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Youth Ministry

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. The April youth calendar is coming soon. 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. View the April Youth Calendar

30 hour famineUPDATE! Our ELPC youth fasted to raise awareness and funds to combat hunger while spending the night at the church for the annual 30 Hour Famine. Engaging in educational activities, a service project providing bagged lunches to men experiencing homelessness, and even creating their own worship experience, the youth had a full evening. Fundraising efforts so far have raised over $500 to support EECM’s Have a Heart for Hunger campaign and the Haiti School Lunch Program. Way to Go!!! The youth whole-heartedly thank you for your prayer and financial support of this project!

Our Youth Ministry programming features the following activities:

  • Sunday school classes: We offer Sunday school classes for all ages, including classes for youth. Classes meet every Sunday in April except for Easter (April 8). 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 including Club Life meets every Wednesday in April except April 4. Come join us 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: Young men in grades 9-12 are welcome to join us for basketball most Saturday evenings, from 6pm to 8pm. In April, basketball continues every Saturday except for April 7. In the gym.
  • Friday, April 20, 6:30-9:30pm | Tween Movie Night
    Youth in grades 4-6 are invited to a movie night at ELPC! We’ll watch Soul Surfer, rated PG, the true story of faith and resilience in a young woman’s life after losing an arm in a shark attack. Discussion will follow! RSVP to Brian Diebold at bdiebold@pts.edu. Bring $5 for pizza and snacks. See you there! Room 234.
  • Sunday, April 22 | Youth Skating Trip, following the 11:00 worship service
    Youth in grades 6-12 will head to Romp N Roll Skating Rink in Glenshaw for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. We will gather right after the 11:00 service (about 12 pm), and return to the church by 3:30 pm. Youth are asked to contribute $5/person for skating, and to bring additional money for snacks. Bag lunches will be provided. RSVP to Anthony Williams at (412) 292-7935. Permission (click to download) slips are required.
  • Sunday, May 20 | Youth Sunday
    On May 20 we will celebrate Youth Sunday, when ELPC youth will share their gifts and lead us in our 11 AM worship that morning. Our liturgy will be written and led by our Senior High Church School Class; Graduating Seniors will share their faith stories, Hope Academy student musicians will offer Special Music, and our club one sixteen children and youth have prepared two video presentations. God’s love abounds in the lives of the children and youth who are a part of our family of faith. Come and be blessed by the gifts, talents, and testimonies of ELPC’s youth, and be inspired to go forth and share God’s love with others!
  • Sunday, May 20, Service Project: Youth have an opportunity to participate in a service project at ELPC: to assist with the Young at Heart Luncheon. They will be serving meals to those in attendance and also will be assisting with the clean up process as well. Youth should meet at the church in the Harambe Room no later than 11:30 am, and we will dismiss from the event at approximately 3 pm. If you have any questions, please contact Anthony Williams at (412) 292-7935.
  • June 25 - 29, 9am to 3pm | Youth volunteers needed for Vacation Church School (VCS)
    We need youth volunteers to help with our annual Vacation Church School program. Volunteers are needed in every aspect of this ministry to ensure that we can offer the best week possible: classroom teachers, craft leaders, recreation leaders, event leaders, snack helpers, assistants in every area ... the list goes on! Each day you serve counts as one service project! Read more about the summer VCS or download the volunteer form.

In addition to weekly Sunday school classes and Club One Sixteen for youth, we also 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.