Youth Ministries
​(grades 6-12)

Middle school can be confusing.
Almost everything about life is changing.

If you are in 6th-8th grades, Middle School Ministries at Second offers a bunch of opportunities for you to find a safe place to fit in, to be yourself, and to grow in faith throughout the year.

Check out our summer schedule

FOLLOW FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH 2018 - JUNE 8-18 by clicking here.

SUMMER SERVICE TRIP REGISTRATIONS ARE LIVE 
Click here for more information. Only a few spaces remain.

Service Opportunities
Food Pantry is always in need of volunteers. Click here to volunteer. There are weekend and evening hours available.
There is plenty to do at the Community Garden at Second. Click here for details.
Element Bearers - If you and your family would like to serve as element bearers on Sunday mornings, please click here for information about serving.
Hospitality Team - If you are interested in serving on the hospitality team or as a golf cart driver, check out the description and opportunities to serve here.
Ushers - There are opportunities to usher at each of the Sunday morning services on Sundays. Here is the link to the information about possible times to serve.
Acolytes - If you have children in 3rd through 6th grade and would like to inquire about serving as an acolyte, contact Sonya Rasmusson at Indyras@comcast.net.
VBS - Volunteers are always needed for VBS. Check it out here and sign up to serve. This is a great way to put your faith into action.

Here's what is happening in the fall of 2018 . . . 
Join us every Sunday morning and Wednesday night. There is something for everyone. It starts with donuts and fun on Sunday morning (9:30 for middle school, Niners make up, and high school, 11:00 for Footsteps of Faith) and concludes with pizza and friends on Wednesday night (6:30 for games, music, bible studies, Niners, and Niners leadership).
We have pizza every Wednesday evening for the youth. Thank you for helping us make that possible by paying in advance. Click here.

Youth Ministries At A Glance - Click here for a schedule of ministries and events.

​​​​​CONFIRMATION SUNDAY 2018 - May 13
We had a wonderful evening together on Wednesday, May 9. The Niners met with the Session and were received into membership of the church. Two students were baptized.
Sunday, May 13 was Confirmation Sunday. We confirmed our Niners at the 9:30 service where they made their public declaration of faith together.
CONGRATULATIONS NINERS! 

SUNDAYS - August through May
Join the Sunday morning adventure - beginning again on August 5! Plan on joining us for breakfast food, fun, and faith conversations every Sunday at 9:00 in the Youth Suite. The middle school students meet on the west side of the Youth Suite; high school students meet on the east side. Also, watch for special events every six weeks or so on Sunday evenings. More info can be found here as those events get closer.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS - September through May
Join us again on September 5 and Every Wednesday through May Middle school students meet for Quest. We take a look at a recent film, talk about the themes, and how our faith impacts the way in which we see the world. Join in for pizza, fun, friends, and faith conversation from 6:30 -8:00.

High school can be tough.
Second is a place where you can... spend time with friends, meet new people, ask hard questions, explore faith, discover, give of yourself, and just be.

Check out our schedule for summer travel. Please keep us in your prayers.

FOLLOW FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH 2018 - JUNE 8-18 by clicking here.

SUMMER SERVICE TRIP IS FULL! A Waiting List has started.
Click here for more information. 

Service Opportunities
Food Pantry is always in need of volunteers. Click here to volunteer. There are weekend and evening hours available.
There is plenty to do at the Community Garden at Second this summer. Click here for details.
Element Bearers - If you and your family would like to serve as element bearers on Sunday mornings, please click here for information about serving.
Hospitality Team - If you are interested in serving on the hospitality team or as a golf cart driver, check out the description and opportunities to serve here.
Ushers - There are opportunities to usher at each of the Sunday morning services on Sundays. Here is the link to the information about possible times to serve.
Acolytes - If you have children in 3rd through 6th grade and would like to inquire about serving as an acolyte, contact Sonya Rasmusson at Indyras@comcast.net.
VBS - Volunteers are always needed for VBS. Check it out here and sign up to serve. This is a great way to put your faith into action.

Here's what is coming up for the fall of 2018. . .
Join us every Sunday morning beginning August 5 and Wednesday night beginning September 5.
There is something for everyone. It starts with donuts and fun on Sunday morning (9:30 for middle school, Niners make up, and high school, 11:00 for Footsteps of Faith) and concludes with pizza and friends on Wednesday night (6:30 for games, music, bible studies, Niners, and Niners leadership).
We have pizza every Wednesday evening for the youth. Thank you for helping us make that possible by paying in advance. Click here.

Youth Ministries At A Glance - Click here for a schedule of ministries and events.

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY - May 13, 2018
We had a wonderful evening together on Wednesday, May 9. The Niners met with the Session and were received into membership of the church. Two young people were baptized. 
Sunday, May 13 was Confirmation Sunday. We confirmed our Niners at the 9:30 service where they made their public declaration of faith together.
CONGRATULATIONS NINERS! 

SUNDAYS - August through May
Plan on joining us beginning August 5 for breakfast food, fun, and faith conversations every Sunday at 9:30 in the Youth Suite. The middle school students meet on the west side of the Youth Suite; high school students meet on the east side. See you there!

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS - September through May
Every Wednesday evening beginning on September 5, Niners - a confirmation experience - and Bible studies for high school students - meet in the Youth Suite from 6:30-8:00. Join in for pizza, music, fun, friends, and faith conversation.

Support Pizza!

FOOTSTEPS OF FAITH and NINERS 
Footsteps of Faith - Find out more information about Footsteps by clicking the link at the bottom of this page. Niners (Confirmation) - Check out what is in store for our year by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SUNDAY MORNINGS

Youth Ministries At A Glance - A schedule of events is coming soon for 2018-2019.

9:30-10:30 a.m.
Begins again on Promotion Sunday, August 5, 2019

This isn’t simply church school.
Eat some donuts, hang out with friends, play foosball, air hockey, pool, basketball, and dig deep into this thing we call faith. This Scripture-based discussion helps you experience the Biblical books of history, poetry, wisdom, prophecy, the gospels, and the letters, as well as many faith challenges on your level. Every Sunday morning is a combination of games, small groups, and large group activities.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SUNDAY NIGHTS
We will meet approximately every six weeks for a time of fun and fellowship Sunday nights at 5:30pm.

Our Calendar:

• August 5 - Sunday morning programming begins
• August 19 - Middle School Back to School Event - 5:00-7:00 p.m. Fun, games, pizza, and friends
• September 5 - Youth Wednesday night programming begins.
• October 7 - Bonfire and Hayride - 6:00-8:00 p.m. Spencer Farms in Noblesville
• November 3-4 - Youth Fall Retreat 
• December 5 - Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
• December 12&13 - Christmas Benevolence Food Shopping Night. 
• December 16 - Dave & Busters fun night.
• December 19 - Christmas Eve Service Rehearsal
• December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight and Carols.
• Presidents' Day Weekend 2019 - Winter Middle School Trip
• April 2019 - Bowling at Woodland Bowl - 5:30-7:30 - Bring $10 for shoes and bowling.
• May 2019 - End of year bash
• Early July 2019 - Summer Service Trip

Take a Quest into faith on Wednesday. Come for pizza, time to goof around, play some games and maybe sing once in a while. We are focusing on your questions of faith and life this semester. This small group time gives you a chance to really be heard.

Please click the button below to help pay for pizza.
$45 for the semester and $80 for the year.
Your payment helps defray the cost.

Pizza Payment

HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY MORNINGS 

Youth Ministries At A Glance - Click here for a schedule of ministries and events.

9:30-10:30 a.m. - Youth Suite East - begins again on Promotion Sunday, August 5, 2019
Sunday morning is an opportunity to gather with a group of your friends, eat some breakfast food, and investigate the sometimes difficult intersection of faith and life. The questions will be yours and the topics will be timely. Bring a friend and check it out!

Niners Make Up Session - for those who must miss the previous Wednesday. Begins September 16.

11 a.m.
Footsteps of Faith - Seniors - Youth Suite - September 9 through May
As a part of Footsteps seniors reflect on some of the deepest questions of life and faith.  The program culminates in a trip to follow the footsteps of the apostles. More Details

HIGH SCHOOL SUNDAY NIGHTS AND SPECIAL EVENTS 
We will have regular fellowship events on Sunday evenings for high school students.  

Upcoming Dates -

• August 5 - Sunday morning high school youth programming begins
• September 5 - Youth Wednesday night programming begins.
• September 9 - Footsteps of Faith begins at 11:00 a.m.
• October 7 - Bonfire and Hayride - 6:00-8:00 p.m. Spencer Farms in Noblesville
• November 3-4 - Youth Fall Retreat at Camp PYOCA
• December 5 - Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
• December 16 - Dave & Busters fun night.
• December 19 - Christmas Eve Service Rehearsal
• December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight and Carols.
• Presidents' Day Weekend 2019 - Jameson Camp Winter Retreat
• April 2019 - Bowling at Woodland Bowl - 5:30-7:30 - Bring $10 for shoes and bowling.
• May 2019 - End of year bash
• July 2019 - Summer Service Trip - Hosanna Industries, Western PA.

As with all youth ministries events, retreats, and trips, scholarship money is available. We never want a student to be left out because of cost. Please contact Stephanie Bewley, Tyler Wolfcale, or Brian Shivers if you want to talk about available scholarships.

SUMMER OF SERVICE 2018 
Great adventures!
Check out the stories of our summer here.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS (September through May)
Wednesday nights at Second begins September 5 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Join us for fun, music, pizza, friends, and great faith conversations. 

6:30-8 p.m. 
High School Students
A Wednesday night small group opportunity for sophomores and juniors. Meets each week throughout the school year for hang out time, pizza, support, and encouragement, as well as deep discussions of faith.  This story of Jesus as found in the Gospel of Mark. This is the stuff you didn't learn in Sunday school as a kid.

Niners - Confirmation (mostly freshmen in high school) - Youth Suite East
A nine month faith adventure for high school freshmen (or other high school students who have not yet gone through confirmation or joined the church). Niners is a good time and a great way to connect with people your age from across the north side of Indy and beyond. Fun, games, music, and deep discussion. More Details

Youth Leaders - 
Seniors in high school serve as peer mentors and leaders. Please speak with Brian or Tyler if you are interested.

Please click the button below to help pay for pizza.
$45 for the semester and $80 for the year.
Your payment helps defray the cost.

Pizza Payment

Niners is a nine-month confirmation experience for high school freshmen (or other high school students who have not yet gone through confirmation, joined the church, or are transferring their membership). Click here for a short video about our curriculum and the Niners experience.

If you are interested in confirmation at Second, please fill out this form.

This is a time full of things to be excited about and to freak out about if we are being honest -- a new school; a busier schedule; new friends; important decisions; new questions.

Some things will probably be tougher to handle than others. Some decisions will be more difficult to make. Some questions will be harder to answer. Some stuff you may want to avoid all together.

Wouldn’t it be great if there were a place where you could be honest with people who are your age about all of this? Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a place you could go where you, your concerns, and your questions were taken seriously? Wouldn’t it be good to find a spot you could go and completely be you?

We believe that Niners is such a place.

• Niners is a place where you can meet and get to know some amazing people you may never have the opportunity to get to know otherwise.
• Niners provides an opportunity to interact with your questions and uncertainties about life and faith honestly.
• Niners is an experience.
• Niners is a journey of faith.
• Niners is a confirmation experience.

Confirmation is another step in your journey of faith. You are not expected to have it all figured out! As a matter of fact, you are expected to have questions - lots of them. And all of your questions are welcome and can be explored openly with honesty and integrity here. Each Niner will be in a small group facilitated by an adult guide, as well as several of our peer mentors (upperclassmen). These groups are a ton of fun and a safe place to discover together and support one another along this journey of faith.

Niners meets almost every Wednesday night from 6:30-8:00 p.m., September through May. Pizza will be available each week. Wednesday nights are our main time for Niners. It is important that you are there as much as possible.

It doesn’t matter why you come, we just want you to be there. It has the potential to be something unforgettable and wonderful. But it cannot be all it could be without you.

Important Winter/Spring Dates:
February 17-18 - Winter Retreat at Jameson Camp - $50. Register here.
Wednesday, May 9 - 7:00-9:00 p.m. Niners with Session followed by our Service of Baptism, Blessing, and Communion. Register for Dessert
Sunday, May 13 - 9:30 a.m. Confirmation Service
Wednesday, May 16 - 6:30-8:00 p.m. Year-end Celebration

Our recent high school graduates and their adult leaders completed their Footsteps journey on June 18, 2018. Please check out our blog about our journey together. Click here for the blog. 

Footsteps of Faith is designed for confirmed High School Seniors (members of Second Presbyterian Church). Footsteps meets September through April, Sunday mornings from 11:00-12:00. 

Description:
During your senior year in high school, deeper questions will begin to present themselves in new ways. Don’t you think your Christian faith should have something to say about these big questions?

Footsteps of Faith is a way in which you can investigate these questions through the lenses of faith and theology. The experience will challenge you to think on a completely different level about your life and all you do. This class is led by the Senior Lake Fellows, as well as the Youth Staff.

Footsteps is a trek through the life of the early church, the Acts of the Apostles, and the writings of the apostles. In these sources we hear the earliest stories of the Christian faith and hear our own lives echoed in the voices of the ancients. Footsteps culminates with a trip to Greece, Turkey and Italy to walk in the footsteps of Paul.

The Footsteps journey has the potential to be transformative for all willing to invest themselves in it.  If you are interested in applying for the 2018-2019 Footsteps of Faith, please fill out this form and print and sign the covenant. Submit the covenant to the church office. Applications are due by September 3. 

Click here for the online release and medical form.

RETREATS AND TRIPS

Below is a brief list of our annual trips and retreats. Please go to www.secondchurch.org/youth for full descriptions. Friends are always welcome.

• Footsteps of Faith - June 8-18, 2018 - Greece and Italy - high school seniors traveling in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul and the early church. Follow their upcoming adventures and past trips here - www.footstepsfaith.blogspot.com
• Middle School Summer Service Trip - July 9-13, 2018 - Crawfordsville, IN - All current middle school students (grades 6-8) are invited to be a part of this amazing service trip. We will stay at Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church and work in various agencies around the city. Sign ups began on April 1.
• High School Summer Service Trip - July 22-28 - Chicago, IL - High school students will be taking our summer service trip to Chicago, Illinois this year!  We will be staying downtown at Fourth Presbyterian Church and working with several agencies that serve Chicago. More details to come. Sign ups began on April 1.
• Youth Ministries Fall Retreat - November 3-4, 2018 - Camp PYOCA - Brownstown, IN - 6th-12th grades. A retreat for everyone with activities and curriculum for each grade. Plan on joining us to get away from the busyness of the everyday and take time with friends for fellowship and faith exploration. 
• Middle School Great Wolf Lodge Getaway - President's Weekend - Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, OH. $150 for the entire weekend away.
• High School Winter Retreat - President's Weekend - Jameson Camp in Indianapolis, IN. $50 for the entire weekend. 

If you haven't done so, please fill out the online release and release form. 

Scholarships are available for many of these activities.
Please contact Stephanie Bewley or Tyler Wolfcale for information on these available funds.

Summer Trips

• Footsteps of Faith - follow the adventure at www.footstepsfaith.blogspot.com
• Middle School Service Trip - see what happened in July 9, 2018
  at www.2ndyouthtrips.blogspot.com.
• High School Service Trip - check out their adventures from July 22, 2018 at www.2ndyouthtrips.blogspot.com
   

Our summer trip philosophy can be found here.

In addition to church-wide service projects, the youth of Second Presbyterian Church serve regularly in these (and many other) ways:

• Hospitality Team - greeting and driving the Spirit Shuttle;
• Canned Food Collection - year round for Northside Food Pantry - focused in January and February;
• Scripture Reading and Worship Participation - worship services throughout the year;
• Fall Service Day - mid-September;
• Crop Walk - mid-October;
• Presbyterian Women Bazaar - Friday & Saturday in early November;
• Advent Celebration- early December;
• Christmas Benevolence Food Shopping Night - Wednesday in early December;
• Christmas Eve Candlelight and Carols Worship Service;
• Souper Bowl of Caring - first Sunday in February;
• Global Interfaith Partners;
• Spring Service Day - Early April;
• Presbyterian Women Summer Sale - early June;
• VBS Volunteering - late June;
• Middle School Work Trip - late June;
• High School Work Trips - two different weeks mid-July;
• Northside Food Pantry - throughout the year;
• Interfaith Hospitality Network - various weeks throughout the year.

Vision:

Youth Ministries at Second Presbyterian Church seeks to provide middle and high school students (grades 6-12) with a welcoming, safe, and encouraging community, which gives space for faith discovery, spiritual growth, dedication to following Jesus Christ, and full engagement in the corporate life of Second Presbyterian Church.

Youth Ministries at Second is a space where middle and high school students gather not to witness an event but to be a part of something bigger than themselves where everyone belongs and all are welcomed.

In all we do, we seek to be…
Incarnational – Embodying the love and acceptance of God;
Inclusive – Welcoming and inviting everyone to participate;
Integrative – Engaging youth in the broader life of Second Church

Objectives:

We think this can best be accomplished through the integration of all youth into the broader life of the church by providing opportunities for their full participation in . . . 

• worship; 
• youth ministry programs and events;
• service opportunities and trips; 
• development of community initiatives; 
• Christian education offerings; 
• church-wide stewardship efforts; 
• and the church's institutional structure (ministry teams, committees, board of deacons, etc.)

To view our entire integrative youth ministry philosophy, click here.