SOE Family Resources

  • Safe and Inclusive
    As part of First Presbyterian Church of Hayward, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA), we are open and affirming, welcoming all people (children and youth!) into full inclusion of membership and leadership. We aim to provide, model and nurture a community of mutual care (rooted in Jesus’ teachings) that youth will replicate in their relationships and demand of their communities now and into adulthood.

    Youth-Guided
    It is our aim to meet youth where they are, to center their needs, and ensure they feel loved, seen, and known exactly as God created them to be. We are informed by pedagogy and theology that believes children are born as whole spiritual creatures, deserving of respect—wherever they are in their development. We know that having askable and trusted adults who can provide structure, support, and guidance allows youth to experience feeling both held and free, is a predictor of future stability and, in some cases, can be life-saving.

    Connect and Thrive
    We know: humans are created with a desire to connect, play is the work of childhood, and challenges by choice/calculated risks help us learn. So, as a church youth group, we have a unique opportunity to create spaces and times that lead to connection, growth and transformation—with ourselves, with others, and with Creator/Creation—in both expected and unexpected, but always delightful and meaningful ways.

    We value your feedback! Click HERE (pretty please?) to fill out the 2025 Feedback Form.

  • Worship and SOE Time
    Sundays 10am

    High School Night
    Mondays 7-9pm

    All Youth Night
    Wednesdays 6-8pm

    Lunch Bunch @ CVHS
    Last Fridays during Lunch

  • This is our general annual calendar of activities with links to related resources.

    January
    All Youth SOE Winter Retreat in Arnold, CA on Sat.-Mon. of MLK, Jr. Weekend

    February
    February Break Activity - Lunar New Year
    Summer Camp/Service Learning Trip Info Meeting

    March
    Summer Camp/Service Learning Trip Fundraiser
    Lent

    April
    Easter
    Parent Pep Talk

    May
    Mental Health Awareness Month
    Finals Week Study Hall
    Senior Sendoff
    Promotions/Graduations

    June
    Summer Kickoff Theme Park Trip
    Pool Party

    July
    Westminster Woods Camp Soulspring [and/or Service Learning Trip 2026, Presbyterian Youth Triennium 2028]
    Kin-dom Camp
    Pool Party

    August
    Back to School Pool Party and/or Picnic/Field Day
    FirstPres Family Camping Trip

    September
    Sexual Health Awareness Month Workshop - curriculum and expert visit
    Sunrise Hike
    FirstPres Carnival Day

    October
    Westminster Woods Fall Youth Retreat
    FirstPres Trunk or Treat and Haunted House Dance Party

    November
    High School Progressive Dinner
    Advent

    December
    Finals Week Study Hall
    Gift Exchange and Christmas Party

  • Social Media

    Follow Us
    @studentsofeden
    @firstpreskidshayward
    @firstpreshayward

    General Educators/Parenting
    @drbeckyatgoodinside - behavior, especially highly sensitive/reactive kids
    @thegamereducator - behavior and screen management

    Affirming Youth Accounts
    @affirmingyouthministries - online community of queer youth and allies

    Spiritual Formation at Home
    @illustratedmin - colorful, creative and engaging ideas/micro practices
    @blackliturgies - daily anti-oppression liturgies
    @sacred_spots_at_home - ideas for home alters and rituals
    @katecbowler - blessings for life-ing
    @thebiblefornormalpeople - accessible Bible scholarship

    Podcasts

    Adaptivity: The Science of Adolescence - from UCLA’s Center for the Developing Adolescent - understanding the misunderstood adolescent mind that is “always learning and adapting”
    Reclaiming My Theology - unlearning and learning to take “our theology back from ideas and systems that oppress.”

    Articles

    Books

  • Contact Us

    Please reach out to us at any point. As your SOE Team and as a part of the FirstPres community, we are well equipped to support you and your youth in whatever challenge or celebration you face. Please fill out this 2025 Feedback Form with specific or general feedback about your family and our program, so you can help us help you!

    Adam - Youth Lead

    adam@firstpreshayward.com
    510-581-6203 ext. 124

    Lauren - Director of Children’s and Youth Ministries
    lauren@firstpreshayward.com
    510-581-6203 ext. 122

    Chizu - Pastor of Community Life
    chizu@firstpreshayward.com
    510-581-6203 ext. 121

  • In addition to our SOE Team, we have several regular volunteers that your kids might mention or you may see around: Amy, Dan, John, Katie, and Olivia. Click HERE to see who you might recognize!!