Local church raising funds for youth event
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IDAHO FALLS — A local church is gearing up for the spiritual Presbyterian youth event of the year in Indiana.
Every three years, high school-aged youth at the First Presbyterian Church attend the Presbyterian Youth Triennium at Purdue University.
The Triennium is a gospel workshop where youth from around the world come together for a week and mingle with others who share the same beliefs.
To help supplement expenses, the church is holding a Bingo and Silent Auction fundraiser Sunday, Jan. 31, at 5 p.m. in the gym of the First Presbyterian Church.
Cost is $10 for adults, and is free for kids. Those who attend can expect entertainment, food, and fun prizes.
This year’s triennium will be July 19 to 23 for youth between the ages of 14 and 18. Participants engage in activities such as Bible study, various types of worship, small-group discussions, and recreational activities.
According to the Presbyterian Youth Triennium, this year’s theme is “GO,” which is tied into daily Biblical references.
Hannah Maus congregation support coordinator at the First Presbyterian Church has been preparing young members to attend the event.
“Being with people with similar beliefs as you helps you to grow spiritually. … When everyone is wanting to celebrate Christ it really helps people to grow,” Maus said.
Melanie Wetzel, a volunteer youth leader at First Presbyterian Church, said she enjoyed being a part of the the event when she attended several years back.
“It’s quite amazing to go. There are at least 5,000 people there that believe the same way as you do,” Wetzel said.
Wetzel said other activities include trading state pins, and “energizers,” or high-energy gospel services.
“There’s nothing really like it. They’ll remember it the rest of their lives. I know I (will),” Wetzel said.