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. If you have questions reach out to Pastor Kelsey at pastorkresse@abidingpresence.net.

Abiding Fellows Information

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 6th-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
NO Youth Wednesday this week (Veteran's Day)
Nov 11
NO Youth Wednesday this week (Veteran's Day)

There is NO Youth Wednesday this week because it is Veteran’s Day!

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Kids Food Pantry
Nov 12
Kids Food Pantry

Thursday, November 12
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.

Read more →
Youth Wednesday Friendsgiving!
Nov 18
Youth Wednesday Friendsgiving!

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)
Wednesday November 18th is going to be a very special edition of Youth Wednesdays!!

To celebrate out students' love for Cranberry Sauce and everything Thanksgiving, we're doing Friendsgiving! Please sign up here to send something with your student for our special dinner. We will not be ordering pizza that night. If you have any questions or your student has dietary restrictions, please email Pastor Kelsey at pastorkresse@abidingpresence.net

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2026 Middle and High School Synod Youth Event
Nov 20
2026 Middle and High School Synod Youth Event

Middle and High School Synod Youth Event

6th-12th grade

November 20-22

Skycroft Retreat Center, Middletown MD

Registration due October 15

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NO Youth Wednesday this week (Thanksgiving Eve)
Nov 25
NO Youth Wednesday this week (Thanksgiving Eve)

There is NO Youth Wednesday November 25th because we have our joint Thanksgiving Eve Service with Temple B’nai Shalom.

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Advent Wreath Workshop
Nov 29
Advent Wreath Workshop

Sunday, November 29
from 10:05-10:45 a.m.

Advent is a time of watching, waiting and preparing for Christ to come. The Advent wreath is one of the tools we use to mark time in our waiting. Join us during the education hour for an intergenerational Advent wreath making workshop. Wreath forms, decorations and candles, will be provided. Show up with your household to make an Advent wreath to take home and use.

Questions? Reach out to our Children & Family Minister, Michaela Silvis. If you still have your wreath from last year, please bring the wreath form with you.

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Youth Wednesday
Dec 2
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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Youth Wednesday
Dec 9
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 →
Kids Food Pantry
Dec 10
Kids Food Pantry

Thursday, December 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.

Read more →
Youth Wednesday
Dec 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.

Read more →
Snow Tubing Trip
Jan 29
Snow Tubing Trip

Friday, January 29
11:00a.m -1:00p.m.
Snow Riders Harpers Ferry

Carpooling will leave from Abiding Presence @ 9:15 a.m.

Our ride at Snowriders begins at 11:00a.m.

Schools out for FCPS and we are taking advantage for a fun day of snow tubing with Abiding Presence! We hope you’ll join us for a fun time in the snow for all ages.

6th-12th grade students can attend with Pastor Kelsey. All kids 5th grade and under must be accompanied by an adult. Additionally, all guests must meet the height requirement of 36” tall. If between 36″-42″, you MUST go tandem with a guardian each in your own tube. Guests over 42″ tall can tube in their own lane. Adults planning to ride will also need to purchase a ticket below

We are looking for drivers/chaperones for students in grades 6-12. If you’re available to drive and chaperone that day, please indicate that on the form below!

The cost for snow tubing is $37/person which includes your ride ticket, fire pits, s’mores, hotdogs and a full day of fun! Register by adding the item below to your cart for each participant, fill out the form, and check out. Registration will close January 15.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Pastor Kelsey Kresse or Ms. Michaela Silvis.

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