Posts Tagged: children-at-risk

Pentecost: Who are our teachers?

The Psalmist says, “God from my youth, you have taught me…” Psalm 71:17, and that is true. But it could have also said, “God from the youth, you have taught me” and stated something almost as true. With a foundation in faith built in the early years, our youth can teach us something about leading… Read more »

Pentecost: Living the “DREAAM”

Tracy Dace, a passionate advocate for at-risk youth had just relocated to Champaign, Illinois, to start a doctoral program in special education at the University of Illinois when he found his heart calling him back into the community and, eventually, through the doors of a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) congregation. As Tracy was working in schools,… Read more »

O God, from my youth you have taught me

Who have been your most influential teachers? All types of teachers — at school, at church, at work and in families — help shape who we become. We are grateful for all our teachers. In Psalm 71, the author uses the image of a teacher for God by stating, “O God, from my youth you… Read more »

Celebrating the 2021 Pentecost Offering with Our Youth

Engaging the children of your congregation with the four churchwide Special Offerings has never been easier or more important, whether you are engaging them in-person or virtually. And the Pentecost Offering is especially important for young people to engage with as it supports them and their peers! First and foremost, the Pentecost Offering is a… Read more »

Pentecost: Building a Strong Foundation

Right Here, Right Now Rev. Dr. David Gambrell spends of plenty of time with young people. He is a father of two daughters, he volunteers to teach confirmation classes at Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky and he was one of the youth leaders who preached at the 2019 Presbyterian Youth Triennium. He says Triennium… Read more »

Pentecost: The Greatest Love of All

The children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Remember that song from the 1980s? It is called “The Greatest Love of All.” And what greater love is there than God’s love for the children? The chorus in that song goes “the greatest love of all Is happening to me…. Read more »

Pentecost: Building Up Youth by Building Beds

Where did you first learn about God? Who pointed out the glimpses of God in everyday life? For many, it happened during the first years of life. It was in Sunday School classes at the local church, where stories were shared of Jesus’ miracles and God’s love. It was at summer camp and youth conferences… Read more »

Pentecost: Enabling Students to Transcend Poverty

Rising TIDE Christopher Hall’s life was not always smooth sailing, but it could have turned out very different had he not been boosted by a Rising TIDE. Rising TIDE, which stands for “Train Individuals to Develop and Excel,” is an after-school ministry of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Long Beach, California. Christopher, who was born into… Read more »

Pentecost: Building a Life of Faith

Who was the first person to teach you about Jesus? Who was the first person to  show you how to honor God with your life? Who helped you open the doors to new understandings of God and of faith? When did these things happen? For many of us, they happened during our childhood. They happened… Read more »