Youth Ministry
Kensington Congregational Church offers many exciting opportunities for youth. In addition to weekly Sunday School, we provide Confirmation instruction, Junior Pilgrim Fellowship, High School Mission Trips, Friday Night Lights, and Vacation Bible School.
Sunday School
At Kensington Congregational Church, Sunday School is a joyful place where children are welcomed, friendships grow, and faith comes alive. Children ages 3 through 8th grade are invited to join us during the second half of our Sunday morning worship service (10:30 - 11:15 AM) for a fun, engaging, and meaningful time of learning and discovery.
Led by Christian Faith Formation Director Gwen McCann, who has been nurturing the faith of KCC children since 2007, our Sunday School use the REAL approach to learning - Relatable, Experiential, Applicable, and Learner-Based. Through interactive Bible stories, creative hands-on activities, games, service projects, and opportunities to learn alongside people of all ages, children discover how God’s love is present in their everyday lives.
Whether your child is joining us for the first time or has been part of our church family for years, they will be welcomed with open arms. Our hope is that every child experiences God’s unconditional love, builds meaningful friendships, and develops a faith that is joyful, compassionate, active, and lasting.
Confirmation
Confirmation at Kensington Congregational Church is an exciting and meaningful journey where high school students are invited to explore their faith, ask honest questions, and discover what it means to follow Christ in their everyday lives. Typically beginning during freshman year, Confirmation meets on Sunday evenings throughout the school year in a welcoming and supportive environment where every student is valued and encouraged.
Together, participants explore topics such as who God is, the Bible, prayer, worship, Christian history, and the traditions of our church, while discovering the difference between simply learning about God and developing a personal relationship with God. Through thoughtful conversations, shared experiences, and hands-on learning, students are encouraged to make their faith their own.
Confirmation is about much more than scheduled classes. Along the way, students build lasting friendships, enjoy an overnight retreat, participate in meaningful service projects, and are paired with a caring mentor from our congregation who walks alongside them throughout their journey.
Whether students have grown up in the church or are just beginning to explore their faith, Confirmation is a place to belong, grow, serve, and discover the many ways God is at work in their lives. It is a journey of faith that helps prepare them for a lifetime of following Christ and living out God’s love in the world.
Junior Pilgrim Fellowship (Jr.PF)
Junior Pilgrim Fellowship is Kensington Congregational Church’s youth group for middle school students - a place where everyone is welcome, friendships flourish, and faith comes alive. Meeting twice each month, Jr. PF offers a fun, supportive environment where youth can laugh together, build meaningful relationships, and grow in their understanding of God’s love.
Through engaging activities, games, and shared experiences, middle schoolers discover how faith can guide and inspire their everyday lives. They also have many opportunities to put their faith into action by serving others. Throughout the year, youth prepare and serve lunch at the Salvation Army in New Britain, shop for our church’s Emergency Food Pantry, volunteer at Friday Night Lights, and participate in a variety of service projects that make a positive difference in our church, our community, and beyond.
Whether students are lifelong members of our church family or joining us for the first time, Jr. PF is a place to belong, grow, serve, and have fun together. We believe that faith is meant to be lived, shared, and celebrated - and there’s always room for one more friend.
High School Mission Trip
Each year, high school youth are invited to be part of Kensington Congregational Church’s annual out-of-state mission trip - an unforgettable week of faith, friendship, service and personal growth. Throughout the year, participants work together to plan, prepare, and raise funds for this special experience, building excitement and strengthening their connections with one another along the way.
During the mission trip, youth and adult leaders serve side by side, providing home repairs and improvements for individuals and families in need. Through their hands and hearts, they become the hands and feet of Christ, sharing God’s love in meaningful and practical ways.
More than just a week away, our Workcamp mission trip is a transformative experience. Youth develop confidence and leadership skills, form lifelong friendships, and discover the joy that comes from serving others with compassion and purpose. Many participants return home with a renewed sense of faith, a deeper understanding of God’s call to serve, and memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.
Whether it’s a student’s first mission trip or one of many, this cherished KCC tradition offers an opportunity to grown in faith, make a lasting impact, and experience the incredible power of serving together.
Friday Night Lights (FNL)
Friday Night Lights is one of Kensington Congregational Church’s favorite family ministries - a joyful evening where preschool and elementary-aged children are welcomed with open arms to enjoy fun, faith, friendship, and plenty of laughter. Held on the first Friday of each month from October through April, FNL begins at 5:30 p.m. in the KCC Parish Hall with an energetic time of worship, followed by a pizza dinner shared around the table with friends, both old and new.
Each month, children explore a Bible story through exciting games, creative crafts, interactive activities, and hands-on experiences that help bring God’s love to life in meaningful and memorable ways. Every gathering is filled with opportunities to learn, laugh, create, and grow together in faith.
One very special part of Friday Night Lights is the involvement of our middle school and high school youth, who serve as enthusiastic helpers and caring mentors throughout the evening. Their kindness, encouragement, and leadership create meaningful connections across generations while modeling Christ’s love for our youngest church family members.
At 7:45 p.m., families are invited to join us for a sweet treat and a closing celebration before children head home at 8:00 p.m. Whether it’s a child’s first visit or they come every month, Friday Night Lights is a welcoming place where everyone belongs. It is a wonderful opportunity for children to grow in their faith, make lasting friendships, and experience the joy of being part of a loving church family.
Vacation Bible School - June 2027
Each summer the KCC community offers Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children age 4 through 5th grade. Children learn more about their faith in a hands-on, interactive camp environment that focuses on exploring a deeper relationship with God. Participants also learn to give thanks to God for all God does.
Don’t miss this opportunity!