Senior Youth Group (SYG) 8th-12th Grades
Senior Youth Group for students in Grades 8-12 typically meets 2 or 3 Sundays per month from 6:30-8:00 pm, with some occasional events on other days of the week. Teens that are active participants in SYG may attend the annual Mission Trip in the summer.
The first group meeting will be a Campfire behind the church on September 27 at 6:30 pm. Please register teens here for SYG. If you have any questions about the below information, please contact Larissa Riley
2026 Recap: The Senior Youth Group has had a busy year. In addition to Sunday evening meetings, the teens have brought donations to the SHARE food pantry, participated in worship services, assisted with Church School, and volunteered at community events. The return of the SYG Spaghetti Supper & Variety Show was a highlight for all! SYG teens are now making final preparations for the Mission Trip to Savannah, GA on July 5th. Once in GA, they will be repairing homes with the City of Savannah’s Home Repair Program, as well as working with The Salvation Army and Old Savannah City Mission to help people in need of food, clothing, and shelter.
2026 Mission Trip: On July 5, seventeen teens from the Senior Youth Group and four adult chaperones traveled to Savannah, GA to immerse themselves in service, prayer, and group bonding. Every day began with devotions, and ended with reflections and prayers. The group prepared and served several meals for members of the community, painted a house, and helped local mission organizations with their daily work by assisting with cleaning, folding laundry, and sorting donations. Throughout the week, the students connected with members of the local community and were inspired to seek out more service opportunities here in NH. The SYG is grateful for all of the support of this congregation and will continue to share pictures and highlights from the trip this fall.
SYG at the Congregational Church of Amherst is a fellowship group for 8th-12th graders. This vibrant group has its own culture and traditions, and is always open to new members. You (or your parents) do not have to attend CCA to come to Youth Group – ALL are welcome! The SYG typically meets a few Sunday evenings per month for fellowship, service, and spiritual time.
Community
An essential part of the Senior Youth Group program is community building, centered in God’s love for us and God’s call to love others. As a group, we continually and consciously work to take risks and be real with each other, to lift each other up in truth and love, and to see God’s face in one another. SYG is a place where each and every one of us is invited to come with our full selves, knowing that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. SYG is an open and affirming group, and strives to be a safe space for all.
Local Service
The SYG maintains relationships with local nonprofits and service organizations, and does small mission projects throughout the year. This ministry is rich and life affirming for the teenagers in our group, and offers opportunities to understand the needs in our own backyard.
Mission Trips
Each June, the SYG takes a weeklong trip to intentionally serve communities in need. Over the years, the SYG has served in places like New Orleans, Miami, Tennessee, Washington DC, rural NH, and New York, learning about issues affecting our nation that range from rural poverty to urban renewal. Going away for mission work teaches us about cultures and experiences different from ours, deepens our understanding of our own lives and experiences, supports lasting relationships, and statistically encourages lifelong participation in the life of the church.
Contacts:
If you are interested in learning more about our Senior Youth Group programs, please contact Larissa Riley, Director of Youth Ministries (603-673-3231, ext 20).
