Youth Ministry at Abiding Presence

Youth Ministry at Abiding Presence encompasses students in 7-12th Grade and focuses on building relationships, engaging in service, and talking about what God is up to in our lives.

Confirmation (7-8th grade)

7th and 8th grade ministry is focused on the Confirmation process. More information about Confirmation is available here.

Abiding Fellows (10-12th grade)

Our Senior High Youth Ministry is focused on developing relationships, offering experiences and learning about what it means to follow Jesus in order to help students develop sustaining faith. We wrestle with hard questions, welcome doubts and create an environment where when we say, “All are welcome” we really do mean all.

All of our 10th-12th graders are invited to engage in meaningful ministry in a variety of areas on Sunday mornings. Our Fellows teach Sunday school, learn to run our livestream, and contribute to worship music along with gathering regularly for brunch and faith formation. This program invests leadership development, vocational discernment and faith formation in our Senior High students as they invest their time and skills in the life of the church. For more information and current Abiding Fellows bios click here and check out our 2025 Summer Yearbook. If you have questions reach out to Pastor Kelsey at pastorkresse@abidingpresence.net.

9th Grade

Our 9th graders spend the first several weeks of the fall preparing for their Confirmation service in October. Beginning in November, they go on the road! Because we have a classroom space shortage at church, our 9th graders go across the street to McDonald’s on Sundays during the education hour for breakfast and fellowship with two adult leaders.

In the spring, they begin the Abiding Fellows Apprentice Program to start their journeys to becoming Abiding Fellows the summer before their 10th grade year. All 9th graders are welcome to jump in at any time and join us. Email Pastor Kelsey at pastorkresse@abidingpresnece.net to get connected!

youth events registration
Most Faithful Next Steps for 7th grade
Most faithful next steps for 8th grade
Most faithful next steps 9th grade
most faithful next steps 10th, 11th, 12th grade

Youth Wednesdays

Youth Wednesdays are our weekly gathering of 7th-12th graders for music and devotions, pizza, and a service project. Check the events feed below for more details on the next Youth Wednesday.

Youth Music Ensemble Registration (Fall 2026)

Fun

Throughout the school year, we also gather for fun activities like a trip to Cox Farms for Fields of Fear, bowling, ice skating, trips to museums in DC, and more! Check the events feed below for upcoming outings and events

For more information contact Pastor Kelsey Kresse, Associate Pastor for Youth and College Age Ministry




Upcoming Events

Featured
Back to School Blessing for Students and Teachers
Aug 23
Back to School Blessing for Students and Teachers

It’s Back to School and this calls for a celebration! Let’s prepare for the excitement of a new school year. This special Sunday will include blessings for:

  • Kindergartners starting school

  • Teachers, IAs, adminstrators, professors, counselors and all who work in preschools through universities

  • Students at all stages of their education

Blessings will take place at both the 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. services. You are welcome to bring your backpack to be blessed, if you would like. We will have backpack tags, stickers and other goodies to remind you of who and whose you are as you go back to school.

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High School Training for Sunday School Teachers
Aug 30
High School Training for Sunday School Teachers

Sunday, August 30 from 9:00-12:30 p.m. at Abiding Presence

At Abiding Presence, our 10th-12th graders play an important role in our children’s ministry by serving as elementary Sunday School teachers. Our training event is open to youth (with a chaperone) from partner churches who are interested in preparing youth to be involved in their children’s ministry.

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Kids Food Pantry
Sep 10
Kids Food Pantry

Thursday, September 10
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Students of all ages are invited to join Ms. Michaela and participate in a service project for the Abiding Presence Food Pantry. On the Thursday before every Abiding Presence Food Pantry, you can come learn about how the food pantry operates, help pray over the produce and the people who are coming, and learn about service as a spiritual discipline.

*You can sign up through our Sign-Up Genius here.A parent or guardian must accompany all students.If you have questions or need accommodations, please reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Silvis.

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9th Grade “Boot Camp” Kick Off
Sep 13
9th Grade “Boot Camp” Kick Off

Sundays from September 13 - October 19 from 10:05-10:45 a.m.

Ninth graders will start the year off on Sunday mornings with Pastor Kelsey getting ready for their confirmation service on Sunday, October 25. They will share breakfast, build relationships and talk about what it means to be confirmed. All current 9th graders are encouraged to attend, regardless of if they have previously participated in confirmation activities. Register for 9th grade Confirmation here. For more information, contact Pastor Kelsey, Associate Pastor for Youth and College-Age Ministry.

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Confirmation Small Group Launch (7th & 8th Grade)
Sep 13
Confirmation Small Group Launch (7th & 8th Grade)

Sunday, September 13 from 10:05-10:45 a.m.
Continuing Every Sunday

During the Sunday morning education time, confirmation students are in small groups learning about faith and life. All current 7th and 8th graders are encouraged to participate, regardless of if they have done confirmation previously. Register your student for Confirmation here. For more information, contact Pastor Kelsey, Associate Pastor for Youth and College Age Ministry.

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7th and 8th Grade Confirmation Kick-Off Picnic
Sep 13
7th and 8th Grade Confirmation Kick-Off Picnic

7th and 8th Grade Confirmation Kick-Off Picnic

September 13 5:00-7:00 p.m.

We are SO EXCITED to gather for our annual Confirmation Family Picnic and kick Off! We need your help! Please sign up for a helping slot and also sign up for what you are bringing to share! The church will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, and buns. Thank you and we'll see you on the 13th!

Sign up is here!

questions? email Pastor Kelsey at pastorkresse@abidingpresence.net

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Youth Wednesday
Sep 16
Youth Wednesday

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.

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2026 7th, 8th + 9th Grade Confirmation Retrea
Sep 20
2026 7th, 8th + 9th Grade Confirmation Retrea

September 20-21 2026

Mar Lu Ridge, Jefferson, MD

Join us at Mar-Lu-Ridge for our Confirmation Retreat. We’ll get started on Sunday morning at Mar-Lu-Ridge at 11:00a.m. for worship. Confirmand families are encouraged to worship with us and then join us for lunch in the dining hall. All family members MUST register for lunch here. After lunch, families will depart and Confirmands will continue overnight into Monday(FCPS is off for Rosh Hashanah). The retreat will finish up at 3:00 p.m. on Monday. We will gather for relationship building, scripture study, outdoor adventures, great meals and lots of fun! A packing list will go out to registered participants as we get closer to the retreat! If the cost is a barrier, reach out to Pastor Kelsey‍ . Scholarships are available.

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Confirmation Retreat Family Lunch
Sep 20
Confirmation Retreat Family Lunch

Confirmation Retreat Family Lunch

September 20th following 11:00 a.m. worship service

Join the Confirmands and their families for lunch following worship on Sunday September 20th at Mar-Lu-Ridge. No need to register the confirmation student but please register each family member staying for lunch separately.

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Youth Wednesday
Sep 23
Youth Wednesday

6th-12th graders are invited to join us for Youth Wednesdays at Abiding Presence.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Youth Music with Dr. Dave (6th-12th Grade)
No prior musical experience is required. You can sign-up and find more information here. If you have any questions, reach out to our Music Minister, Dr. Dave.

6:30-8:00 p.m. Youth Group with Pastor Kelsey (6th-12th Grade)
Youth can join Pastor Kelsey for devotions at 6:30 p.m. After have pizza for dinner and then split games or projects. We are asking for a suggested donation of $5/student to help cover the cost of the pizza. You can donate for the whole semester or one week at a time here.

Read more →