Youth ministry at the Kirk provides a welcoming and affirming space for teens to grow in community and their faith. Humans were created for connection, so even during a time of COVID, we strive to provide avenues for connection in safe and unique ways. We are a group committed to responding to God’s love through worship, study, service, and play!
We connect as a group, but we also care for your individual needs. If you are struggling in any way and would like to talk with a pastor or other adult church member, contact Pastor Kelsey at .
The Kirk youth group uses Band to communicate, RSVP for events, and share information. If you would like an invitation to the Kirk in the Hills Youth Band group, please contact Pastor Kelsey.
The Oasis is a mindfulness ministry that seeks to limit the onset of mental heath disorders in teens in the community. This ministry is still in the development phase; however, all teens are welcome to use our meditation room before and after all youth events at the Kirk. For more information or to learn how you can be involved, please contact Pastor Kelsey at .
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is a big step in a young person’s faith and commitment to the church. Through a series of classes, retreats, and mentoring your child will learn basic foundations of the Presbyterian church’s beliefs and theology, but it is also much more than that. Confirmation allows young people to experience faith community, dig into hard questions, practice service, and build foundations for an authentic, real relationship with God. It is often a time when a person’s faith builds on the foundations learned throughout childhood and takes on a whole new personal meaning. Each year this group of students and their mentors grow as a community within itself and will continue encouraging and challenging one another long after confirmation ends. Confirmation stimulates what hopefully becomes a lifetime journey of faith.
What can I expect for my student?
Confirmation will include:
Community building is a huge part of confirmation, so regular attendance is encouraged and expected. We understand that life happens, though! If you need to miss a week, you will be asked to schedule a make-up session the following week. Students can miss a maximum of three classes throughout the year.
How will I be involved as a parent?
One of the most important parts of faith formation is the conversations that happen at home. Sometimes it can be difficult to know how to start those conversations, though, or even what to say when the moment arises. Parents of confirmands will be strongly encouraged to attend a “Parents of Confirmation” class that meets at the same time as Confirmation. These meetings will be informative and relational, focused on how to walk alongside your confirmand as they take this journey of faith.
What happens after confirmation?
God continues to move even when Confirmation ends. Our hope is that if your child makes the decision to join the church, they will be excited to be a part of it and will have adults and peers to support them as they do. Students will continue to have the opportunity to grow spiritually through Bible studies and worship, serve their community, and develop meaningful relationships within Christian community. Pastors and mentors will continue to provide guidance and support!
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Kelsey at
Our youth (grades 8–12) serve as acolytes during Sunday worship services, and during some special services.
If you would like more information about the Acolyte Program, please contact Pastor Kelsey.