Youth ProgramsFCCB is home to an active and exciting youth ministry program. Activities are available for youths in grades 6-12. In an atmosphere of trust, acceptance, and fun, FCCB’s youth ministry provides opportunities for friendship, service, self-expression, and growth in a progressive Christian community. In addition to regular programs, there are special retreats and service opportunities during the year that help to develop a strong community and healthy friendships. All youth programs are facilitated by a team of caring, dedicated adult youth leaders, led by Adam Blons, Minister of Community Life. Children’s Protection PolicyIn order to create safe environments for children and youth at FCCB, the Church Council has passed a comprehensive Children’s Protection Policy which you can download. If you have questions about the policy please contact Minister of Community Life Adam Blons. ConfirmationThe FCCB Confirmation process, open to high school age youth, includes significant theological discussions, attending other churches, and meeting with mentors. Each youth gets to make the final decision, after going through this process, of whether to pursue confirmation, which occurs during a Sunday morning service which the youth also help lead. Please call Rev. Adam Blons if you have any questions about this program 510/848-3696 ext. 27. YESYES is a junior high youth program open to any youth entering grades 6th through 8th seeking a caring community where they can play, explore themselves and the world, and grow in Spirit. Led by a group of trained volunteer adults and supervised by the Minister of Community Life, we meet on Sundays at 6 pm in the YES room at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, United Church of Christ, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA. As a celebration of Earth Day, a group of middle school students helped Helen Wadman do some gardening on the First Congregational property. (If the photos aren’t showing, click on the box in the upper right hand corner of the photo box.)
WinthropFor high school kids, 9th through 12th grade, Winthrop is a weekly program designed to encourage self-discovery, healthy relationships and spirituality. Winthrop meets Sunday nights at 4:30 p.m. in the church’s youth room for music, games and discussion. Activities also include overnight camping trips, service projects and involvement in the life of the church. The Winthrop year culminates in a week-long work camp see below. Work CampsA week-long experience of travel and service for high schoolers. Youth travel together to another part of the state to learn about different social and economic issues through service projects and experience. Past work camps included rebuilding a school for a migrant farming community and teaching young children in an inner city preschool.
Read some of their stories and see pictures on the Workcamp Blog! And check out the photos below!
Youth Choirs
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INFORMATION For more information on youth programs, contact Adam Blons, Minister of Community Life at 510/848-3696 ext. 27. Children/Family/Youth Events Sunday, Sep 5 Saturday, Sep 18 Yes Saturday, Sep 18 Winthrop Saturday, Sep 18 Winthrop VideosFor a recent Winthrop Sunday evening program, the youth were given a list of words and a camera and asked to go out into the neighborhood and stage photographs that illustrated the words. The photos were then assembled into these presentations. Team One Team Two |
Last summer, Winthrop, the high school youth of the First Congregational Church of Berkeley went to South Central Los Angeles to work with the children at the 
FCCB has two youth choirs— Songs of the Soul for high school ages and a middle school choir called Joyful Sound. Both choirs are open to any interested you. Linda Crebbin-Coates directs both groups. Contact her for more information.
Members of the talented Songs of the Soul youth choir performed excerpts of the musical Jesus Christ Superstar, composed by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, after church on Sunday, May 31. The group which is made up of high-school students and adult leaders, including live musicians, is led by Linda Crebbin-Coates. The group sings on many occasions during Sunday morning church services and also creates special performances like this one.