Information as submitted to the Oak Ridger:

Free Youth Kickoff Aug. 15 at First Presbyterian

To bring Oak Ridge area youths together to share their excitement, anxiety, dread and joy as summer vacation ends, First Presbyterian Church will hold a Youth Celebration and Kickoff on the eve of the start of a new school year.

The free event -- featuring a dinner, fun activities, high-octane music and a dynamic speaker -- will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 15, at the church, 1051 Oak Ridge Turnpike at Lafayette Drive. Youths from fifth through 12th grades are invited to the kickoff.

After a free dinner and fun activities starting at 5 p.m. in the church’s fellowship hall, the youths will gather in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. to hear the renowned Knoxville jazz and gospel pianist and composer, Wendel Werner. Werner is known for inserting his jazz style into traditional Christian music, creating contagious and inspirational melodies and rhythms.

Liz Peterson, ordained minister in the Presbytery of East Tennessee and speaker at countless youth events throughout the Southeast and Midwest, will deliver the keynote address in her humorous style that appeals to young people. Her lively talk will encourage her audience to set goals for and feel confident about the upcoming school year.

The youth program at First Presbyterian meets at 5 p.m. every Sunday throughout the school year. The purpose of the program is to provide young people with a caring, safe, nurturing and inclusive environment, where they can grow in their faith, through service, study and friendship.

For more information, visit the church website at www.fpcor.org or call the church office at 483-1319.

About Wendel Werner:

Wendel Werner will perform on the piano. Wendel is famous for inserting his jazz style to traditional Christian music transforming it into contagious melodies and rhythms. His passion and enthusiasm as a performer, and his unique ability to engage and energize a room, keep him in constant demand. His compositions truly are works of art, modern day masterpieces. But above all, Wendel’s fervor is displayed each time he takes a seat at the piano. He pours himself out each time he plays, because he feels that anything less is no good, and he takes his job very seriously. “Musicians don’t realize the power they have, the power to save lives”, says Werner. This belief he conveys to each student and in every dynamic performance.

Click here to see Wendel's fun website.
And be sure to note the "menu" on the left :-)

About Liz Peterson:

Invited guest, Liz Peterson, ordained minister and dynamic speaker in the Presbytery of East Tennessee will deliver the keynote address in her humorous workshop style that has engaged youth and young adults for over 20 years in countless youth events throughout the southeast and Midwest. About the joy of working with youth, Liz says, "They are the most welcoming group in any congregation, the most honest about their faith, and they haven't yet forgotten how to have a good time." Liz’ s talk will engage and encourage the young people in the audience, raising their confidence and aspirations for the school year that lies ahead. Liz holds a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary and a Master of Music in vocal performance.

About First Pres youth:

The youth program at First Presbyterian meets every Sunday evening at 5:00 PM throughout the school year. The purpose of the program is to care deeply for the youth; give them a safe, nurturing, inclusive place to grow in their faith, through service, study and friendship.

Parents of youth are always welcome and are encouraged to attend the program.