Children & Youth At Rose City Park Presbyterian
Our dynamic K-5 programs are designed to invite children to embark on a journey of discovery, spirituality, and friendship. Through purposeful activities and meaningful connections, we aim to build a strong foundation for their faith and personal development.
Our Youth Ministry Coordinator
Our Youth Ministry Coordinator, Reverend Amanda Golbek, provides a ministry of presence for and with members of the RCPPC community who are in middle school and high school (grades 6-12). Amanda is an Oregon native who has journeyed throughout the United States and abroad, and has a passion for walking beside young people as they explore and discern God’s call in their lives.
Our Youth Ministry Coordinator collaborates with church staff, parents, volunteers and the Educational Ministries committee to plan and implement a program of spiritual development and fellowship based on the needs, hopes and interests of our existing student group.
In Worship
- Time with the Young Church: Every week in worship, children gather with Pastor Liz at the front of the sanctuary for a special message tailored just for them. These moments are designed to inspire curiosity, reflection, and a connection to their faith.
- Church School Adventure: Following the special message, our young learners are guided by caring adult volunteers to our Sunday School which meets in the Children’s Library adjacent to the sanctuary. Most of our volunteer teachers are trained educators, ensuring a thoughtful and engaging learning experience.
Church School Goals
Our Church School is more than just a class—it’s a place of growth and exploration. We focus on:
- Cultivating Curiosity: Through lessons from biblical history, creative activities, stories, music, and drama, we ignite children’s curiosity about the world around them and the stories of faith.
- Nurturing Spirituality: Church School provides a nurturing space for children to develop their spirituality, encouraging them to reflect on their beliefs and values.
Summer Adventures: Kid Camp
A Week of Fun: Kid Camp is a highlight of our summer programming. This week-long adventure is packed with fun, laughter, and exciting activities that bring children closer to their faith and each other. With a new theme each summer, Kid Camp adds an element of excitement and variety to our church experience.
Kid Camp is all about building connections. We encourage children to connect with each other and the caring adults who guide them throughout the week. They learn church is a cool and inviting place to be. Through prayer, music, drama, and engaging activities, we aim to create an experience that resonates with them.
After Kid Camp or a particularly interesting unit in Sunday School, we encourage children to bring their experiences back to the larger church community. This might mean creating and offering a pageant or leading a song—ways to share what they’ve learned. It reinforces that we believe children to be integral members and leaders in our church body.
Youth Programming: Nurturing Passion, Connection, and Growth
Our vibrant Youth Program is all about creating meaningful spaces for young minds to explore, reflect, and connect with their passions, values, and the wider world. Designed to be flexible and engaging, our program adapts to the ever-changing lives of our youth.
Adaptable Gatherings
Throughout the month, adults from our congregation come together with our youth, timing our sessions to align with church events and the rhythm of the larger community, including school commitments. This ensures that our youth can engage fully and without unnecessary pressure. We might meet for lunch after church to catch up, get together at the arcade to have some fun after exams, or attend each other’s extra curricular events like dance performances or presentations.
Youth-Centered Approach
Our programming is shaped by the unique interests and passions of our youth. Our ultimate goal is to provide them with avenues for moral reflection, opportunities for leading worship (both for their peers and the entire congregation), and meaningful service experiences. Our focus always remains on fostering connections—with peers, the church, the broader community and God. We celebrate the individual passions and interests of our youth, from advocating for indigenous rights to championing gender equity. We believe in nurturing these causes close to their hearts and helping them integrate their beliefs into their journey.
Empowered to Share
We don’t just want our youth to learn; we want them to bring their insights back to our larger church community. We invite them to contribute their perspectives, wisdom, and newfound knowledge, enriching our congregation as a whole.
Celebrating and Sustaining
In addition to our regular programming, we take the time to celebrate milestones with our youth group. These moments become touchstones that mark their growth and progress. But it doesn’t end there; we maintain a connection with them as they step into young adulthood—be it college, professional or trade school, or the working world.
Contact our office to get in touch with our youth coordinator to find out how your youth can connect with our programs.