  • Club 116 (resumes in September) including Club Life meets Wednesdays from mid-September to early May. Come join us when we resume in the fall for homework help, bible study, gym time, and an evening meal to share. See the Club 116 page for details.
  • Basketball for young men at East Liberty Presbyterian ChurchYouth Basketball (resumes in September): Young men in grades 9-12 are welcome to join us for basketball most Saturday evenings during the school year, from 6pm to 8pm. In May, Basketball plays every Saturday.
  • Service opportunity, all or part of June 24-28: Youth who have completed any grade from 6 to 12 are eligible to serve. The success of ELPC’s annual Vacation Church School rest in the capable hands and hearts of our dedicated volunteers. We are seeking the assistance of youth who are willing to volunteer at least 3 hours of time or as much as the entire week to help share God's love. A training session on Sunday, June 23 after the 10am worship is required. Contact Wil Forrest for details.

  • KayakingJuly 14 | Youth (completed 8th-12th grade) and young adults go kayaking! Meet after the 10am (summer) worship service ELPC youth and young adults unite for afternoon together of kayaking on the three rivers with Kayak Pittsburgh. No previous kayaking experience necessary. Youth who have completed 8th-12th grade are invited and need to have a parental waiver signed in advance. Bring a change of clothes and money for kayak rental (rates on their website). Meet in the Game Room for lunch before we head out together in the van. RSVP to Wil required by July 12. (Parents, check out the FAQs for kids in kayaks) Permission slip required (click to download)

  • Garfield Community Farm, service opportunity, July 18, 5:30 - 8:30pm: We will be helping at the farm and learning about plants and gardening. The Farm is a great neighborhood resource not only for fresh food but it is also a place to grow community. Our help is needed, we will have fun working and being together, and we can enjoy God’s marvelous creation … so come and join us! Meet at ELPC. Permission slip required (click to download)
  • Garfield Community Farm, service opportunity, August 22, 5:30 - 8:30pm: We will be helping at the farm and learning about plants and gardening. The Farm is a great neighborhood resource not only for fresh food but it is also a place to grow community. Our help is needed, we will have fun working and being together, and we can enjoy God’s marvelous creation … so come and join us! Meet at ELPC. Permission slip required (click to download)
  • Mission Trip Presentation, August 25, 10am worship: Youth participating in the Junior High Mission Trip to Crestfield Camp and the Senior High Mission Trip to Lexington, KY will present information to congregation and their families during the 10am worship service and during the fellowship time following worship.

  • October 25 - 27 | Church-wide Family Retreat, Crestfield Camp and Conference Center: Jesus said, “That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight…” – Matthew 13:4, The Message”
    This intergeneration retreat is open for persons of all ages and stages of life. ELPC will be hosting an all-church retreat at Camp Crestfield from October 25-27. Our theme for the weekend is “Why We Tell Stories…” Together we will explore together the importance of stories to our shared life of faith. Through worship, workshops, study, and games we will delve deeper into The story (The Bible) at the center of our faith, and explore how it impacts the stories of our lives. Our weekend together will include time to rest and relax, time to enjoy the great outdoors through hayrides and hikes…and we will host another Square Dance to cap off the fun! Join us for this intergenerational weekend of worship, workshops, fellowship and fun! Registration Fees vary based on accommodations selected, and scholarships are available.

In addition to weekly Sunday school classes and Club One Sixteen for youth, we offer the following events and programs on a regular basis:

  • Confirmation classes: ELPC offers confirmation classes for youth, grades 9+, who are interested in learning about God, the church, and our Presbyterian tradition. Confirmation classes meet from November to June on the second Sunday of each month, from 12:30-3:30pm. This is an opportunity to build community, and deepen your understanding of God, and how God is active in your lives. At the end of our series, you will be invited to join ELPC through Baptism and Profession of Faith. Contact Rev. Schoenewolf for more information: (412) 441-3800, x21.
  • Mission trips: ELPC youth also participate in a week-long service trip, retreat or youth conference outside of the Pittsburgh area each summer. The summer trips are only open to those ELPC youth who have regularly participated throughout the year in other projects and weekly programs.
  • Service projects: Once a month the youth participate in a service project aimed at serving both people in the community and in the church. Projects range from helping at our Vacation Church School to providing craft activities at local hospitals.
  • Tween Events (Grades 4-6): Throughout the school year ELPC will be hosting service, worship and fellowship events for kids in grades 4-6. Parents and students, please watch for upcoming announcements with news about the next Tween Event! If you’d like to be included on our mailing list, contact Gloria Knopp at (412) 441-3800 x21.
  • Special events: Each month the youth hold special fellowship events and activities. Some are held here at the church (movie nights, game nights, and more); other events are held at off-site locations such as skating rinks, Kennywood and the Gateway Clipper. Many events are opportunities for ELPC youth to include their friends, while others are celebrations for participation in service projects.
  • Retreats: Youth typically participate in two weekend retreats each year. One is normally held in the fall in conjunction with youth from other churches; the other is held in the spring at Camp Crestfield in Slippery Rock, PA. Retreats are available for youth in both junior high and senior high.