At Leesburg, we value the next generation and their importance in our ministry. Our local youth ministry is based on the principles of Christian Endeavor (CE). CE is the world’s oldest Christian youth movement. It began in 1881, and it still strong today with groups all over the world. CE strives to equip youth as leaders, teaching them to put their faith in action. CE principles are:
- Confession for Christ
- Service for Christ
- Loyalty to Christ’s Church
- Community to Christ’s People
At Leesburg, all youth members are taught the CE pledge, which reads as follows:
“Trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for strength, I promise Him I will strive to do whatever He would like to have me do, that I will make it the rule of my life to pray and to read the Bible every day, and to support the work and worship of my own church in every way possible, and that just so far as I know how, throughout my whole life, I will endeavor to lead a Christian life.”
Senior CE
CE at Leesburg is more than just a name; it is a group where friendships develop, where mentors inspire, where leaders gently instruct, where faith is strengthened. Senior CE is for all youth grades 7-12. Senior CE meets twice a month from September through May on Sunday afternoons. Lunch is always provided, followed by a time of fun, fellowship, and devotions. In addition, many activities are planned throughout the year, such as:
- Winter Weekend: A youth retreat held at Seneca Hills with anywhere from100-200 youth attending!
- Skiing
- Canoeing
- Christmas Caroling to shut-ins of the church.
The youth at Leesburg love to have fun, but they also love to serve their church, as well as their community. They have raked leaves, painted houses, cleaned garages, and washed windows for those who needed a little help. In addition to their service at the local level, Senior CE also plans a mission trip every two years. They travel to work camps, where along with other groups from all over the U.S., they do home repairs for those in need. In the past they have traveled to Puerto Rico, West Virginia, Wyoming, Maine, and Virginia. When the youth give their presentation to the church following their trip, they always report that they were blessed as much or more than those who they went to help! The youth at Leesburg try to follow the advice in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Junior CE
Leesburg has a terrific group for kids in grades 3rd - 6th. They meet monthly for a special activity, fun, food, and a time of devotions. Younger children and parents are always welcome to come as well. Currently there are on average 14 kids per event. Junior CE is where the youth of Leesburg are first taught the CE pledge, as this helps prepare them for the mission of Senior CE. Junior CE also focuses on mission, but on a local level primarily. The group participates in many activities throughout the year. One very special activity they do is to visit some of the older members of our church to hear the stories that have emerged from their personal journey of faith. It is amazing how closely the kids listen to these wonderful people. It is a wonderful way for our youth to learn and connect with an older generation of Christians, and vice versa. Junior CE also has plans for sled riding, bowling, a lock-in, and a picnic in the spring, so come join the fun!