First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale Kicks Off Summer Youth Programs with Youth Sunday

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 18, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sunday, May 31, 2015 the congregation at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale was treated to a full day of worship and fellowship led entirely by the youth of the church when they hosted Youth Sunday. The Youth Sunday program kicked off a summer filled with youth-centered activities at First Presbyterian.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150618/224137

"Youth Sunday is a special program because it allows the students to grow in their faith by challenging them to lead all aspects of worship from prayers to music and the sermon," said Nic Merchant, Director of Youth and College Ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale. "They also gain experience in public speaking and develop confidence."

About 50 of the church's youth volunteered their time and spent three weeks planning and preparing before they led the 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services on May 31, 2015.

"More than 650 people received an opportunity to hear the fresh perspectives that only our youth could provide," said Merchant. "It was refreshing for our church community to receive the blessing of watching faith grow in the lives of our youth."

The Youth Ministry at First Presbyterian will keep going strong through the summer break with a full schedule of weekly programs and trips for middle-school, high-school and college-aged youth. The weekly programs, which are open to all and do not require registration, include:

• Middle School Youth Group (TNT – Tuesday Night Thang) on Tuesdays, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Family Beach Nights on Sunday, June 21, July 5, July 19, August 2 and August 16, 6 to 8 pm on Fort Lauderdale Beach.

The Youth Ministry also plans several summer trips that are very popular among the students each year. This year's trips include: the High School Mission Trip from July 12th to 17th, the Middle School Great Escape from July 27th to July 31st, and the High School Back to School Retreat from August 21st to 23rd.

"Differing from a sports team or community organization, the Youth Ministry programs provide a place where our youth can cultivate the gifts and calls God has uniquely given to each of them," said Merchant. "By offering a variety of fellowship opportunities each student is encouraged, disciplined and given the chance to encounter with Jesus Christ."

For more information on the weekly youth ministry programs, contact Nic Merchant at [email protected] or visit the church's website at www.firstpres.cc.

About First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale
Founded in 1912, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale is located on the banks of the New River in the historic Colee Hammock neighborhood in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. With more than 1,800 members, and a strong core of volunteers, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale prides itself in offering something for everyone, regardless of age. Since 1947, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale has operated Happyland Day School, a pre-school for ages two to Kindergarten that provides a quality Christian environment for the children of the community. Adult, youth and children choirs as well as youth groups offer ample opportunity for fellowship at any age. An Adult Activity Center is open to senior citizens and features weekly lunches, entertainment and monthly bus trips. First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale offers three regular Sunday services as well as special worship services held throughout the year to commemorate significant days. For more information, please visit www.firstpres.cc.

MEDIA RELEASE CONTACT
Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or)
[email protected]

SOURCE First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale

Related Links

http://www.firstpres.cc