If You Have Questions

If you have questions about our youth groups, contact our parish associate, Eleanor Stanton, at the church office: 518-584-6091.  Eleanor coordinates our youth program and will be able to tell you more about it.  She can also be reached via the church's email address: pnecc.ny@verizon.net.
Everyone is Welcome Here!
The "Step Up" Program

The "Step Up" program is really about making the transition from childhood to adulthood within the church family.  As part of the Step Up curriculum, the 8th graders in our church family get the chance to learn more about what our church believes and how we act on those beliefs.  The program pairs them with an adult member of our congregation who acts as a mentor, sharing their faith journey and helping Step Up members explore questions about their own faith journey.  Jay and Judy Ekman lead the Step Up group, so it gives our young people a chance to know them better. 

After gaining a more mature understanding of our church, Step Up members are given the opportunity to become an official member of the church through confirmation.  Joining the church is optional.  Step Ups do not have to join the church to be a part of the church family or the Sr. High youth group.  However, this program allows them to make an informed decision about the church by learning a little bit beforehand.

The Step Up group meets once a week in the Nolan House from 12:15 to 1:15pm for a total of 6 weeks.  The meetings are an interesting mix of discussion and activity.  At the end of the program, this group will go on an overnight trip to Heifer International's Overlook Farm in Rutland, MA, for an educational experience in their "Global Village." 


The "Step Up" Leaders

  The Step Up program is lead by the church's pastor, Jay Ekman, and his wife, Judy.  Judy is the director of the Saratoga County Prevention Council, a non-profit community organization that provides information and referral services to help prevent alcohol and substance abuse among our community's youth.  In 2007, Jay and Judy were honored by the Saratoga Center for the Family for their work to enhance the quality of life of youth and families throughout the county.


Jay and Judy Ekman