Sunday Morning

On Sunday mornings at 10:15, CPC offers a 45 minute Bible lesson for the middle school and senior high groups. Instructed by university students and congregation members, the youth discuss the modern-day applicability of Biblical stories and teachings and through discussion are challenged to grow in their faith. The middle school group (grades 6-8) meets in Lower Westgate, and the senior high group (grades 9-12) meets in the senior high room.

Wednesday Evening Youth Groups

On Wednesday evenings at 5:50, CPC offers an opportunity for middle school and senior high youth groups to apply their faith in service and action. After gathering in Sarah Barlow Lounge, the youth share a meal with Club CPC. After the meal, the middle school youth group meets in Lower Westgate and the senior high youth group meets in the senior high room. Each group spends the night sharing the "highs and lows" of the week, discussing the lesson, and participating in group games and activities. The atmosphere is more casual than Sundays but equally as educational and inviting.

Summer Stretch

Summer Stretch is a “new to us” program that came to Ames for the first time in Summer 2010. Four different congregations came together to offer this activity for those youth finishing 6th through finishing 12th. Summer Stretch allows youth to come together in small groups, to talk about God, sample a variety of places to serve, have fun together, and make a difference. It’s also an opportunity for high school youth to mentor small groups, and to lead by example, while getting training and excellent ministry experience.

During Summer Stretch, youth come together every Wednesday in July to worship, have a time of Bible study, serve in the community and have fun. Youth serve at area locations such as Green Hills Retirement Community, Northcrest Retirement Community, the Department of Natural Resources, Ames area parks, Friendship Ark Homes, Good Will, Food at First and Mustard Seed Farm. After spending time in the community, youth enjoy time together in various activities like watching movies, enjoying the new Aquatic Center, bowling and playing games.

Mission Trip

Each year, the senior high youth group answers their call to mission by spending a week serving others. Past mission trip experiences have ranged from serving meals in soup kitchens in Denver, CO to working with Habitat for Humanity in Albemarle, NC to working with children in a residential children’s home in Monticello, AR. Our youth say this is a transformational time for them and look forward to going each year. Shortly after they return, the youth plan and lead a worship service about their mission experiences. To sign up to chaperone or learn more about going on this mission trip, please contact Betsy Thompson.

Confirmation

CPC offers a Confirmation class for those youth who are currently in 9th grade or above and interested in exploring their faith in a new way and possibly becoming members of this congregation. This class meets from 10:15 to 11:10 on Sunday mornings from October through April. (Link to confirmation Sunday morning schedule) This class focuses on youth learning more about what it means to be a Christian in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and gives them a space to articulate what it is that each of them believes. In addition to the class, our Confirmation program pairs youth with a mentor within the congregation who shares his/her faith journey and helps guide the youth in his/her faith journey. Those who chose to do so are confirmed in a Sunday morning worship service in April or May. For more information on how to join the Confirmation class, please email Betsy Thompson or call her at 515-292-2063.