YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRIES

First Congregational U.C.C., Elyria, has vibrant youth programming, with an emphasis upon building relationships centered in Christ. Youth programming is open to any youth in grades six and above. The programming is divided into age categories, building experiences one upon the other. The programming is designed to connect youth to one another, the congregation, and other youth in the association, conference, and denomination. Youth have opportunities to participate in programming offered both through First Congregational and the Western Reserve Association.

PROGRAMS:
CYTC

Connecting Youth Through Christ (CYTC) meets Wednesday evenings from 6-9 pm in the youth room on the third floor of the church. Youth in grades six and above are welcome to participate. The Wednesday evenings consist of snacks and lively discussion. The group is led by Reverend Patrick Nicolino. The purpose of the group is to connect youth to one another through Christ. The connection is made with the use of relevant topics to provoke questions in a safe, open, and affirming environment. The youth are encouraged to think, reflect, discern, and develop a deeper faith experience. Topics include: examination of scriptural passages and their relevance today, the development of conscience and moral decision-making, social justice, global responsibility, and being comfortable with self.

LOCK-INS

Lock-ins are experiences in which youth stay at the church overnight. Youth in grades seven and above, are welcome to participate in lock-ins. Lock-ins include scavenger hunts, sardines, movies, video games, discussions, prayer and as much food as one can eat. To ensure adequate supervision at the lock-ins, there are minimally three adults always present.

Y2K

Youth Too Cool (Y2K) is a youth book discussion group. This group is open to youth in grades six and above. Currently the youth are engaged in reading the Percy Jackson series.


ENQUIRERS

Youth in grades seven and eight are currently involved in the Enquirers Program. This fifteen month program replaces the Confirmation Program. Enquirers meet the first and third Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.


FAMILY POTLUCK AND MOVIE

On the first Sunday of each month, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm, all families are invited to share in a potluck dinner and movie. The evening begins by sharing a potluck meal together and then either watching a movie or another activity. Families of all configurations young and old are invited. The potluck is an opportunity to share with the larger church family as one “family”.

SUNDAY YOUTH GROUP

Youth in grades six and above are invited to join in the youth class offered during the Sunday 10:00 worship. The class is designed to discuss the scripture passages, following the lectionary for each Sunday. The discussion examines the historical context, current relevancy of the passage, and the possible meaning for each person. This time is also used to explain and discuss the liturgical season as well as the format of worship and prayer.

YOUTH WORSHIP

Each time communion is part of the 10:00 worship, the multi-age Sunday School class and the youth in grades six and above, share a youth communion worship service. The service is designed to engage the youth in worship and have them as active participants. The music, readings, prayers, and language, are all child and youth friendly. This Eucharistic celebration is a time in which youth make a joyful noise to God.

FACEBOOK

Youth are invited to “friend” the youth facebook page. The page is titled “Patrick CYTC”. This is a secured site, available only to youth. The site maintains a current calendar of events and covers current topics for the youth.