CORE
CORE is our student ministry program for middle 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 be a fun, encouraging, and discipleship-oriented environment for all students.
What to Expect
Sundays
Both middle and high school meet on Sundays at 10:30 AM in the auditorium, 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.
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.
Home Groups
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.
For Parents
CORE Parent Connect | Sundays | 10:30 AM | T-Wing: Room 403
Each Sunday at 10:30 AM, parents of children who attend CORE have the opportunity to connect for Bible study and fellowship. We share so many of the same joys, as well as challenges, as we seek to lead our students to know and love Jesus better.
Volunteer with CORE
CORE has been growing in amazing ways, and we have seen our students take huge steps in their faith. One step they are taking is inviting their friends, who then become part of our ministry. Because of this growth, our need for leaders has also grown.
We are in urgent need of leaders on Sunday mornings, from 10:30 to 11:45 AM, who would help lead table discussions and engage in the discipleship process with students. This could be done weekly or on a rotating schedule.
We also need multiple leaders for our middle school small groups on Wednesday nights, from 6:30 to 8:45 PM. These small group leaders would engage in discipleship and be paired with another co-leader to help facilitate small group time and walk with their students through the realities of middle school. This is a weekly commitment for the school year.
If you are interested in knowing more, please reach out to Nick Mance, and he will happily buy you coffee or cocoa as he shares about CORE. If you know anyone who would be a good fit for either of these roles, please reach out to them or let Nick know. Thank you for your help with this. We couldn't do this ministry without you!
Grocery Cards for Giant
Earn money for student trips by purchasing grocery gift cards for Giant! For each gift card purchased, 5% of the total will be added to a student account for future CORE trips (including Winterblast and summer mission trips). Cards are available in $50 or $100 denominations and can be purchased by debit or credit card. Grocery cards can be picked up from Deb Webster in the receptionist office during business hours or from Bridget during CORE.
For Students
Sundays | 10:30 AM | Auditorium
- March 29 | Baptism - no CORE
- April 5 | Easter - no CORE
- April 19 | CORE Fundraiser - no CORE
Wednesdays | 6:45 to 8:45 PM
- April 1 | CORE Easter Experience | 6:45 - 8:45 PM
- May 6 | Home Groups | check for location changes below
- April 8 | No Wednesday CORE
Calling All Seniors!
It may be hard to believe, but graduation will be here before you know it! One of the ways we want to honor and celebrate you is by putting together a booklet to highlight all our seniors. Please fill out the form below by March 31 to be included.
CORE Fundraiser | April 19 | Main Lobbies
The CORE Fundraiser is an opportunity to support CORE students 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! If you would like to contribute baked goods to be sold, please email nmance@hersheyfree.com.