First Presbyterian Church of Elko prides itself on its outstanding variety of programs for youth of all ages. These programs also offer opportunities for adults in our church family to share their gifts to help nurture the children and youth in our congregation.

Sunday School

Church youth repaint one of the Sunday School rooms.

Sunday School classes are available for pre-school through senior high school age groups from 9-10 a.m. in the church classrooms September through May. Adult volunteers lead these groups in Bible study and other activities.

Children's Church

Youth of all ages are encouraged to attend Sunday church morning services. During each service, youth are typically called forward for a special children's time with Pastor Pat.  They are invited to attend Children's Church following Children's Time in the Worship service. Thereafter, they may either return to their parents or children ages three through first grade are invited to leave the Sanctuary to attend Children's Church in the church classrooms. Volunteers direct activities at Children's Church for the duration of the regular church service, and then children are encouraged to join the rest of their church family in the fellowship hall for refreshments and conversation.

Nursery Services

The church nursery is open for infants and toddlers (ages 6 weeks through 3 years) each Sunday during Sunday School and Worship Service (8:50 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.).  The nursery attendant, Ruth Lee, is loving, experienced, and well trained to handle children in this age group. Nursery children may be entertained with a variety of toys, or allowed to sleep, according to their preference. Cribs, changing tables, and sinks are available in the church nursery for use whenever needed during church activities and services.

The church nursery offers many toys and an interesting window view.

Youth Groups

Youth are divided into four groups, by age, for age-appropriate activities such as Bible lessons, music, crafts, games, and fun. These groups are:

• Kids' Club (K-Fifth Grades)
• Junior High Youth (Sixth-Eighth Grades)
• Senior High Youth (Ninth-Twelfth Grades)

Senior High youth enjoy a movie night at the church.

Activities for these groups are usually planned for Sunday afternoons during all but the summer months. Here is a typical schedule:

1:30-2:30 p.m. Senior High Youth Group

2:30-3:30 p.m. Jr. and Sr. High Music, Kids' Club

3:30-4:30 p.m. Jr. High Youth Group, Kids' Choir

During the summer months, special activities are typically planned for the various youth groups. These may include movie nights, swimming and tubing/water skiing expeditions, trips to the Lagoon amusement park in Salt Lake City, and other events.

Pastor Pat and Julie Blessing took the youth group to Lagoon in 2005.

Confirmation Classes

These typically begin in February for youth in 6th through 12th grade who wish to be confirmed in their faith.

The confirmation class meets in the youth room from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. each Sunday from February until Easter.  Those being confirmed meet with Session members in early February, and they are presented to the congregation on  Easter Sunday. 

For more information, contact Julie Blessing at jblessing@frontiernet.net or at 738-3430 or 753-8529.

Boy Scouts

Troop 52 of the Boy Scouts of America meets at 6 p.m. Mondays in the church fellowship hall. Boys age 11 or older are welcome to join this troop for a variety of activities. Parents or adults interested in helping on the troop committee are also welcome. The troop publishes a monthly calendar of troop activities and events aimed at youth development. For more information, contact Don and Bev Gilbertson at buglenv@frontiernet.net or (775) 738-2073.

Vacation Bible School

Pastor Pat leads a song fest at the 2005 Vacation Bible School.

Each summer, a week long, non-denominational Vacation Bible School is offered by the church for children and youth of all ages. In 2007, over 75 children attended this fun and educational event.

For more information about Vacation Bible School, contact Pastor Pat at PastorPat11616@frontiernet.net or (775) 738-3430.

Summer Arts Camp

Children and youth are invited to participate in two weeks of exploring and developing their God-given gifts and talents while having fun and learning new skills. For more information, contact Pastor Pat at PastorPat11616@frontiernet.net or (775) 738-3430.

Other Youth Activities

See the church annual calendar for additional youth activities typically planned throughout the year, such as ski trips, float building for parades, and more.

In 2006, the youth group had a float in the Silver State Stampede parade .

 

Vern Blessing and Lynn Bondo chaperoned one of the youth ski trips in 2006.

For more information about the wholesome and educational youth programs at the First Presbyterian Church of Elko, contact the Director of Family Ministries, Julie Blessing, at jblessing@frontiernet.net or at 738-3430 or 753-8529.