Youth

New Providence desires to create space for young people to explore their faith, follow their curiosity, grow in relationship to God and others, and work toward justice and peace in the world. We want to be safe, inclusive, and welcoming for all. From middle school through young adulthood, the focus is on healthy relationships, physical, mental and spiritual wholeness, serving others, and caring for God’s good creation. The best questions lead to important conversations about what we believe and how we live that out.

Weekly Community

During the week, there are several opportunities for youth to gather in community together.

Faith Talks (6th-12th grade) 
Faith Talks meets each Sunday during the school year between the worship services, creating opportunities for relationships and learning about the Christian faith.
Mid-Week Meet Up – Middle School (6th-8th grade) 
Every Wednesday from 4:30-6:00pm, middle school youth meet at Vienna Coffee House for check-ins and conversations exploring various aspects of faith.
Mid-Week Meet Up – High School (9th-12th grade) 
On Wednesdays from 6-8pm, Beard Brothers Coffee provides a space for 9th-12th graders to meet and talk, leading to conversations with others about faith and life.

Special Events

Over the year, the youth group takes part in special events outside of weekly gatherings. Those include summer days of fun and service, kick-off and year-end celebrations, holiday parties and retreats, and much more. Once a year, NPPC youth lead worship on a Sunday morning, celebrating new members of the confirmation class and graduating seniors.

Presbyterian Connections

Every year, NPPC joins youth groups for weekend retreats organized by the Presbytery of East Tennessee. This includes the fall Middle School Retreat at John Knox Center (our Presbytery camp on Watts Bar Lake), and the winter high school Youth Summit at Holston Presbytery Camp in Banner Elk, NC.

During the summer, NPPC youth attend conferences with Presbyterians from around the country at the Montreat Youth Conference and the Massanetta Middle School Conference.

Service Opportunities

We are called to love God and neighbor, and NPPC youth have many opportunities to put that into practice. Whether serving at the Welcome Table, collecting funds or food for the Community Food Connection, or meeting other needs as they arise, service is a key focus of our ministry.

Several times a year, we offer 2- or 3-day service-learning trips to introduce our young people to different communities and opportunities with organizations meeting the needs of those in need.