Youth Ministries and Activities
Youth Mission Trip
Youth mission trips are open to youth entering 9th grade and older and serve as a wonderful way for youth to immerse themselves in a very different culture and participate in meaningful mission work such as repairing homes, meeting other Christian youth and giving hope to families in need. Helping our teens to view the world without their local lenses on, even if only for a week, has helped develop lasting impressions, fond memories and bonds that last a lifetime.
This year's youths are learning all kinds of skills to prepare them for their work in Camden, New York. Here are pictures taken during their tool skill and safety training.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Our youth are our richest resource! Our youth programs provide opportunities for fun, growth, self identity and challenge in a Christian community setting.
Youth Fellowship
Two teen groups are offered at First Church. Youth in grades 6, 7 and 8 meet on the first Friday of every month from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, October through May.
The High School youth group (9th – 12th grades) follows a periodic schedule of events posted on the church website calendar.
Both groups meet for Christian fellowship, which may include meals, recreation, discussions, biblical study, fundraising and community service projects. Weekend retreats, lock-ins and several summer mission and youth activity trips are other opportunities for youth to journey together in faith, spirituality, knowledge and love of God in creative, fun-loving, safe and service-oriented ways!
Both groups are led by Char Corbett, our Minister of Youth and Outreach and directed by an amazing Youth Advisory Council team. Of course, parents’ involvement as chaperones and volunteer leaders is an important element of our youth program!
Confirmation/Discipleship Class
The Confirmation year is a special one for young people in the ninth grade and above. It is a year of growth in faith and discipleship, often a time of searching and a chance to make a personal commitment to First Church. Through field trips, retreats, the arts, interactive and interfaith activities, bible study, fellowship and fun, youth have the opportunity to explore historical, spiritual, biblical, ethical and relational faith questions with their peers. At the end of the year youth members craft their own faith statements. Class is held each Sunday at 8:45AM. and co-led by the Sr. Pastor and the Minister of Youth and Outreach.
Youth Deacons
Youth Deacons provide assistance with worship services, including handing out bulletins, greeting members and first time visitors, collecting the offering, and assisting the Deacons with other tasks as needed. Youth Deacons are assigned to a worship service on a rotating basis from September to June.
Silver Lake Conference Center
Silver Lake Conference Center is the home of the Outdoor Ministries of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. Nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Berkshires of Litchfield County, Silver Lake has been welcoming church groups, youth groups, schools, non-profits and businesses, for almost fifty years during the Fall, Winter and Spring.
Each summer, Silver Lake continues the proud tradition of being the vibrant church camp for up to 1300 fourth graders through high school-age young people. These week-long "conferences" offer "once-in-a-lifetime experiences, over and over" to several generations of youth, helping to shape future leaders and spirited community-builders everywhere.
Silver Lake has become a sacred place to so many people, young and old. We invite you to come away from the busyness of everyday life and find out what is so special about this ministry of God's love.
Mission Statement
Silver Lake Conference Center, a year-round outdoor ministry of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ, is called to covenant in partnership with God and with the churches of the Conference in the work of forming life-sustaining leaders for the Church and world, by offering:
Experiences of inclusive and nurturing Christian community
Opportunities to grow and participate as Christ's disciples
A model of sustainable environmental stewardship of God's world.
We worship, learn, play, serve and work together, respecting the right of private judgement. We seek to provide a safe environment of acceptance regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation, reflecting our unity in Christ and respecting the faith journeys of all of God's children. "Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the Glory of God." Romans 15:7