We are energized by our youth.
Teenagers are a thriving part of Shandon Presbyterian Church! We believe in the importance of transcendent experiences with God where youth wrestle with their faith and grow in their understanding of how they fit into the world. Teenagers, especially, need to hear that they are loved, cared for, and valued by God- for who they are and who they one day may still become. We take that obligation seriously in everything we do with our youth. Our commitment to helping our youth see this is seen in our curriculum choices, the dedication of our Youth Advisors, and the spaces of belonging we have created here. Our gatherings are meant to foster creativity and welcome. Plus, they are really fun! From carving pumpkins to bonfires, off-site retreats to packing hygiene kits; we aim to welcome teenagers exactly where they are and cultivate a sense of belonging.
If you have any questions about our youth ministry, want more information about dates, or to RSVP for any youth activities; please contact April Martin.
Youth Group
Our youth group is a time set aside particularly with our teenagers (grades 6th-12th) in mind. We meet in small groups to unpack stories from the Bible and to listen for what God has to say to us, today. Our meetings also have time intentionally carved out for growing in connection with one another. We do this by participating in games and activities, singing together, and sharing a meal.
There’s something else about us, too. From our staff, to our advisors, and our youth; we all care about you. We want all of our youth to remember they belong to God, and to each other, and so we say this at all of our meetings: “Be swift to love. Make haste to be kind. Care for creation and all of God’s people- no exceptions. And come back often, for you will always have a home here.” And we mean it.
You can find us in the McDonald Youth House on Shandon Pres’ campus for most of our meetings.
Breakfast Devotions for Youth
We know teenagers are busy and they often rely on their parents for rides. That's why we meet teenagers where they are.
Once a month before school, our Pastoral Associate for Youth & Young Adults, April Martin, meets Shandon youth at coffee shops near their schools. We enjoy time to catch up on what is happening in their lives, enjoy eating tasty breakfast treats, and share in a devotion. We leave space for sharing prayer requests and take time to relate parts of the Bible to our own lives.
Sunday School
From September to May, teenagers meet during the Sunday School hour, from 9:15 - 10:15, every week before worship. Our dedicated teachers build lasting relationships with them, guide them through the lessons, and challenge them to grow in their faith.
Our classes and their meeting spaces are listed below:
Middle School | Room 209
High School | McDonald Youth House
Confirmation
Confirmation in the Presbyterian Church is a time for young people to affirm their faith in God; as well as for the church to affirm the work that God is doing in their lives.
Confirmands are paired with mentors from the congregation for a year of exploring questions about their faith. The year includes a weekend retreat, field trips and tailored time talking about their ideas with their teachers and mentors.
At Shandon, Confirmation is designed for 7th and 8th graders and takes place every two years. Our next Confirmation class will take place during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Summer Trips
Summer is a big time for youth around Shandon Presbyterian!
Our teenagers are on the go throughout the summer; travelling to do local mission work, cool off at pool parties, and attend Youth Conferences. Highlights are attending the Montreat Middle School Conference in Tennessee and the Montreat Youth Conference in Montreat, North Carolina.
As a youth group, we also volunteer to help with Art & the Bible Camp, where we get a chance to mentor the younger children in our church!
Youth Participating in Worship
On any given Sunday you may see our teenagers leading worship by helping usher, reading scripture in worship, or collecting the offering. Each year, the youth put on Youth Sunday, a service that they have designed with the help of their teachers, youth advisors, and the worship leaders. During this service youth will share the sermon for the day, lead the aspects of worship that they have helped craft, and share their musical gifts with the congregation. It is a special day that we are able to recognize the gifts that they bring to us just by being among us.
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