Youth Newsletter // March 29 - April 5

MS & HS Youth Families, As we continue to live into the reality of all the changes being thrust upon us, the first thing to remember is that God has given us a calling to be of strong faith in the face of uncertainty. God has given us a calling to care. Times of crises and upheaval are the time to remember the command of Jesus “to love one another as I have loved you.” During this time, our weekly newsletter will look a little different. First are some announcements about ways we want to stay connected to our youth this week. We will also keep you up-to-date on various youth events that were scheduled at the church. Lastly, you will see a section for youth AND parents with various resources that we have found helpful as you live during a "stay at home" time with your family.

Stay Connected // Virtually

PYC Live This Sunday MS Youth will gather via Zoom this Sunday @ 6:30pm Click here to join the Zoom HS Youth will gather via Zoom this Sunday @ 7pm. Click here to join the Zoom.

Confirmation Class of 2020 Examination with Session Due to the COVID19 circumstances, we are not meeting in person with our session this Sunday. However, the Confirmation class will be meet via Zoom with various session members on Sunday, April 5th. Be on the lookout for an email to signup for specific time. Please contact Natalie or Robert if you questions.

Each weekday at 11 a.m. we will offer an opportunity for members of our community to gather and be nourished in faith. FPC Live@11 will broadcast through Zoom on our Church's Website and on Facebook Live. You can join the Zoom broadcast here . If you have questions, please contact Natalie or Bryce.

We will also continue to broadcast worship live on Sundays at 11 a.m. (on WAXN Channel 64, through live-stream on our website, and on Facebook Live).

Resources for Youth & Families

Generosity - The Bible Project The Bible Project is one of our favorite online resources. They have put together a weekly reflection that we will be sharing here. We hope you will read, listen, watch and reflect. Click here for the lesson:  Week 1 Generosity .

The class of 2020 and a lost senior spring A friend posted  t his article  about a poignant senior sermon given by Peter Calkins at Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis. I can't imagine the uncertainty and grief that high school and college seniors are feeling as they face the reality of missing all of those "last" moments. Parents of seniors, my heart and prayers are with you. Talk with Teens about COVID19 Formation team found this resource to be very helpful as you talk with your children or teenagers about the Coronavirus. Click here to read.

All kinds of grief A few friends have shared  this article about grief from the Harvard Business Review . I am having a hard time wrapping words around everything I've been feeling. Trying to work as hard as I can during this "stay at home order." Missing family and friends. Attempting to stay present as I worry about all the future holds. There are so many different kinds of grief. This article has given me some words and helpful advice: "When you name it, you feel it and it moves through you. Emotions need motion. It’s important we acknowledge what we go through."

Bryce Lapping Assistant Director of Youth Ministries Natalie Raygor Director of Youth Ministries