MIDDLES SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP will be held on Wednesdays,  beginning 9/9, in the HFLC. Doors will open at 4:15 p.m. for students coming from Hidden Oaks Middle School (HOMS). The program will be from 4:30–6:00 p.m. There’ll be food and fun, along with solid biblical teaching. Whether you've grown up in church or you're just curious about Jesus, this is a place where you can ask honest questions, build real friendships, and discover more about Him with others. 

>>>  This group will NOT meet on non-school days or early release days: 9/16, 10/14, 11/11

FIRST PRIORITY will begin on September 9 @ 8:30 a.m.

We partner with First Priority at HOMS to establish an ongoing presence, equipping students to lead campus clubs that share the gospel and create space for faith conversations. Our meetings will resume this month in room 2-58. All HOMS students are welcome! It’s a great opportunity to connect with other Christians on campus.  

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP will meet weekly on Sundays beginning 9/13. Join us from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the youth room following the 9:30 service. 

Please contact our director of Next Generation Ministry, Jessica Waltersdorff, at Jessica@palmcitypres.org with any questions relating to youth groups and activities. 

Please contact our senior pastor, Rev. Dr. David Mauldin, at david@palmcitypres.org with any questions relating to confirmation classes or baptism.  

Everyone deserves a place where they are known, challenged, and encouraged to become the person God created them to be. That's what Rooted Youth is all about. 

Middle and high school are filled with opportunities, challenges, and big questions. At Rooted Youth, we want you to know you don't have to navigate those years alone. Together, we build authentic friendships, discover who we are in Christ, learn to see life through the wisdom of God's Word, and encourage one another as we follow Jesus every day. 

Partnering with your parents, our hope is that you develop a faith that becomes your own—a faith that knows Christ, loves His Word, and joins His mission. As you grow, we want you to recognize that God has uniquely gifted you to love, serve, and represent Christ wherever He has placed you.

WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM DIFFERENT

Here's what we hope everyone experiences at Rooted Youth.

• Known: Nobody should feel invisible. We work hard to know everyone's name, celebrate who God created them to be, and build relationships that continue long after Monday or Wednesday night.
• Grounded: We don't want you to borrow someone else's faith—we want you to discover God's truth for yourself. Together we open Scripture, ask honest questions, and learn how God's Word speaks into everyday life.
• Connected: Faith grows best in community. Rooted Youth is a place where we build lasting friendships, encourage one another, and discover we belong in the family of God.
• Growing: Following Jesus is about more than what happens on Monday or Wednesday night. We equip you to develop habits that help your walk with Christ every day through Scripture, prayer, worship, service, and sharing life together.
• Living on Mission: Everyone has been created with purpose. We help you to discover the gifts God has given you, serve others with joy, and recognize that your school, team, workplace, and neighborhood are places where you can represent Christ every day. 

Walking Alongside Parents

We know parenting is both exciting and challenging. It's a privilege to partner with families by sharing life in a community where families are known, encouraged, and challenged to follow Jesus. We believe discipleship is most effective when parents, ministry leaders, and caring adult mentors work together to help students follow Christ with confidence.

Serving Beyond Ourselves

We believe faith grows when it's lived. That's why students regularly put their faith into action by serving others, caring for our community, and participating in God's mission. As they discover the gifts God has given them, students grow in confidence as Christ's ambassadors, faithfully representing Him wherever He has placed them. 

Safety Matters

Safety and well-being is important to us. Every adult leader serving with students completes ministry screening and training before serving. We strive to create an environment that is physically safe, emotionally supportive, and spiritually encouraging, where you can ask questions, build healthy relationships, and grow in your faith. For additional information about our safety procedures and ministry policies, please see our Parent Handbook.

What to Expect on Your First Visit

When you arrive, one of our leaders will welcome you, introduce you to other students, and help you feel at home. We intentionally create an environment where no one feels like they're walking into a room full of strangers.

Can my student come if they don't know anyone?

Absolutely. Many students visit for the first time without knowing anyone. Our leaders intentionally introduce new students, help them connect with others, and make sure they feel welcomed.

Does my student have to be a Christian?

Not at all. Rooted Youth is a place where students can ask honest questions, explore who Jesus is, and discover what it means to follow Him.

Can students invite friends?

Absolutely! We love seeing students invite friends. Everyone is welcome, whether they've been following Jesus for years or are simply curious about faith.

How are leaders selected?

Every adult leader completes screening and training before serving and is committed to building healthy, Christ-centered relationships with students.

How do you communicate with parents?

We regularly communicate through email and text with updates about events, teaching series, service opportunities, and ways to continue conversations at home.