YOUTH MINISTRY IN MOUNTAIN LAUREL PRESBYTERY

Far from being merely the "church of tomorrow," youth are the church of today, bringing essential energy, perspective, and passion that invigorates existing congregations and shapes the future of the faith. Recognizing and actively cultivating the role of youth is not just an optional ministry; it is critical to the survival, relevance, and vitality of the entire body of Christ.

The Summer of 2025, Lackawanna and Lehigh Presbyteries teamed up with Rev. Taylor Hall at FPC Allentown to begin a Presbytery-wide youth trip to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. The Presbyterian Youth Triennium (PYT) is a denomination-wide gathering held every three years for high school-aged youth from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Rev. Taylor Hall, and two other adult volunteers (including Office Admin, Hannah Johnson!) brought 17 students to Louisville, KY for a week of worship, Bible study, fellowship, and recreation aimed at strengthening faith and leadership in our churches. Our 17 students came from 4 different churches throughout the Presbyteries and became fast friends. 

In the Summer of 2026, Mountain Laurel Presbytery teamed up with Rev. Taylor Hall again to host a week at Montreat. Montreat Conference Center is a prominent, non-profit retreat center in Western North Carolina affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Located in the town of Montreat, it offers conferences, hiking, and worship, serving as a historic hub for Presbyterian programming, education, and spiritual renewal.  This summer Rev. Taylor Hall, and two other adult volunteers (including Office Admin, Hannah Johnson again!) will be bringing 15 youth to the Montreat Youth Conference for a week of enlightenment, refreshment, and fellowship.

The vibrancy of the current church and the assurance of the future church depend entirely on how well the youth are integrated, heard, and empowered right now. We can provide opportunities for youth in all of our congregations to join together in ministry and fellowship. Please consider encouraging youth and their families to attend future Mountain Laurel summer youth trips.