Colts Neck Reformed Church is committed to the wholehearted formation of every person who is present in our community, not the least of which are our youth! We offer a wide range of youth programming. This includes Sunday School for those in pre-school through seventh grade, confirmation classes, and youth groups. These programs are meant to provide community, education, fun & play, and service opportunities. The regular programming runs from mid-September to mid-May. Summer activities happen throughout the months of June through August. Please reach out to Rev. Gene Ryan, Family Life Pastor, for more information, including schedules and events!
Youth Christian Education
Sunday School
Our Sunday School meets every Sunday during the 9:30 a.m. worship service. Children as young as 3 years old and as old as 7th grade come to worship with their families and participate in our Gospel for Children, after which they are dismissed for church school from 9:50 to 10:30 a.m. Classes are divided by grades and have two teachers for each class, who rotate leadership week to week; younger children also have teenaged assistants in their classes. The class breakdown is as follows:
- Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten
- 1st & Second Grade
- 3rd & 4th Grade
- 5th, 6th, & 7th Grade
Sunday School at CNRC uses the Follow Jesus curriculum which is a product of our cousin denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA). Sunday school children also participate in Youth Sunday at the end of their program year (mid-May).
Visitors to the church are welcome to have children stay in worship with them or to bring them to a Sunday school class. For more information, please email Pastor Gene Ryan or call him at 732-462-4555, x1000.
Confirmation
This school-year-long class, open to all eighth graders (or older) in the congregation, is focused on preparing participants for full membership in the church. Confirmation students are encouraged to engage the traditions and teachings with which they have grown up, as they reflect on their faith and what it means to be a Christian and a church member. Along with regular class meetings with Pastor Gene Ryan, students are paired with mentors to complete the confirmation process. The class also includes an aspect of service to the church or community. To enroll your child in the class, please call or email the church office (732-462-4555) and speak to Gene Ryan.
Children at the Lord’s Table
This program is designed for children whose parents/guardians feel are ready to receive communion. Typically, this has included children in the third grade who wish to participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper within the life of the congregation. A class is offered for the child and his/her parent or guardian to talk about the sacrament, its history, and its meaning for the family and the church. An additional class for the children is held in the sanctuary where the children are introduced to the symbols and practices of the communion. On the first Sunday in May, the children receive communion during our worship service with their families and the rest of the congregation. Questions about this program can be emailed to Pastor Gene Ryan, or call him at 732-462-4555, x1000.
Music & Arts
Making music to the glory of God is an integral part of the life of the Colts Neck Reformed Church. We have over 100 people of all ages participating in many varied ways in both music and worship arts.
Youth Group
Sunday Afternoon Youth Group (6th-12th Grade)
- Sundays from 12:00-1:30 (includes lunch)
- Meets in the Youth Space! Ministry Center Basement
- A time to play, pray, and pause the stresses and anxieties of life for a little while
Younger Youth (1st-5th Grade)
- Meets twice a month on Sunday’s and Monday’s both at CNRC and places in the community
- Events include Game Nights, Child-friendly Service Projects, and Art & Crafts
High School Group (9th-12th Grade)
- -Meets twice a month on Sunday Evenings at Pastor Gene’s House
- -A time for more intentional conversation, prayer, and fellowship
- -Activities include Bible Studies, Contemplative Prayer, Documentary Viewings, and Discussion
Our youth enjoy fellowship and mission programming throughout the year. Here are examples of some of our favorite annual events.
Youth Sunday – In the spring the youth group prepares a worship service that highlights the gifts and voices of the youth! Senior youth give a senior sermon, and other youth participate in liturgy and worship leadership.
Youth Mission Trip – Over the summer youth are invited to travel to a place outside of the CNRC community to engage in a mission trip. The work that is done depends on the site visited, but has in the past included community meal service, property clean-ups, and packing relief kits.
Camp Fowler – During the summer months, when we take a break from regular youth group and events, we offer opportunities to go to summer camp! We partner with Camp Fowler in the Adirondack State Park of Upstate New York. There is a tuition cost to these weeks, but the church provides financial scholarship and assistance as needed. Registration for Camp Fowler begins in December, and is done directly through the Camp Fowler Website.