What is Youth Alive and Why Participate?
First Presbyterian’s Youth Alive program is the theology and practice of Christian relationship in a disciplined midweek context.
Christian relationships are best learned, and learned correctly, when consistently experienced in communities; specifically in Christian communities where the selfless kind of caring for others found uniquely in Christ is intentionally taught and practiced.
Christian nurture is an important conviction of First Presbyterian Church. Christian nurture will enable our church family to:
- Develop an understanding and desire for Jesus as Lord and Savior;
- Develop into active, loyal disciples and leaders in the church;
- Connect with a positive Christian peer group;
- Participate in worthwhile study, wholesome recreation and opportunities for service within a Christian community;
- Become Christians who are able and willing to live the Christian faith and communicate their faith to others.
Not only does Youth Alive meet the needs of the children, the program is a valuable tool for family involvement and renewal, as parents and other members of the church are drawn into active participation.
The “Heart” of the Youth Alive Program
- Midweek is the time for scheduling the program.
- Everyone participates in all three parts of the program, every Wednesday. The three parts of the program are modeled after teachings of the early church, as described in Acts 2:42:
“They spent time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals, and prayers”.
The midweek Youth Alive program meetings are made up of three basic segments:
- Bible Time: Bible lessons and stories taught by committed, prepared teachers.
- Dinner/Fellowship: Family groups composed of children or youth at each table with “table parents.”
- Recreation Time: Athletics, games, hobbies, crafts, and/or recreational activites of all kinds.