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 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
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.

Read more →
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.

Read more →
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 Yom Kippur)). 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 →
Kids Food Pantry
Sep 24
Kids Food Pantry

Thursday, September 24
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
Sep 30
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 →
Youth Wednesday
Oct 7
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 →
Youth Trip to Fields of Fear at Cox Farms
Oct 11
Youth Trip to Fields of Fear at Cox Farms

Fields of Fear at Cox Farms

7th-12th grade

October 11, 2026

Meet at church at 6:30p.m. for carpool

Join us for our annual trip to Cox Farms for the spooky and scary “Fields of Fear.” Please RSVP to let us you’re you’re coming by buying this free “item.” All participants, adult chaperones included, will need to purchase their own tickets at fieldsoffear.coxfarmsva.com.

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Youth Wednesday
Oct 14
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 →
Youth Wednesday
Oct 21
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 →
Youth Wednesday Halloween Party
Oct 28
Youth Wednesday Halloween Party

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 →
Amazing Race DAY November 1
Nov 2
Amazing Race DAY November 1

Amazing Race DAY 7th-12th grade

November 10, 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
We're bringing the Amazing Race Camp we all know and love to the school year! On select days that FCPS has off of school, Pastor Kelsey and our youth will head into DC for adventures in service, learning, teamwork and exploring! Just like over the summer, students will meet Pastor Kelsey at the Franconia Springfield Metro at 9:00a.m. and return as close to 4:00p.m. as possible. Students will need to carry their own metro card and their packed lunch. Everyone will be on a team that figures out clues, navigates to destinations, and looks at a bible story together. Parent chaperones will be needed to make this a success. Registration is below.

If the cost is a barrier, please feel free to use one of our discount codes:

For a full scholarship use ABIDING100

for a 50% scholarship use ABIDING50

Read more →
Youth Wednesday
Nov 4
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 →