The Youth Ministry of First Congregational Church of Western Springs exists to include, inspire and empower 6th – 12th grade students to grow in faith, serve others, and build a welcoming and supportive community through God’s love.
Fellowship for Youth
First Congregational Church of Western Springs has several programs geared toward tweens and teens. If you have questions regarding any youth programs contact Jen Enriquez, Director of Children’s Ministries, at 708.246.1900 or jen@wscongo.org.
For a brochure on future freshmen opportunities, click below:
Jrneys Youth Group
Sundays at 6PM in the Youth Room
JRneys (pronounced “Journeys”) is our youth group for junior high students (6th-8th grade). Aiming to strike a balance between fun and faith, the meetings alternate between playing games and exploring how faith relates to the many issues facing teens today. JRneys is open to all who wish to attend and honor the code of conduct.
JRneys is led by our Director of Children’s Ministries, Jen Enriquez. Meetings are held on Sundays at 6PM. Non-members are welcome, so please bring a friend along.
For more information, contact Jen at jen@wscongo.org.
Plymouth Fellowship (PF)
Sundays at 7PM in the Youth Room
Plymouth Fellowship (PF) is our youth group for high school students. Aiming to strike a balance between fun and faith, the Sunday night 7PM meetings alternate between game playing and exploring our faith and how that relates to the many issues facing teens today. Our youth groups are open to all who wish to attend and honor the code of conduct.
Questions? Please call 708.246.1900.
See our church calendar for a list of events.
DOWNLOADABLE FORMS:
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is an important and ancient rite of passage in the Christian life of faith. It is a time when our young teens begin to “own” their faith and make their commitment to Christ and the Church. Throughout the year, confirmands will study basic Christian themes, history, and practices. The word confirm means to “make firmer and stronger,” and that is what we hope will happen in our confirmands’ faith through this process, undertaken with their peers and supported by parents.
The class takes place on Sundays in the Youth Room. There will be discussions, activities, service projects, field trips, and reflection to guide their formation as Christians. If you have questions, or want to get involved, please contact Jen Enriquez at jen@wscongo.org.
Girls Congo Hoops
The Girls Congo Hoops Church League Basketball season begins mid-March after the completion of Boys Congo Hoops. Practice dates, times, and location are pending. Check your weekly email or Gatherings newsletter for updates. Students in 9th – 12th grade are welcome to participate, but league rules stipulate that participation on a church’s team requires one of two criteria: membership in the church OR active participation in the youth group. There is a fee for participation as well, determined by participation and league costs, which vary each year. A permission form must be completed by each player.
Click here to access the permission slip.
If you have any questions please contact hello@wscongo.org or (708)246-1900.
Boys Congo Hoops
The boys Congo Hoops Church League Basketball season begins in October with practices on Monday nights at 8pm at McClure Junior High School. Students in 9th – 12th grade are welcome to participate, but league rules stipulate that participation on a church’s team requires one of two criteria: membership in the church OR active participation in the youth group. Games begin in December and the season wraps-up in mid-March. There is a fee for participation as well, determined by participation and league costs, which vary each year. A permission form must be completed by each player.
MUSIC
Music is an essential part of our worship at First Congo under the brilliant guidance of Music Director Ray Klemchuk. We integrate music, featuring both adults and children, throughout worship, including hymn singing, organ music, choral and solo anthems, steel drums, bells, and a contemporary praise ensemble (The All In band). We are blessed to have musical accompaniment from a variety of instruments, including organ, piano, guitar, bass, drums, brass, strings, and more. Frequently, we collaborate with the tremendously talented students and leaders at the Western Springs School of Talent Education.
If you’re interested in learning more about our music ministries, click the button below:
