This is a bi-monthy feature that will cover the varying high school youth groups of the students within FC. Contributing to this year’s theme, “We Are One,” this series will attempt to inform, highlight and encourage each group’s diverse system of ministry as well as provide information for those seeking ties to a congregation.
First Presbyterian Church
-Youth group name: Water’s Edge
-Address: 1540 M Street Fresno, 93730
-Meets: Wednesday nights, 7 p.m.
-Number of students: 40 registered
-High school students From FC: Aaron DeWolf, ’15, Annalise Rosik, ’14 and Miriam DeWolf, ’13
-Youth pastor: Craig Blodgett
-Annual events: Santa Cruz retreat, missions trips, winter and summer camp at Hume Lake, coastal bike trip
-Mission statement: “To be a faithful witness to the love of Jesus Christ in our community and throughout the world … We are a body of followers of Jesus Christ who are Reformed in our theology, Presbyterian in our polity (governance) and Passionate in our relationship with God.”
Background and itinerary
Founded in 1884, First Presbyterian is an intergenerational church of history and tradition. Its 823 congregational members are undergoing a period of transition due to their move into the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) denomination, the loss of their senior pastor and the relocation of their former youth pastor.
Currently lead by interim pastor Joel Eidsness, this church has proved able to endure trials which Blodgett believes is molding the youth into effective witnesses for Christ.
“I love that the students desire to make their faith their own,” Blodgett said. “They truly want to understand the Scriptures and apply it to their lives. My prayer is that these students follow Christ with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength, that they seek him in all they do, and by the end of their high school career they know that they are beloved child of God.”
The junior and senior high dedicate the first 15-20 minutes to student-led worship, which consists of a mix of hymns and modern Christian songs. Usually teaching follows, however it can differ according to current events in the life of the church or youth group.
Instead of meeting at the church for youth group services, the group will migrate to a student’s home in order to create a more relaxed environment. The goal is that this will help create real conversations and devote more time to discussions less likely to take place on the church campus.
A word from the students
As a freshmen transitioning into high school, Aaron Dewolf is grateful for the opportunity to connect with a new group of people through church events.
“I like the activities we do and getting involved in church,” DeWolf said. “Its great getting to know everybody. People here are really personable; they know people and they want to get to know you. It makes it a good atmosphere. All the fun is very centered around God, and spiritually it’s really strong and that makes everything so well focused.”
Madisen Kopfman, a junior at Clovis East High School, joined the First Presbyterian youth group in the seventh grade, and easily found her place after developing lifelong friendships.
“My youth group now is definitely like a big family for me,” Kopfman said. “My sister encouraged me to become plugged-in at the church, and when I came back people remembered my name and asked how I was doing. After attending the youth group for just a few Sundays, I already felt like a part of the group. This youth group is a great example of the body of Christ.”
For Bullard High School junior, Molly Fink, First Presbyterian is like a second home, as she represents the third generation of her family to attend the church.
“Our youth group advisors are of all ages,” Fink said. “What makes that so special is you have a support group that has gone through many experiences. We as a group truly care for one another, and I think that is a gift God has given us. I want people to experience the love I get from others at First Pres.”
For more features, read the Aug. 29 article, Meet your 2011-12 ASB officers.
