Generation to Generation
Equipping Younger Generations an Interview with Copeland Smith
Copeland Smith is a lifelong member of FPC Gastonia, and while that may not seem like much, (with his only being in eighth grade,) Copeland’s range of experience at FPC Gastonia exceeds expectations.
A fourth-generation FPC Gastonia member, Copeland was baptized here, attended Presbyterian Weekday School, participated in the scouting program, and was an active member of the Children’s Ministry growing up. More recently, Copeland can be seen participating in Youth Group activities, such as Confirmation, and playing the drums for the Thrive band during worship. It is easy to see the importance that Copeland’s faith already has in his life, even at his young age. Copeland excitedly shares how each of these opportunities has impacted his life so far, specifically pointing out the influence of adults in the congregation who have acted as teachers, guides, and mentors. Copeland explains, “The church is teaching the message of God, and how they portray all of these things is just so amazing to me. It’s just a unique experience that you can’t find anywhere else. All of the activities and all of the fun times we have had together I couldn’t find anywhere else.”
With the Children’s Ministry, Copeland was able to begin his faith journey by participating in Sunday School and lessons on Wednesday nights, with the occasional trip or fellowship event. Now in Youth, Copeland explains that he is getting to learn more about our Christian faith than ever before. “There are more things we’ve had to learn being in middle school,” Copeland shares. “With the younger group we kind of just had fun, and sang songs, and had dinner, and we had a short bible lesson, which, you know, we definitely picked up some of it, but during youth group, we really go further into that and naturally gain a deeper knowledge of our faith.” Copeland excitedly shares that as a member of the Confirmation class he recently got to learn about different translations of scripture and pick out a Bible just for him. But as much as Copeland has received from the church, he is just as quick to turn around and give back.
A fourth-generation FPC Gastonia member, Copeland was baptized here, attended Presbyterian Weekday School, participated in the scouting program, and was an active member of the Children’s Ministry growing up. More recently, Copeland can be seen participating in Youth Group activities, such as Confirmation, and playing the drums for the Thrive band during worship. It is easy to see the importance that Copeland’s faith already has in his life, even at his young age. Copeland excitedly shares how each of these opportunities has impacted his life so far, specifically pointing out the influence of adults in the congregation who have acted as teachers, guides, and mentors. Copeland explains, “The church is teaching the message of God, and how they portray all of these things is just so amazing to me. It’s just a unique experience that you can’t find anywhere else. All of the activities and all of the fun times we have had together I couldn’t find anywhere else.”
With the Children’s Ministry, Copeland was able to begin his faith journey by participating in Sunday School and lessons on Wednesday nights, with the occasional trip or fellowship event. Now in Youth, Copeland explains that he is getting to learn more about our Christian faith than ever before. “There are more things we’ve had to learn being in middle school,” Copeland shares. “With the younger group we kind of just had fun, and sang songs, and had dinner, and we had a short bible lesson, which, you know, we definitely picked up some of it, but during youth group, we really go further into that and naturally gain a deeper knowledge of our faith.” Copeland excitedly shares that as a member of the Confirmation class he recently got to learn about different translations of scripture and pick out a Bible just for him. But as much as Copeland has received from the church, he is just as quick to turn around and give back.
Last summer, Copeland participated in a mission trip to Columbia, SC, where he and four other youth worked to renovate damaged homes in the area. During the day, Copeland was busy with a paint roller. “It’s very hard to do that,” he explains. “The side of the house we had to paint, I had my arms like this...” he says as he holds his arms up, “for a couple of hours just painting. I was sore by the end of the day.” But even though painting may be a difficult task, Copeland’s eyes light up as he talks about hanging out with other church members and friends on the trip as they participated in worship, discussed their faith, and played Uno every night.
Copeland is also eager to have an impact in the lives of those even younger than he is. He is already acting as a mentor for his younger peers by volunteering with the Children’s ministry, helping out with Wild and Wacky Wednesdays.
Copeland is also eager to have an impact in the lives of those even younger than he is. He is already acting as a mentor for his younger peers by volunteering with the Children’s ministry, helping out with Wild and Wacky Wednesdays.
But those aren’t the only ways that Copeland is leaving his mark. Besides volunteering his time, Copeland volunteers his talents as well. It all started a few years ago when Copeland’s father, Jim, began playing in the Thrive band. Copeland would ask his dad, ‘Hey, can I maybe play the drums this Sunday?’ so they began to work out a plan where Copeland could play with the rest of the group on occasion. Now, Copeland plays the drums every Sunday, a reality made even more impressive when you learn that Copeland had very little experience as a drummer prior to that. “We have a very musical family, but the Thrive band was my first time doing real drumming.” Copeland shares, “We didn’t even have a drum set at home when I started playing.” Through this opportunity, Copeland was able to develop his skills while also being able to share something that he loves with the congregation.
Copeland’s story is just one of many when it comes to the children and teens that have been nurtured by the congregation at FPC Gastonia. The experiences that these young people are getting to share in now will continue to impact them well into the future. Each member, teacher, mentor, and friend acts as an important guide in their walk of faith. Through the support of the congregation, they, just like Copeland, are able to grow and pursue their interests, all while building a deeper faith and relationship with God.
This article is part of a weekly series featuring FPC Gastonia members as part of our Generation to Generation Campaign. Check-in next week as we share another member's story! Find more on our website at www.fpcgastonia.org/generation-to-generation.
Copeland’s story is just one of many when it comes to the children and teens that have been nurtured by the congregation at FPC Gastonia. The experiences that these young people are getting to share in now will continue to impact them well into the future. Each member, teacher, mentor, and friend acts as an important guide in their walk of faith. Through the support of the congregation, they, just like Copeland, are able to grow and pursue their interests, all while building a deeper faith and relationship with God.
This article is part of a weekly series featuring FPC Gastonia members as part of our Generation to Generation Campaign. Check-in next week as we share another member's story! Find more on our website at www.fpcgastonia.org/generation-to-generation.
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