LJKC Youth
Who we are
LJKC youth is made up of a dynamic group of young people who gather to learn more about God and themselves through faith formation, fellowship, and fun. Each youth member brings their own unique range of experience in life and their faith journey, as well as their own interests and abilities. The Korean American identity of the youth is naturally central to the group as a whole, being an extension of the church.
The church is supported and guided under the leadership of staff and session, LJKC’s Missional Generation Fund initiative, and of course the faithful families of the church.
A team of youth and families, both elected by their peers, make up a council of representative leaders. Young adult and parent chaperones support Discipleship Group bible studies and events.
Where
The youth have been blessed to be given their own space within the church. Youth gather in the upper room as did the early church (Acts 1:13) for bible studies and worship gatherings. We also have a large gym in the fellowship hall for full court basketball/ pickleball/ and other activities. We have a nice area outside for volleyball, a firepit, and tables for studies together.
What we do
The primary gathering for youth takes place every Sunday morning at 11.
The youth gather for their own worship service, which is concurrent with the other services in the church. After enjoying lunch together after service, the youth regather for smaller Discipleship Groups, which are guided lessons that are enhanced by intentionally centering the study on discipleship, and making disciples.
The mid-week youth gathering takes place on Wednesday, from 7:30-9pm, concurrent with the other ministry services and bible studies.
There are also monthly events which the youth take part in, that are specific for the time of year. From taking a trip to the beach, to apple-picking, and hiking, these are activities which typically get us out from the church and into the rest of creation in some way.
The seasonal events are also important to the yearly tempo of the youth program. There is a week-long mission trip that takes place in the summer, and a youth retreat which takes place near the end of summer. Before Easter, there are confirmation classes. And the youth always look forward to joined worship services with the rest of the church for special occasions such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Youth Praise team
There is a youth-led praise team which leads worship each Sunday.
They also have the opportunity to lead the church in some combined worship services.
Youth in Church
Whether through leading praise or prayers the youth are often encouraged and empowered to participate in other services in the life of the church. This is most notable too in the way that youth give back to volunteering within other church programs such as VBS or our Korean language and culture school. It’s truly a blessing seeing the balance of empowering the youth to have their own worship space while also including them in routine services and programs within the church.
