Meet our Summer Youth Intern - Gaelen Negus
My name is Gaelen Negus and I have the joy of serving this summer as LPC’s Youth Intern. I will be working closely with the Elementary and Jr/Sr High youth under the supervision of Pastor Will, planning regular meetings and special events (and just being around to hang out).
Having grown up in LPC, I’m thrilled to get to serve in this capacity once again after filling this role during the height of the Pandemic in summer 2020. Lord-willing, this summer will be more conducive to fun activities together. I’m raring to get started! 😊
I recently graduated from Houghton University with a degree in Bible and philosophy, and will be beginning the MDiv program at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary this fall in pursuit of a calling in pastoral ministry. In light of this, I am especially excited to have this opportunity to serve again and gain ministry experience over these next few months. I can’t wait to spend this time cultivating friendships and ministering to LPC’s youth (it hasn’t been so long since I was one of them!).
We will start off summer events the week before camp with our first regular youth meetings. These will happen each week throughout the summer (with the exception of our time at Camp Duffield, which you DEFINITELY don’t want to miss out on!)
- Grades 3-6 (kids entering 3rd grade through 6th grade) will meet Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm starting Wednesday, June 21st at the home of Dave & Becky Young
- Grades 6-12 will meet Tuesday evenings from 7:00-9:00pm starting Tuesday, June 20th at the Potter's House in Lancaster
**Please note: 6th graders are welcome at either or both these meetings!
Stay tuned for fun upcoming events and, most of all, please be praying for all the kingdom work that God will do in and through the lives of our young people this summer. It’s going to be amazing!
Do feel free to reach out to me with questions!
Many blessings to you!
Gaelen
The Youth Ministry of Lancaster Presbyterian Church
We want all of our youth to know Jesus Christ and to find their ultimate joy and satisfaction in Him. We have designed our youth ministry to deepen understanding of the greatness of our God, and to give encouragement in the pursuit of godliness. Check out our events page to see any upcoming events for the youth of Lancaster Presbyterian Church.
Youth ministry has been a thriving part of our church for many years. Coming alongside parents to instill the Gospel, fostering spiritual growth and development and building both peer and mentor relationships with children, youth and teens are the main focuses of our youth ministry. We also desire for youth to build strong Christian friendships among peers to encourage and uphold one another while they grow from children into young adults.
To facilitate spiritual growth and development and guide youth to knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we provide a variety of opportunities including youth groups, Sunday School, service opportunities, retreats, camps, Vacation Bible School and special events.
youth groups
Youth groups are a way for students to build relationships with peers, while being led by older mature Christians. In this relaxed atmosphere students engage in Bible discussions, games, activities and can just have fun with others around their age! Our groups consist of students from a variety of local school districts including, but not limited to, Lancaster, Depew, Iroquois, Alden, Akron, Clarence, and Hamburg, as well as some students that are home-schooled. Youth are welcome to come at any time! Every student can find a place at youth group.
Junior and Senior High Youth Group (7th-12th Grade)
Sunday Evenings: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Location: The Potter's House (5477 Broadway, Lancaster)
Our Junior and Senior High youth group is a dynamic group of 7th-12th grade students that gather weekly to grow in their faith. Weekly meetings include intriguing Bible discussions, encouraging prayer, exciting games, and time to connect with other teens. Special events, service opportunities, evenings of worship through music, off-site activities, and retreats add to the variety of events throughout the year and can be found on our events page.
Teenagers will be guided to discover a deeper relationship with Jesus, along with their peers through music and special lessons provided by our leaders.
**We are doing something new this year for Senior High only on the first Sunday of each month (October through April). Senior highers (9th – 12th grade) are invited to come at 5:30pm to prepare and share dinner together (along with the DAB college kids) before youth group. Regular youth group for all 7th – 12th graders will take place from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.**
The Junior and Senior High leadership team includes both mature young adults as well as more seasoned Christians. These adults have a love for working with and encouraging teens to grow in their faith.
**The Potter's House provides ample space for social distancing, as well as a 3rd floor gym for games. The Potter's House is located at 5477 Broadway, across from the church (enter at the back door).**
Kids Youth Group (3rd-6th grade)
Wednesday Evenings: 6:30pm-8:00pm
Location: Potters House, 5477 Broadway St. (across from the church)
Coordinator: Becky Young
Our 3rd-6th grade youth group is a fun place for children to develop a relationship with God. This eager group of students gathers weekly to participate in active Bible lessons, prayer time, and energetic games. Crafts, music and special activities interspersed throughout the year keep the group fresh and exciting for all involved. An annual spring retreat is held each year and allows the children a chance to grow their faith in a unique way. Details about special events can be found on our events page.
The students will be encouraged to learn how love is patient, kind, and not easily angered. That love is not envious or boastful, nor is it rude or self-seeking. Students will work to better understand that love does not keep a record of wrongs and that love rejoices in the truth.
The adults that lead this group are full of energy and excitement and have many years sharing the love of Christ with children.
Fun each week includes gym time, crafts, singing and friendships.
**This youth group is held weekly at the Potters House which includes ample space for social distancing while learning or working at tables, as well as a gym on the 3rd floor for games.**
Service and Unique Opportunities of Youth
Dates, times and locations of events vary throughout the year
Special retreats, camps and service opportunities throughout the year allow our youth to serve God and strengthen their faith in unique ways.
Middle and High School students have the opportunity to serve God by serving others on our annual Youth Missions Trip. The past few years youth have traveled to serve others in one of our nations poorest counties, located in Kentucky. Our youth leaders also work to get our youth serving our local community of Lancaster/Depew and the surrounding towns as well as in the city of Buffalo through ministries such as Good Neighbors Health Care and the Buffalo City Mission. Students in 7th-12th grade also have the opportunity to serve in various church ministries alongside adults in positions such as childcare assistant, usher, greeter, and Vacation Bible School assistant.
Our yearly Summer Youth Camp is a highlight of the year for many youth that participate. The camp offers a variety of programming for youth that have completed 3rd-8th grades and eligible 9th-12th grade youth can volunteer to be assistant staff members, working with adult staff to allow all involved to grow in relationship with Christ. Head over to our camp page for more details!
Retreats are great opportunities for spiritual growth as well as a time for youth to connect with one another away from every day life. Middle and High school youth generally have the opportunity to attend both winter and spring weekend retreats and 3rd-6th grade youth have a weekend retreat available as well. Students in our Confirmation Class have the opportunity to participate in a weekend wilderness canoe trip to Algonquin Park in Canada each summer. Additional Christian learning opportunities for all youth include Sunday School (all grades) and Vacation Bible School (preschool - 6th grade).
youth education
Sunday School Program
Sunday school has been an active part of Lancaster Presbyterian Church for many years. It is our goal to raise children to know the Lord and for each student that attends to come to know Jesus as his or her personal Savior. Sunday is a chance to grow your Biblical knowledge in a classroom setting. We have weekly Sunday morning classes for infants through adults and every age in between! Small age-level classes teach Biblical basics as well as encourage students to deepen their personal relationship with God. Please visit our Sunday School page to see full details of our Sunday School program.
Confirmation
Confirmation Class is an in-depth class for youth that are serious about making a commitment to declaring God as personal Savior and a serious commitment to learn and study the Word of God. Those that participate in this intense class work toward understanding the fundamentals of the Christian faith and those specific to Evangelical Presbyterian beliefs. Most youth take this class in early high school. Students are guided weekly, during the Sunday School hour, by mature Christian teachers, Ed and Diane Carlsen, as well as by our pastor, and other elders. Students involved in this class work to write a declaration of faith that is presented to our Session each Spring and are encouraged to participate in service opportunities throughout the church under the mentor-ship of various church leaders. The end of Confirmation Class is celebrated in June in a special Sunday service.
summer youth camp
Click here to get all there is to know about Summer Camp.
Vacation Bible School
Click here to get your updated information concerning VBS!