Why Youth Ministry?
Our Youth & Young Adult Ministry nurtures in our young people a strong faith in and love toward Christ, while experiencing Christian community, where each person is welcomed and accepted. We provide opportunities to put faith into action by serving our neighbors in need.
Our ministry aims to create a warm and welcoming place for youth to form friendships, grow in their faith, have fun, and serve the community as they grow into fully devoted followers of Christ. Our aim is for every youth that comes through our doors to find a place where they feel they belong.
During 9th grade, youth are invited into Confirmation, which is a year-long ministry of spiritual formation, culminating in a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ, and commitment to the life and ministry of our church.
Youth Ministries Focus
Spiritual Life & Worship is at the center of who we are and what God calls us to do.
Social Life & Fellowship: Both Middle School Fellowship and Senior High Fellowship groups meet regularly, including time for plenty of fun, community/peer group building, and personal reflection & faith growth.
Study & Spiritual Growth: We provide many ways throughout the week for youth to be wholeheartedly involved in the life of the larger church as they grow spiritually. Our confirmation class is held annually for 9th graders from October through May. When conditions allow, we will resume weekend and overnight retreats and lock-ins.
Service to Others & Mission: We initiate opportunities for youth to serve others as they form a closer relationship with God and with each other. We serve locally at food banks and senior centers. Our life-changing annual Senior High Workcamp trip has run each summer for over 50 years. In August of 2018, we had our first annual Middle School Workcamp. During the summer of 2020, we held 2 weeks of local service (one for high school and one for middle school). We met each morning online to discuss topics of faith and advocacy. We also introduced exciting local service projects youth could do at home during the day. Each evening we gathered in large and small groups (socially distanced, outdoors, wearing masks) for fellowship, faith building and great discussions.
Parental Consent Form
Please fill out this form and send/bring to the church to allow your child(ren) to be participants in youth activities at BRPC. (You just need to fill out the form once, it covers all events during the year.)
Youth Events Calendar
Youth Ministry Programs
Click a section below for more information on specific areas. For general questions, contact Toby Montgomery.
Bibles & Bagels
Join us for lively discussions as we explore relevant Biblical passages that coordinate with the verses read in worship each week.
Sundays, 10 – 10:40 am in the Church House Courtyard, or Library
Contact: Toby Montgomery
We need volunteers to help us by supplying bagels, can you help? Sign up here: Volunteer Sign up Form
Middle School Fellowship
We will meet the most Sundays from 5 – 6:30 pm in the Youth Center, for fellowship, games, and service projects. We have dinner as part of our fellowship gatherings. If you can supply a dinner, please sign up here.
Contact: Toby Montgomery
Sr. High Fellowship
Led by a team of dedicated advisors, Senior High Fellowship meets most Sundays from 7 – 8:30pm. All youth, grades 9-12, are invited to join us, and bring a friend. We also look forward to periodic off-site events such as weekend retreats, recreational trips and the annual summer Sr. High Workcamp.
Contact: Toby Montgomery
Confirmation Class
The Confirmation program prepares high school students to become full adult members of the congregation. Students learn more about their relationship with God, what it means to be a Presbyterian and how they can be involved in the church community. Participation in Confirmation does not mean students must join the church, but if after prayerful consideration they are ready to take that step, they will be confirmed as full members at the end of the program year.
Students meet twice a month in small groups with two adult mentors for conversation and study, using the curriculum material provided by the program. These sessions give the mentors and students a chance to talk with each other in a relaxed environment and discuss questions and reactions to the information being presented about God and the church. These small groups may also attend outdoor worship together and participate in hands-on mission opportunities, as a small group or with their families at home.
Contact: Toby Montgomery and Karen Johnson
Workcamp
For one week in July, youth and advisors from our church and community travel to Maine to repair homes for those in need. This is an awesome opportunity for our young people to see how their hard work and dedication can make a difference in the lives of others, as well as experience what it means to live out their faith in an intentional way. This summer workcamp will be in Pemaquid, ME, from July 8–16. For more information or to sign up, click here.
For information on the music opportunities for youth, please see the music ministries page.
Each year, the Youth & Young Adult Committee offers scholarships for college juniors, seniors and graduate students. The scholarships are granted to aid education at an accredited college, university, or seminary for individuals dedicated to working in “helping professions,” such as pastorate, psychology, psychiatry, medicine, nursing, law, and social work. Church members and Somerset Hills residents are eligible. Click to view/download an application.