"Welcome!" Mark Elliott works as the Youth Director of "SNL Student Ministries" at Christ Presbyterian Church.  Mark graduated from Kenmore High School Class of 1992 before going to Southeastern Bible School and graduating from there in 1995.  He worked as interim in Urban ministries in the projects of Lakeland, FL and also with youth and children's pastor at Shepherd Road Presbyterian Church.  Mark joined the CPC team in 2003 to head up the youth and continues on today.

Mark and Kristin Elliott and their children,
Lucas, Micah, and Candace.

Click [here] to go to our MAIN Youth Website
 

CPC Student Ministries focuses on students 6th-12th grade in the Lakewood Ranch area.  Though we also have students from Palmetto, West Bradenton, Myakka, and surrounding areas who join us as well!   Our student ministries program is called:  "Salt-N-Light Student Ministries" or "SNL".

We have several different aspects of ministry.  Click on the following programs for more information:

• Youth Programs

  • JAM

  • I-Groups

  • Upper Room

  • GEMs and Cadets

  • Life Classes

• Youth Special Events

• A Word To Our Parents

JAM!

As part of our student ministries, our youth meet every Wednesday at CPC from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for JAM!  A weekly service in which students are challenged to live out their faith in real ways and also encouraged through the practical messages given, and hard hitting contemporary worship by one of our two worship bands.  Click [here] for location and more information. 
 

I-GROUPS   

We also have "I-Groups", for High School Students every Wednesday Evening from 7:00p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  The I-Groups meet in homes and the major emphasis is on  Fellowship, students making Connections with other students. It is also another opportunity we provide for your teen to grow to maturity in their trusting in Christ. I-Groups are led by various members of the Youth Staff throughout the year.  Click [here] for location and more information. 

Upper Room

On Sunday Nights we have Upper Room for High School students who are interested in growing in their walk with Christ.  We have intimate worship followed by relevant discipleship issues such as how to study the Bible, how to prepare and give a Bible study lesson, developing a Christian Worldview, etc.   We also give students a chance to "put feet to their faith" by giving them ministry opportunities in our community.  Upper Room meets at CPC from 6 p.m. to 7:30.  Click [here] for location and more information. 

Gems And Cadets

For middle school students we have GEMs and Cadets.  This is a great program geared towards helping our younger students to grow socially, spiritually, and emotionally.  They have a variety of events planned throughout the semester. GEMs and Cadets meet every other week from 6-7:30 p.m.  For more information you can go to our [online calendar]. 

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Every special event we host or promote embodies our philosophy of ministry. Some of our events are designed entirely for fellowship – an opportunity for teenagers to meet and get to know other Christian teenagers. Other special events have more of an evangelism or ministry goal – an opportunity for teenagers to share their faith and serve others with their God given spiritual gifts. Regardless of what we do, we trust that God is given the glory due His name and that you as a parent are comfortable with your teen’s participation.

Some examples of past special events are: Winter Retreats, paintball, bowling, Spring Break mission projects, work projects for local Christian non-profit groups, Rock the Universe, Night of Joy, and much more! To find out what, where & when our next special event is, please contact our Director of Student Ministries, Mark Elliott (EMAIL) or you may call the Student Ministry office, 941-748-3363.

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Our Student Ministries is "Family Oriented." Christ Presbyterian Church recognizes that parents are charged with the primary spiritual responsibility of raising their children in a manner consistent with Holy Scripture. The Student Ministry of Christ Church exists to assist parents towards that goal. If we can encourage you in your own walk with God, equip you to pass on your trust in Christ to your children or motivate you to live out God’s principles more consistently in your own home, please do not hesitate to contact us. We just so you know, parents are always welcome to attend I-Groups or our Sunday Morning Youth Life-Classes (even unannounced) just to see what we are all about!

Speaking of words to parents, for those of you who are technologically savvy, we would welcome the opportunity to keep you up-to-date with our announcements and special events via e-mail. If we do not currently have your e-mail address, would you kindly email us so we may add you to our list? Fear not - we do not send you anything other than what pertains to the Student Ministry at Christ Church.

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Click [here] to go to our MAIN Youth Website