YOUTH MINISTRY

Grades 6–12

Welcome to Youth Ministry!

At Sunnyvale Pres, Youth are an integral part of our congregation.
Our vision for our youth ministry is:
 

  • Youth will know and experience the unconditional love, grace and acceptance of God through our church community.
  • Youth will learn about and experience the call to be Christ's faithful disciples who love God and love their neighbors.
  • Youth will understand that faith and spiritual growth is a complex journey that involves embracing the tension between beliefs and the inevitable doubts and questions that arise, all while maintaining a commitment to a community of faith. 
  • Youth will be accompanied on their faith journey by all members of SVPC, regardless of age.
  • Youth will feel that God and our church are relevant to their lives and what is happening in the world.
  • Youth will have participated in the life of the church in such a way that they can comfortably transition to being adult Christians and members of the church.

 

All staff and volunteers who work with children and youth must be Safe Church trained. Learn more about Safe Church here.


Sunday Evenings: Youth & Parent Groups

Two Sundays a month

Dinner @ 5 pm, Coleman Room

Breakout Groups @ 5:45–7 pm

Students in grades 6–12 (and parents!) are invited to Youth and Parent Groups, designed to help families grow in faith, build stronger connections, and have fun together. Each evening includes a shared dinner, activities, and time to relax and connect before breaking into small groups. 

 

The 6th–7th graders will have age-appropriate discussions to help them grow and explore their faith. The 8th–12th graders will dive deeper into what it means to follow Jesus, while asking big questions, building community, and preparing for Confirmation. Parents will gather for conversation, encouragement, and spiritual growth. 


Dates for Youth & Parents Groups:

The 2026-27 school year schedule is still being finalized, check back often.

2026 Youth & Parent Groups Dates

All gatherings begin at 5 pm with dinner in Coleman Room, followed by breakout groups (5:45 –7 pm).

September 13 (kickoff)

October 4 & 25

November 1 & 15

December 13

2026 Intergenerational Service Activities

September 19

October 10

November (TBD)

December 20


Everyone is invited!

All-Church Retreat

Friday–Sunday, Sept. 25–27

Mission Springs Camp & Conference Center

At last, the All-Church Retreat! All ages are invited to come for a weekend of fellowship and respite. The main purpose of this year's retreat is to build community, offer opportunities for spiritual reflection, and have some fun together!


Safe Church Training Classes

Sunday, October 4 @ 11:30 am (in-person only; Fireside Room)
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Everyone who volunteers or works with children and/or youth is required to be Safe Church trained. The class is available several times throughout the year; you only need to attend one of the sessions.


Fall Fest

Sunday, October 18 @ 4:30–6:30 pm

Trinity Court

Come for an afternoon of fun, including a live band, lots of games, pumpkin painting for the kids, and s'mores!. Bring a potluck dish to share and enjoy an afternoon of community fun in Trinity Court.  Questions? Email Carol Heath



Mission Trips

CARAVAN High School Summer Missions Trip

Save the date: June 20-26, 2027

Youth Ministry has an annual summer missions trip to serve in the wider community.  In 2026 we engaged in a mission & service-learning pilgrimage throughout the Bay Area (San Francisco and Watsonville) ministering to unhoused, immigrant, and other vulnerable people in their local communities. Our ongoing hope is to continue building connections and partnerships for ongoing ministry in those areas. Stay tuned for more information about the summer 2027 mission service trip.