PROGRAMS

Youth Group is a consistent, welcoming space for all PYC students in grades 6–12 to build community, connect with one another, and enjoy faith-centered fun. Most Sundays evenings include dinner, games and recreation, along with opportunities for faith formation and conversation.

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During the spring of 2025, Providence and Sardis youth will continue to meet at their respective congregations. Beginning in Fall 2026, weekly youth group gatherings will officially combine, with programs alternating locations each week.

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Mustard Seed Groups are our monthly Bible studies and small groups, named for the small but mighty mustard seed. These gatherings invite youth to grow in faith through curiosity, conversation, and community.

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High School Mustard Seed Groups meet monthly at restaurants and gathering spaces around the city. Together, students dig deeper into Scripture and explore current events that shape our lives and faith. These groups center thoughtful discussion, honest questions, and shared reflection. No games or icebreakers—just mature conversation, authentic community, and a lot of heart.

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Middle School Mustard Seed Groups gather monthly on Tuesday nights at Providence Presbyterian Church. These groups focus on building biblical literacy and helping students feel confident engaging with Scripture. We also spend time grounding ourselves in our identity as children of God and exploring what that means for our daily lives, relationships, and choices.

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Our trips, retreats, and camps give youth time away from everyday routines to build community, deepen their faith, and experience God through shared adventure and worship. From overnight retreats to week-long experiences, these opportunities include ski trips, service trips, pilgrimages, prayer-focused retreats, hiking and camping, and summer camps.

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Time away is a vital part of youth ministry. These experiences help young people grow in confidence as they practice independence in a safe, supportive, and caring community—preparing them for college and whatever their next chapter may hold.

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Each spring and summer, we offer a variety of trips for both middle and high school students, including:

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Spring 2026

• Sardis All-Youth Retreat (Montreat, NC)

• Providence Youth Ski Trip (Sugar Mountain, NC)

• PYC Service Weekend (Asheville, NC)

• Junior & Senior Camping Trip (TBD)

Summer 2026

• Middle School Camp Life (Charlotte, NC)

• Massanetta Middle School Conference (Massanetta Springs, VA)

• Middle School Mission Madness (Charlotte, NC)

• Montreat Youth Conference (Montreat, NC)

• Montreat Worship, Arts & Music Conference (Montreat, NC)​

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Our Confirmation program brings youth together for Bible study, thoughtful conversation, and shared experiences that encourage curiosity, deepen faith, and help students reflect on what they believe. Rather than rushing to answers, the program creates space for honest questions, listening to one another, and engaging Scripture in ways that connect to everyday life.

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Throughout the program, youth explore the foundations of the Presbyterian tradition, including theology, worship, sacraments, and the life of the church, as they discern whether to become members of the church within the PC(USA). Mentors and church leaders walk alongside students, offering guidance, support, and real-life perspectives on faith.

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Our next Confirmation offering runs from October 2026 through April 2027. The group will gather twice a month for 90 minutes, meeting immediately before Youth Group, allowing confirmation to grow naturally out of our broader youth community. Registration is now open. To learn more or sign up, please contact PYC Director Genie Richards.

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