Our Youth
Our younger members are a large focus of the PCM community. We encourage the whole family to participate in the church life and we strive to provide meaningful opportunities for our youngest members to be involved. From the traditional “Sunday School” to attending youth events, our goal is to keep expanding and finding new ways to make our youth active members of the faith and family.
Moreover, we have made a strong financial commitment to our youth programs through the full-time employment of a staff professional tasked with coordinating our programs. Of course, it also takes lots of dedicated volunteers to make everything work. The goal of our staff person is to equip our volunteer teachers and other leaders with the tools and materials to be effective shepherds of our programs.
We also strongly encourage children of all ages to attend regular Worship services with the rest of their family. A “children’s message” is typically incorporated into each Sunday service. However, we do provide full nursery care for the youngest of children who their parents determine are not ready to sit through services.
Here is an overview of some of the opportunities we offer:
Infants and Toddlers:
We provide a safe, secure and nurturing environment where you can feel comfortable leaving your child while you participate in class and worship. Childcare is available in the nursery throughout Sunday morning for infants and toddlers. During the Sunday School hour, there are special classes for children ages three, four and five. During worship, infants and children age 5 and under are welcome in the Nursery. The nursery is close to the Sanctuary for easy access by parents.
Elementary (PreK – 6th grades):
All children are invited to learn about the love of Jesus. Bible stories are taught through games, singing, arts & crafts, and reading. On Sundays during the Education time, the younger children start their morning in our “pit” area where they spend time singing as a larger group for approximately 15 minutes before heading to their respective classes based on age.
Middle School (7th and 8th grades):
Students gather together to learn about and grow in their love for Christ through prayer, Bible study, and activities designed to help students get acquainted with each other.
Senior High School (9th – 10th grades):
Students meet together for Bible study, presentations, discussion on issues pertinent to teenagers, fun and fellowship. Our desire is to provide a fun, safe atmosphere where students can come and relax, laugh, worship, and learn. A balance of structure and being open to whatever might present itself makes for an interesting agenda.
Senior High Fellowship Group:
The Senior High fellowship group meets at other times than Sunday morning. It gives the youth and opportunity to meet and enjoy social activities beyond the church while building bonds among each other.
Seekers:
Seekers is a mid-week program for both adults and youth that meets periodically during the fall and spring. A meal is provided and their are informative educational opportunities for both the adults and youth.
Summer Camp:
Located near Fremont, Nebraska high on the bluff overlooking the Platter River, the Presbyterian Churches in this area operate a year-round camp and retreat center. During the summer months, Camp Calvin Crest offers a variety of camping opportunities for youth of all ages and interests. Many of the youth from our church make going to Calvin Crest a yearly “must-do” for their summer vacation.