youth special events

Hidden Figures Middle School Lock-In

September 30 - October 1

Our fall middle school retreat will be a lock-in at the church centered around our faith formation theme of “Hidden Figures.” Since youth will focus on Old Testament figures in the fall, the lock-in will do a deep dive into the minor prophets of the Old Testament! In addition to faith formation, though, there will be community building, games, food, competition, and movie night! If your middle schooler is interested, you can get them registered at this link!

Community Hymn Sing

October 1

Join your voice in song on October 1st as we celebrate music in an intergenerational gathering of faith communities from around Oak Ridge as we sing our favorite hymns. There is joy and community found through music, and ORPC is excited to make a joyful noise! More details coming soon.

October of Outreach Small Groups

ORPC will engage in a limited-time four week small group ministry over the first four Sundays of October! For four Sundays in October (10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22), small groups will gather around the church campus for an hour after worship (11:15am-12:15pm). Each small group has an awesome topical theme based around service and ways to engage in scripture, so you can find a way to connect no matter your interests! There will be groups specifically for children, but we have three specific groups that are for both youth and adults (and are being co-led by youth and adults), plus one for the Confirmation cohort. Sign up here for the small group you want to join!

Outdoor Outreach – Earth care service small group
Faith & Food Security – Hunger service small group
Holy Education! – Educational service small group
Service & Sacraments – Confirmation small group

Trunk or Treat

October 22

Every year, youth serve as the hosts for ORPC’s annual Trunk or Treat for the surrounding community! Youth should wear their Halloween costume and come help facilitate games, activities, crafts, snacks, and more for the children of Oak Ridge. Youth also get a chance to go trick or treating themselves to the various car trunks. ORPC also needs adults to sign up (closer to October) to bring a decorated trunk and hand out candy!

Day of Service

October 29

At ORPC’s annual Day of Service, the entire congregation is invited to sign up (coming soon) to serve at one of our partner organizations. After an intergenerational meal (and the annual congregation photo), groups go out into the community to engage in service. One site, this year, will be specifically for Confirmands & their mentors. T-shirts will be sold with all proceeds going to support local nonprofits. More information coming soon!

SoulShop Workshop

November 5

This year, ORPC is tackling mental health and wellness for all ages in the congregation. A few times a year, we are hosting mental health workshops for youth AND their parents that will include dinner, presentations, interactive activities, and a chance to ask questions. You will NOT be lectured at the whole time. If only your youth can come or only a parent can come, that’s okay too. Feel very empowered to invite friends from your other communities, too. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to Chris — he’d be happy to help.

Keep Awake High School Retreat @Massanetta

November 17 - 19

Our fall high school retreat will be back at Massanetta (where our summer middle school conference is held). This year, the conference focuses on how youth can engage in and support Congregational Vitality. There will be worship, workshops, games, and time for rest and sabbath. This is an awesome connectional opportunity that pushes high schoolers to apply their faith in the real world. This conference is also a pay-what-you-can model, so there is no expectation of cost on families! If your high schooler is interested, you can get them registered at this link!