Youth

Hiland has a long tradition of a strong Youth Ministry. We are passionate about providing a safe place for our young people to grow in their faith and as individuals. We accomplish this through a focus on healthy relationships and sharing the love of Christ with each other and the world. 

 CONFIRMATION CLASS – This class is for any youth in eighth grade or older that has a desire to join Hiland Presbyterian Church. The classes will begin September 26th at 11:00 a.m. in the second floor conference room of the Administration Building. The sign-up deadline is September 12th. This opportunity is not to be taken lightly; however, it will be a fun and enjoyale time for everyone involved. See Chad Johnson to sign-up.

 REGULAR ACTIVITIES

We have regular youth gatherings each week. These activities are for students from 6th – 12th grade. (Special events may vary the regularly scheduled activities.)

The S.H.O.E (Youth Group) September-May -  THE S.H.O.E. (Servant Hearts Open Eyes) meets Sunday evening from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.  These activities are structured gatherings that are usually based on a theme that often inspires games, devotion, discussion, and all around good fellowship.  These activities are designed with an end goal of building our students faith through fellowship and exposure to the scriptures in relation to current everyday issues that teens face.

Open Youth Room (OYR) September-May - OYR meets Wednesday after school from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. in the Youth Room (3rd floor of the Administration Building.)  This gathering is designed solely to provide a safe place for students to socialize, do home work, and unwind from the midweek stresses of being a teenager.  There is no structure or purpose other than the freedom for them to be themselves and to build relationships in a safe setting.

Sunday School - Sunday School meets after Sunday morning worship at 11:00 a.m.  The kids split into age groups (6th-8th grade, 9th-12 grade) to engage in Scripture-based discussion.

ANNUAL EVENTS

There are two annual events that are designed to embody the foundations that our youth program is built on. Our Dinner Theater Production usually in early spring and our Work Camp trip which usually occurs in late June.

Dinner Theater - Our Youth put on an annual Dinner Theater performance to raise money for our Work Camp.  These productions have always proven to be successful on many levels.  We always have nice a turnout from the community who receive a good meal and a fun show. Our students grow much closer and gain confidence in themselves and each other by working together to serve and entertain the community. The support for the Youth Ministry at Hiland grows during this time as the Hiland family pulls together to share their love and experiences with the youth as the production is pulled together.

Work Camp - Our senior high students (anyone who has completed 8th grade -12th grade) have the opportunity to participate in our Work Camp.  We try to do something different each year whether it be location, or type of service.  The point is to spend a week together in service to the Kingdom.  This event is a “pinnacle event” in many of our student’s faith journeys and lives.  The students and leaders experience much growth through working side by side to serve others, worshiping together, and many other built-in growth experiences.  One aspect of work camp that is often overlooked because all of the “growth”  is that it is just plain fun to go on these trips and work along side each other.

 LIVING THE FAITH

We have several activities that we participate in that are excellent in helping our students develop a sense of personal enrichment – regular participation in local mission agencies, retreats focused on spiritual growth, and leadership conferences. We always try to look for new opportunities for our students to encounter new faith experiences.

Pleasant Valley Shelter - We travel to the North Side of Pittsburgh once every other month to serve dinner to gentlemen staying at the Pleasant Valley Shelter.  This provides an opportunity for our youth to work together while encountering the truth of other people’s difficult circumstances.  Many of our students have had real attitude-changing experiences through this wonderful opportunity to serve.

 Retreats - We have participated in many retreats over the years varying the venues and experiences. Retreats like Laurelville and Jumonville that are sponsored by the Pittsburgh Kids Foundation. Other facilities are Crestfield Camp and Conference Center, Teen quest, and more.  All of these retreats are focused on providing an experience for young people to grow in their faith.

 Conferences - We encourage the students to participate in the Trinity Youth Conference (TYC) which is a week-long leadership conference for youth and young adults. This conference is focused on leadership and spiritual growth.  It has proven to be a life changing experience for many who participate.

Relationship Building - Along with all of our faith building experiences we are deliberate in modeling behavior that encourages our young people to support each other in their school and extracurricular activities. Many of our volunteer leaders are regulars at school plays, musicals, concerts, sporting events, etc. We also encourage students to support each other by going to these events and cheering each other on. This helps to build relationships and break down barriers that might otherwise remain due to cliques and stereotypes. We really try to love each other!