YOUTH MINISTRY
Our Youth Ministry is a welcoming community for students in 6th–12th grade to grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and have fun together. We meet twice a month for engaging activities, Bible study, worship, service, music, and special events that encourage students to follow Christ and discover their place in God's story. Throughout the year, students also enjoy trips, community service projects, volleyball in McAfee Hall, events in our Youth Center, and other opportunities to connect and grow together.
Youth
Sunday School
Youth Sunday School concurrent with 10:00 AM worship. They will leave after the Time for Young Disciples and go up to the Youth Room for time to discuss Bible Lessons and return to parents during the last hymn during worship.
Sunday Youth Group
Meets weekly in the Youth Room after the 10:00 AM worship service until 1:30 PM. Lunch, fellowship, study and other youth group activities will be happening.
We are looking for volunteers to chaperone and cook for the youth. If you are able to volunteer, please contact childrensministries@firstpresvero.org.
Thursday Youth Group
Following Indian River School District Calendar, during August 12 through end of May, is weekly on Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:30 PM in the Youth Room with dinner and devotional.
Students enjoy a variety of summer opportunities, exciting trips, and engaging activities throughout the year. Whether it's volleyball in McAfee Hall, events in our Youth Center, bioluminescence kayaking, trips to Universal, or serving our community, there's always an opportunity to connect, grow, and have fun.
Youth Group
Youth Music
Youth Handbells
Meets weekly on Thursdays from 5:30-6:45 PM in the Baines Room.
Youth Choir
Meets weekly on Thursdays from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Choir Room. Youth may come to youth group and step out for music rehearsals, or they may just simply come for fellowship, dinner, and other youth group activities. You do not have to be musical to come to youth group.
For up to date info and more HERE
Youth Orchestra
Please email jacobcraig@firstpresvero.org for more information.
Our youth have opportunities to give back with different volunteer opportunities.
Please email childrensministries@firstpresvero.org to find out more!
Meet our Youth's Ministry Staff
Director of Music & Arts
Dr. Jacob Craig
As Director of Music and Arts, Jacob is responsible for conducting, leading, and overseeing all worship, music, and arts programs. These include the Chancel Choir, Youth String Orchestra, PRIMO School of Performing Arts, Galleries at First Pres, Concert Series, and Special Services. Jacob received his Bachelor of Music Education and Piano Performance degree from Shorter University in Rome, GA before moving on to Tallahassee, FL to receive his M.M. in Choral Conducting and Literature under Dr. Andre Thomas at Florida State University. As of 2019 Jacob completed his Doctorate of Sacred Music in Performance at the Graduate Theological Foundation and Oxford University. He serves as Director of the Vero Beach Choral Society, ACTS Choristers, Sea Oaks Chorus, John’s Island Singers, and Silver Tones community choirs. Jacob is also a competitive highland Bagpipe player and Pipe Major of the Vero Beach Pipes and Drums.
Associate Director of Music
Peter Mahtani
As associate music director, Peter is responsible for the youth's choir and bells along with other music opportunities in our church. Peter received his Bachelor of Music Education from Grove City College and his M.M. in Choral Conducting from Messiah College. Peter also assists with the Quest program and other musical endeavors at the church. Before moving to Vero, Peter taught K-8 music and Middle and High school choirs for eight years in Pittsburgh, PA.