BEN SIDOTI

WHAT DO CHRISTIANS, JEWS, AND MUSLIMS BELIEVE ABOUT

Eternal Life?

Community THE IMPACT OF

BY BEN SIDOTI

Growing up, I was dragged every Sunday morning to church by my parents, often begrudgingly, where I would spend my time in service and then go to Sunday School to learn about the Bible and the miracles of Jesus. Especially as I got older, I thought that this was a bit silly at times, and I was super excited to finally join the youth group when it came time in sixth grade.

I still remember my “induction” process where I was “kidnapped” from my karate lessons and taken to Dave and Busters to bowl and play in the arcade with the older middle and high school kids. I just had a blast.

While things have changed since my induction in 2018, I still am able to find a great sense of community in the many adventures that our youth directors put together for us. Nothing so far illustrates this better than our trip last summer to the Montreat Presbyterian camp. The memories of laughing hysterically at others in the youth group screaming at the TV during the 2021 final playoff game when Phoenix lost the championship, as well as the incredibly powerful sermons and small group sessions will stay with me forever.

For me, Montreat opened up my mind to the sense of a faith-based community, one that I had never experienced before. The members of our Pinnacle youth group were able to bond very closely over that week, even if we got into the occasional fight with each other. Being able to be incredibly open with each other about our struggles with faith, family, and school was truly empowering. Without our youth program, I would

never have been able to have had this experience, and for that I owe my utmost gratitude.

The impact my youth group has had on me has extended past one time summer camps, however. Every Wednesday night, I have the opportunity to look forward to our “Wednesday Night Unite” program that takes place at our local Chipotle. Not only do I get to satisfy my Chipotle craving on a regular basis, but I also get to establish and maintain regular friendships with those in my youth group, while keeping my church and faith as an important part of my life. Because my youth group has been so impactful to me, I love any opportunity that I get to share these experiences with new people. I am also excited to share a new youth opportunity called the Log College Project. This project is in coordination with Princeton Theological Seminary’s Institute for Youth Ministry. Pinnacle plans on participating in this program with at least six other churches in the state. The Log College Project is an 18-month long program that seeks to rethink and re-imagine what our youth programs will look like. I think this program is a fantastic way to join youth with other members of our congregation. Personally, I greatly look forward to who this program can touch and bring the light of God’s love into their lives.

PHOTO-Left; (l-r) Caroline Johnson, Laurel Davis, Brandon Huenemann, Ben Sidoti, Lily Rogers & Joe Sidoti.

BEN SIDOTI is finishing up his sophomore year at Cactus Shadows High School. Ben was both baptized and confirmed at Pinnacle. In recent months, Ben has shared his talents playing piano offertories and organ preludes and postludes for the congregation.

LOG COLLEGE YOUTH INITIATIVE

The Log College Project is an 18-month program that brings the best of Princeton Theological Seminary to your region. We help Christian congregations design, test, and implement new models of ministry, with teenagers at the design table. To learn more, please email fpc@pinnaclepres.org or call the Park Center at 480-585-9448 ext. 250.