Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry
There are a lot of youth ministries at SPC, not just youth group or Sunday school or worship. The idea is that our church is a place where all sorts of youth can be involved in all sorts of ways. We are all looking for community, the chance to serve, and to find meaning and faith. Here is a place and time set apart from the culture, craziness and busyness of life to spend time with each other and with God. We do this in all sorts of ways – through games and discussion, service and worship, play and eating together – and all sorts of ministries. SPC is a congregation where youth can belong and be loved for who they are, as well as serve and lead. And remember, friends are always welcome. To set up a time to meet with Rev. David Norse, Associate Pastor for Christian Formation, click here. To complete the SPC Children & Youth online registration form, click here.
› Sunday Morning Education
As our children become youth, it can be a challenge for them to remain engaged in church and continue their Christian faith formation. We recognize this, and try to help by offering opportunities that not only explore the mystery of God and a life of faith through scripture and prayer, but also allow for honest and heartfelt discussions.
- Pre-Confirmation Class (6th–7th Graders)
Meet at 9:00 am in the Youth Room
Here, we reintroduce our middle schoolers to the men and women in the Bible, but in ways that treat middle schoolers as middle schoolers, and not younger kids. We give them the chance to engage for themselves with the Christian faith that has been passed down to them from our spiritual foremothers and forefathers. - Confirmation Class (8th–9th Graders)
Meet at 9:00 am in McCahan Hall
This is the time when our 9th graders prepare to become full members of the church. Guided by adult table leaders, our confirmands are introduced to the big issues and topics—from who God is to what Spiritual gifts they have or what it means to be in mission. We begin with classes on Faith, Baptism, and Spiritual Autobiography and explore the depth and breadth of the Reformed tradition. In the spring, we go on retreat together, and each person writes her or his own individual statement of faith. All are welcome to take this journey with us, free of pressure to join the church at its conclusion. - High School
We invite our older youth to join us in our adult education classes. While we have many events specifically for high school students, they are invited to participate in all activities of the church.
› Youth Group
Sundays, September through April
At Youth Group, we strive to be a community where every young person belongs. There’s no GPA cut-off; we come from all kinds of schools; you don’t have to look or dress in a certain way or be part of any particular crowd. Youth belong here because they walk through the door, they’re themselves, and Jesus loves them (even if they’re not so sure about him or his followers).
Middle and High School youth gather most Sunday evenings in Fellowship Hall around 4:30 pm (sometimes the time is different though depending on the activity). There’s always plenty of snacks, dinner, and caring adults who are glad you’re here.
Youth Advisors & Family
We have a faithful team of youth advisors who are with us on Sunday evenings, and we always welcome families who want to help prepare and eat dinner with us (we all help, from cooking to doing the dishes and taking out the trash). Reach out to Pastor David if you’d like to help make youth group happen.
› Youth Groups
Sundays, September through May
At SPC, our youth ministries strive to be communities where every young person belongs and feels welcome. They do not have to have certain grades, go to a certain school, look or dress a certain way, or hang out with a certain crowd. We want to be open to all people and to continue to learn how to be a community of followers of Jesus. Youth belong to our group because they walk through the door. Youth belong because they are themselves—and because they are loved by God.
Middle School Youth Group (Grades 6–8)
Meet at 4:30 pm (usually in McCahan Hall)
This weekly gathering is a wonderful mix of play and faith formation, service and Sabbath, worship and fun for both our middle schoolers and their advisors. Topics and activities vary from week to week, focusing on a larger theme. Come whenever you are able; our doors are always open. Friends are always welcome, even if they are not members of SPC. Each youth group meeting typically ends with dinner at 5:30 pm, provided by our generous parent volunteers.
High School Youth Group (Grades 9–12)
Meets for Special Events that will be announced
We know that high school is a busy time, and finding an hour or two once a week can be a challenge. But, we feel it is a challenge worth meeting to spend an evening with your peers, answering big questions, responding to the call for service, enjoying Sabbath rest, and, of course, playing. Our evening begins with dinner at 6:00 pm, provided by parent volunteers. As always, friends are welcome.
Advisors & Parents
We have a faithful team of advisors who are with us on Sunday evenings. We also depend on the leadership of parents and stepparents to provide dinners, to drive occasionally, and to serve as guest advisors at times.
› Youth Conferences & Mission Trips
Each summer, our middle schoolers and high schoolers participate in a variety of mission trips and youth conferences designed to foster Spiritual formation, develop Christian community, hone hearts for service, and generally live out our faith in the Triune God. Massanetta and Montreat provide opportunities for recreation, worship, and fellowship. The Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is a mission trip, where we travel to serve as well as enjoy the fellowship of neighbors in the places they call home. All of these help us to grow in faith and live into our calling from God.
Contact Us! We Would Love to Hear From You
Upcoming Events
- October 4, 2026
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October 4, 202610:15 am - 11:15 am
World Communion Sunday
Join us as we celebrate World Communion Sunday, a joyful occasion that unites Christians around the world at Christ’s table. Do you speak a language other than English and want to read scripture in your second (or third!) tongue? Want to see our beautiful bread as part of the Lord’s Supper? This is a great Sunday to be involved in our worship together. Reach out to Pastor Sarah to get involved.
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- October 11, 2026
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October 11, 20264:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)
Help Create Advent at SPC.
Our Pastoral Team (David, Sarah, and Joyce) are looking for your help as we prepare for Advent (the season in the church where we prepare for Christmas). Come for a fun evening of helping us dig into how we prepare everything to be made new and stay for a fun dinner together.
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- October 18, 2026
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October 18, 20264:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)
Let us bless the animals that bless our lives, and the lives of our neighbors! Everyone can be involved in this service, including reading scripture, a poem, or a prayer. Then we all help bless the animals that come! This event is rain-or-shine, and always a beloved experience. Then, we are going Bowling! Bring a costume to change into (we have prizes this year, so be creative!). We will meet new folks, bowl and eat, and then head back to SPC.
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- October 25, 2026
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October 25, 20264:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)
Passport to Understanding
Learn how to build and maintain friendships across differences of religion and culture, with our friends from Interfaith Philadelphia! This multi-week experience is a chance to learn how to stand tall in who you are and your tradition, be a gracious host to people of different spiritual traditions, and how to be a grateful, gracious, and curious guest in different houses of worship and communities. Friends are welcome to join us!
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- November 1, 2026
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November 1, 20264:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Youth Group (Fellowship Hall)
Passport to Understanding
Learn how to build and maintain friendships across differences of religion and culture, with our friends from Interfaith Philadelphia! This multi-week experience is a chance to learn how to stand tall in who you are and your tradition, be a gracious host to people of different spiritual traditions, and how to be a grateful, gracious, and curious guest in different houses of worship and communities. Friends are welcome to join us!
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