Guest post by Clara Hare-Grogg, 2019-2020 Young Adult Volunteer The Philippines, where I served as a Young Adult Volunteer until being evacuated due to the global pandemic, is acutely vulnerable to disasters like volcanic eruptions, typhoons, and floods. Even everyday weather is notoriously unpredictable. The ability to deal with the unexpected has therefore embedded itself… Read more »
May 11, 2020
Beauty in the Unknown
Guest post by Clara Hare-Grogg, 2019-2020 Young Adult Volunteer The Philippines, where I served as a Young Adult Volunteer until being evacuated due to the global pandemic, is acutely vulnerable to disasters like volcanic eruptions, typhoons, and floods. Even everyday weather is notoriously unpredictable. The ability to deal with the unexpected has therefore embedded itself… Read more »
Valued in this moment When Rev. Dr. David Gambrell was asked to speak at the Presbyterian Youth Triennium (PYT) last year, he knew it would be both challenging and extremely personal. “Not many preachers have the opportunity to address several thousand teenagers,” he says. “So I did this with a healthy dose of humility, fear… 
Guest post by Karl Graham, Westwood First Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati, OH “Start children off on the way they should go and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 This is one of the scriptures that underpins our relationship with one of Westwood First Presbyterian Church’s longest-standing mission partners:… 
During this time of uncertainty and social distancing, engaging the children of your congregation with the four churchwide Special Offerings has never been more important. There are numerous ways children can connect with the Pentecost Offering, especially considering this Offering celebrates how God’s Spirit works in the lives of young people. We have a number… 
Making connections The second grader that Susan Byrne tutors at Willow Brook Elementary holds her hand the whole time they are together, working on building his reading skills. Can you just imagine how wonderful that connection must feel for both of them? “My little guy is just so delighted to have an adult paying extra… 
#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020, believing that generosity has the power to unite and heal communities in good times and bad. We are encouraging congregations to consider a #GivingTuesdayNow campaign for the Pentecost Offering, so that we can continue to support our young… 
Welcomed into God’s household Take a minute to look back on your life. Who all have you lived with? In the earliest parts of our lives, we might live with parents or grandparents or other caring adults. Perhaps siblings. Over the years, we might live with friends and extended family, family of choice or even… 
“Triennium for me personally is an opportunity to grow and get to know more about God’s will.” Eduardo and Kenia stood in front of the congregation of the Presbyterian Church of Lake Travis in Bee Cave, Texas, expressing why they wish to attend Presbyterian Youth Triennium this summer. This congregation has decided to support these… 
Where did you first learn about God? Who pointed out the glimpses of God in everyday life? For many, it happened during the early years of life. It was in Sunday School classes where stories were shared of Jesus’ miracles and God’s love. It was at summer camp and youth conferences where God’s truth was… 
From five to four In the fall of 2016, the school board in Sterling, Colorado, was forced to make some drastic changes to meet its budget. The most significant change was reducing the school week from five days to four. When the decision was made, the unintended result left many children and youth without adequate…