All middle and high school youth are invited to join our youth meal after church on Sundays! Youth are also invited to our meetings, choir rehearsals, and the many other service and social opportunities we have throughout the coming months. Read our newsletter for more information.
Middle School Trip
Join youth leaders for two nights of camping on the island followed by one night at the Engbers’ family cabin! We will rendezvous on Friday morning at 8 a.m., and return on Monday at noon. Once we receive your registration, we will send a follow up email during regular business hours.
Deadline: May 12
High School Trip
High schoolers, our trip this year consists of two parts:
June 7-11: “Engaging Grand Rapids” overnight retreat with youth groups from First United Methodist, St Mark’s Episcopal, and St Andrew’s Episcopal.
June 11-14: WPCYG summer retreat at Lake Louise Summer Camp. Let’s enjoy summer together in the beauty of Northern MI! Once we receive your registration, we will send a follow up email during regular business hours.
Deadline: April 29
Youth are a vital part of the church now!
If you are a young person, our longing and intention is to integrate your voice, energy, and vision into the worship and service of our congregation.
Upcoming Events
Sundays, 11:00 a.m.: Youth group & choirs
April 14: YAA Meal & Youth Group Resumes
April 20-21: MS Lock-In
April 28: Confirmand Picnic & NO Youth Group or Choirs
June 7-14, 2024: HS Service Weekend & Retreat Trip
June 21-24, 2024: MS Trip to South Manitou Island
Contact Kat Jonker (katj@wpcgr.org) for information about upcoming events.
Mission Statement
The youth ministry at WPC invites all youth into a brave space so that the Holy Spirit and the practices of prayer, worship, learning, and service empower them to live in compassion, peace, justice, and hope with our faith community and in the world.
Leadership
- Kat Jonker, Minister with Youth and Young Adults, katj@wpcgr.org
- Sara Zallar, Youth Ministry Coordinator, saraz@wpcgr.org
- Pete Grayson
- Brian Kamstra
- Jonathan Ogland-Hand
- Karyll Russell
- Matt Russell
- Paul Faasse
- Sarah Faasse
- Pete Grayson
- Mike Herrick
- Keith Lawrence
- Jonathan Ogland-Hand
- Maria Schoon
- Delia Venema
Our Core Values
| Faith Journeys | We will create a context for exploration of our communal and individual faith in Jesus Christ. |
| Inclusion | We will foster a brave space where all youth will be welcomed, accepted where they are and celebrated for who they are. |
| Friendship | We will cultivate an environment that removes barriers for friendships among youth and creates connections between youth and adults. |
| Integration | We will encourage interconnectedness in which youth experience meaningful community with each other and the broader congregation. |
| Servant Leadership | We will equip and empower youth to lead within the church and challenge them to follow God outside the church. |
| Joy | We will celebrate and rejoice God’s creation and embrace the fullness of life in its messiness and beauty. |
