Youth Ministry
“Helping youth and families discover that they are the children of God, called to honor and serve God.”
Bidwell Presbyterian Church is committed to 5th/6th graders, as well as junior high and high school students both in our church and in our greater community. Pre-teens and teenagers possess a brand of excitement, gifts, and faith that is important to our church. We are convinced that our 5th/6th graders, junior high and high school students are not just the church of tomorrow, but are also the church of today.
High School News & Events
- "The Refuge" meets every Wednesday night from 7:00pm – 8:30pm at the Grand Ballroom on Broadway during the school year.
- Mexico Mission information
Junior High News & Events
- "The Underground" discipleship groups (D-Groups) meet Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 pm, in room 205 at church, during WOW (What's on Wednesdays) session.
- "Underground Unplugged" meets every Sunday morning. Students gather with leaders on the church patio at 11:00 am to sign-in at the table, then walk together to the Ballroom on Broadway (242 Broadway, above Starbucks). At 12:15pm students and leaders walk back to church together.
5th and 6th grade News & Events
- "Zone 56" meets every Sunday morning during the 11:11am service, at BPC in room 210.
Youth Ministries Staff
Brian Solecki, Director of Youth Ministries
Brian and his wife Angie have three children, Nate, Ella and Sam. Brian loves to be outdoors hiking, biking, climbing and swimming in Bidwell Park or in the mountains every chance he gets. Brian has been involved in youth ministry for 19 years and 13 years in full-time ministry. Brian’s perspective on faith can be summed up by Mike Yaconelli: “Shouldn’t everyone be awed and dazzled by Christians? Shouldn’t Christians be known by the fire in their souls, the wild-eyed gratitude in their faces, the twinkle in their eyes, and a holy mischief in their demeanors? Shouldn’t those who call themselves Christians be filled with awe, astonishment, and amazement?”
You can connect with Brian through:
Brian Wainwright,Youth Ministries 5th-8th Grade Coordinator
Brian is a graduate of Chico State and has been involved at Bidwell Presbyterian for five years. He has served in various ways in children’s ministries, college ministries, and youth ministries, and has future hopes to attend seminary.
Dave Navarra, Intern for High School Ministry
Dave is a college student at Chico State University studying Communications, with plans to attend Seminary. After Seminary he hopes to enter full time youth ministry. Dave loves a good action movie, Dr. Pepper, and his own pizza. He enjoys wakeboarding, snowboarding, exploring waterfalls and just getting away on an adventure. Dave has been working in youth ministry since he was a junior in high school and continues to pursue opportunities to serve and learn, enjoying each step of the way. In his spare time, Dave is also the founder of a non-profit ministry, “You Are Loved”, which is working to promote the message of Christ’s love worldwide (youarelovedby.com). Some of Dave’s favorite quotes: “We must live, not just exist.” –unknown; and “What we do in life echoes eternity.” –Maximus.
Michaela Warthen, Intern for Jr. High School Ministry
Michaela Warthen grew up in Chico and is attending Chico State in the fall as a sophomore. She has yet to decide what she will be majoring in but is considering English and/or Graphic Design majors. Michaela has been a volunteer leader for the Jr. High youth group for about a year and a half, and has been involved in other aspects of youth and children’s ministry since she was in high school. Michaela loves swimming, photography, cooking and music.
Julie Welden, Intern for 5th/6th Grade Ministry
Julie is attending CSU Chico to become an elementary school teacher. She hails from Las Vegas, Nevada and has been working in children’s ministry since high school. She also serves as a leader for Wyldlife, an organization that aims to share Christ with middle schoolers. When she’s not when kids, Julie enjoys hiking, swimming, camping, and doing crossword puzzles.
