Youths serve Freehold

FREEHOLD - The youth of the First Presbyterian Church of Freehold have begun 2007 with many activities designed to have them reach out to the community and grow in their faith in Jesus Christ.

According to a press release from the church, the youths recently received an anonymous gift of $1,000 in cash, which was left on the front porch of the pastor's home. The money was given as part of the concept that appeared in the movie, "Pay It Forward."

The eighth- through 12th-graders are in the planning stages of how to best use the money and reach out in Christ's name. As part of the "pay it forward" theme, a church member, Dan Sato, donated sweatshirts to thank the youths for displaying their "random acts of kindness." A local embroidery company, Mr. Sew & Sew, donated time to stitch the church logo on the sweatshirts.

The junior high school and senior high school youths participated in a sanctuary program on Jan. 27, working from the Reformed Church in Freehold. This program involves feeding the day laborers and other working poor in Freehold over the worst winter weather through

March 17.

"I am so glad to have the support of the youth from my church for this ministry," said Sandra Whitehill, the coordinator for all volunteers for the sanctuary program and a member of First Presby-terian Church. "It is vital that they learn to put their faith into action and learn compassion for people less fortunate than them."

During the same weekend, the senior high school youths were involved in the "30-Hour Famine" program, which raises money for the hungry through World Vision. The First Presbyterian Church youth has been a part of this national program since the early 1990s, according to the press release.

This summer, at least 20 junior high school and senior high school youths will be participating in a mission trip to western Pennsylvania. Throughout the next several months, these youths will be preparing for the mission trip through various training experiences and through serving others.

According to the press release, the First Presbyterian Church of Freehold has been actively involved in a variety of ministries for more than 165 years. The church has recently undergone a major renovation project to add additional classrooms and office space to ensure the future of the church's ministries to the community.