CORE is our student ministry program for middle school and high school students. Our vision for ministry is to be an encouraging community of disciples sent to build the kingdom of God. We exist to have a fun, encouraging, and discipleship-oriented environment for all students.
Sundays
Both middle and high school meet on Sundays at 10:30 AM in the Core Cafe, where we have snacks, games, teaching, community, table discussions, and, of course, candy. We have awesome teachers and table leaders who will help our students think deeper about their faith and how to practically apply it to their lives and their spheres of influence. Our purpose for Sundays is to be a learning environment that equips and challenges students with the essentials to be a committed disciple maker beyond high school.
The last Sunday CORE is May 12.
Wednesdays
Middle and high school students meet from 6:45 to 8:45 PM on Wednesdays, but in different locations within Hershey Free Church. We have an awesome cafe (check out our chocolate chip cookies), games, chill spaces, dynamic speakers and small group leaders, and a whole lot of fun. The first Wednesday of each month, each small group meets in a local home during our normal meeting time. Our groups get to play games, engage in discipleship in deeper ways, and go through an inductive Bible study that has relevant application to their lives. We call these meetings our Home Groups. Our purpose for Wednesdays is to be a fun environment that develops deep relationships, engages students on their faith journey, and seeks to pursue God's way of living.
The last Wednesday CORE is May 22 at Home Groups.
Home Groups | First Wednesday of each month | 6:45 to 8:45 PM | Various Locations
Our small groups meet in individual homes on the first Wednesday of the month. This gives groups a chance to get to know each other better and have fun in a different environment.
Summer Mission Trips
This summer we are so excited to share that we will have two opportunities for students to go on trips that will embrace our vision of being an encouraging community of disciples who are sent to build the kingdom of God. Ligonier Camp in Western Pennsylvania is scheduled for July 7 through 12 and is open to all students (middle school and high school). We will take part in team building, low and high ropes courses, tubing, small groups, worship, and an awesome speaker. The cost for this trip is $550 per student and is limited to 60 students.
We will be heading back to Hazard, Kentucky July 21 through 27 to help with the rebuilding process after the devastating flooding they experienced. We will participate in the gutting and rebuilding of homes, soul care, community outreach, and partnering with local EFCA churches. The cost for this trip is $775 per student and is only open to current high school students. This trip is limited to 15 students.
CORE Fundraiser | April 28
The CORE Fundraiser is an opportunity for Hershey Free to support CORE students who are going on summer trips. This year, we will have our traditional bake sale, where students will be selling donated baked goods in addition to hot dogs and hamburgers. During the bake sale, students will hand out bookmarks with information about themselves and their trip. They look forward to sharing their motivation and hopes for the trips with everyone!
You can give directly to a specific student going on one of the trips or to the general trip fund below!
CORE Summer Nights | June 19 | 6:45 to 8:45 PM | Core Cafe
As school ends and summer begins, these monthly summer nights offer students (6th through 12th grade) a casual time to be with each other during a busy summer. On this first summer night, we will enjoy snacks and plenty of outdoor games such as 9-square, basketball, and more. CORE Summer Nights are on June 19, July 31, and August 14.
Summer Brunch | June 23 | 12 to 1:30 PM | Core Cafe
All students in 6th through 12th grade are encouraged to stay after the 10:30 AM service for lunch and to intentionally build relationships with each other and leaders. We are offering this Summer Brunch twice: June 23 and August 25.