youth Archives

‘Four for Four’ churches feel connected

Posted August 1st, 2019

For nearly 15 years, a certificate has hung on a sparsely occupied bulletin board on the back wall in the sanctuary of Laguna United Presbyterian Church in Casa Blanca, New Mexico. For the only Native American congregation in Santa Fe Presbytery, this now-faded certificate represented much more than a tradition or achievement. Every time they walked by it, it was a reminder of their congregation’s commitment to participate in the life of the church — a church that spans beyond their Casa Blanca community.

Summertime ministry

Posted July 5th, 2019

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.” American composer George Gershwin clearly wasn’t thinking about life in the church when he wrote his 1930s song “Summertime.” For many congregations, summertime isn’t easy. Blue skies beckon people to mow, garden or hike rather than sit in a pew on a Sunday morning. Weekend getaways and family vacations also mean fewer volunteers available to provide child care, sing in choirs and host coffee hours.

First-grader’s tooth fairy visit supplements his One Great Hour of Sharing giving

Posted June 18th, 2019

Paul Estes, a first-grader from Torrington, Wyoming, looked forward to shedding his wiggly tooth and welcoming a visit from the tooth fairy. Paul placed the money in his One Great Hour of sharing fish bank.

It took a village, and most of its people

Posted June 7th, 2019

On May 3, more than 50 young people, many identifying as queer, others as allies, walked the red carpet last month to enter Delaware Pride Prom – their prom.

Baltimore kids find safe space to play year-round

Posted November 27th, 2018

For five weeks during the summer, nearly 50 youth in West Baltimore can be seen working on their reading and math skills, or they might be packing up for a day on a local farm or at an area museum. It’s all part of the Rosemont Community Interfaith Coalition, which is focused on ending the violence in the city by offering positive experiences and hope for youth.

Baltimore kids find safe space to play year-round

Posted October 17th, 2018

For five weeks during the summer, nearly 50 youth in West Baltimore can be seen working on their reading and math skills, or they might be packing up for a day on a local farm or at an area museum. It’s all part of the Rosemont Community Interfaith Coalition, which is focused on ending the violence in the Maryland city by offering positive experiences and hope for youth.

Back-to-school devotional series returns to d365.org

Posted August 10th, 2018

Back2School, the daily devotional series geared to youth and young adults and those who walk alongside them in ministry, returns to d365.org on Monday, August 13.

Oregon church offers music and art camp for kids

Posted June 15th, 2018

Kenilworth Presbyterian Church in Portland, Oregon, held its seventh annual Music and Art Day Camp from July 16–20. Designed for children in kindergarten through third grade, the camp provides early exposure to music and art in an affordable, accessible way.

A teen’s perspective on gun control

Posted June 15th, 2018

In 2016, when I was 12 years old, I read an article about a boy half my age named King Carter who was gunned down less than a mile from my home in Miami Shores. King was walking to a convenience store to buy candy when he was killed in the crossfire between two drug-dealing gangs. After reading about his tragic story, I didn’t understand why he had to die.

Skating ministry helps kids in northwestern Montana

Posted June 13th, 2018

The darkness is scary for many of the kids who skateboard in Kalispell, Montana. Living in poverty they go to bed hungry at night, which is when the police or CPS come.