Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young:

see that they look up to you because you are an example of believers

in your speech and behavior, in your love and faith and sincerity.

I Timothy 4 : 12

Our youth are not the Church of tomorrow, they are the Church of today! Both Junior High and Senior High Youth have active roles in worship and participatory Sunday School programs, service projects, district events, and special clubs that meet outside of worship.

Sunday morning youth classes are taught by teams using Biblical principles and covering topics of interest to teens. Many topic ideas generated by the students themselves.

• Junior High - grades 6 to 8, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.
• Senior High - grades 9 to 12, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.

Special studies and events (see more information below):

• Brethren Heritage
• Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse
• National Youth Conference

Brethren Heritage

• for seventh graders
• 10 to 12 week study led by the pastors
•  In this class, prospective members are formally introduced to the Church of the Brethren as a denomination and to the Elizabethtown Church as a congregation. During this time period, youth build relationships with the pastors and with an adult mentor who can offer advice and caring guidance through a time of change. These mentor relationships continue through high school and beyond. Youth are invited to participate in an immersion baptism and join the congregation in membership. 

Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse

• for all junior and senior high youth
• 10-13 week course taught once every three to four years  
• taught by teachers specially trained through the services of the Samaritan Counseling Center
• Because we value the safety of our youth, we consider it a privilege and wonderful opportunity to talk about these difficult issues in the context of being made in the image of God and to encourage and support families. This educational program teaches our young people about God's constant care, helps them recognize and deal with potentially dangerous situations, and identfies resources in our community and within our church to help young people who have been hurt.

National Youth Conference

• for youth in grades 9-12
• once every four years
• Youth and their families raise funds throughout the year to provide each young person the opportunity to travel to and participate in the National Youth Conference of the Church of the Brethren. Youth participate in worship, recreation, musical events, service projects, workshops and small groups with whom to process, learn and grow during the week. The 2010 Conference is July 17-22 at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, CO. The theme, "More Than Meets the Eye", reminds us that God does great things through each person (2 Corinthians 4: 6-10, 16-18). Some of the many workshops youth can choose to attend are Bible Basics, Brethren Volunteer Service, Confronting Systemic Violence, Christ and Creation, Imaging Peace, Depression is Serious, and Spiritual Disciplines.