Not in Vain: Work and Your Relationship With God

Teenagers have plenty of work to do already, and work (of one kind or another) is a big part of their future.

When it comes to work, teenagers are facing some big questions:

• Does my work really matter?
• How can I decide what work to pursue?
• What if my work ends in disappointment?

The truth is: Your daily work, now and in the future, is part of your relationship with God.

Paul said: "Your labor is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58). That is the theme of this event.

An Evening for Teenagers and Those Who Disciple Them

While the evening is especially for teens, it is open to all who are interested. In particular, we expect that parents, teachers, and others who disciple teenagers may benefit from the evening's teaching and fellowship. Younger siblings are also welcome.

The event is offered in partnership with Live Oak Academy.

Our Speakers

Calvin Goligher is the Pastor of First OPC Sunnyvale. He also teaches at Live Oak Academy.

Nathaniel Vroom is the Associate Pastor of First OPC Sunnyvale.

Our Panelists

The evening will feature three brief interviews with adults sharing their successes, failures, and lessons they've learned.

Conley Owens is the Pastor of Silicon Valley Reformed Baptist Church and a former software engineer. He will speak about working with new AI tools.

Krista Sobrak-Seaton is the Headmaster-Elect of Live Oak Academy, where she is currently a teacher and department head for math and science. She will speak about her work as an educator and a homeschooling mother.

Jim Lemen is an elder at First OPC Sunnyvale and a retired astrophysicist. He will speak about his years as a scientist and a manager.

Free Books

David Bahnsen's Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life makes a bracing case that ordinary daily work matters to God. We appreciated its enthusiasm for working hard at whatever God calls and equips us to do. The author has generously donated 100 copies — one for each of the first 100 people through the doors.

Schedule

Doors open at 6:00pm.

6:30pm Working in God's World (Nathaniel Vroom)
7:00pm Interview with Conley Owens
7:15pm Break for Boba Tea
7:45pm Interview with Jim Lemen
8:00pm Working in Wartime (Calvin Goligher)
8:30pm Interview with Krista Sobrak-Seaton
8:45pm Closing

Location & Parking

First OPC Sunnyvale is at 1210 Brookfield Avenue in Sunnyvale. Street parking is available in the neighborhood around the church, although you may need to walk a block or two. The building is wheelchair accessible.

The Silicon Valley Bible Conference

On Saturday and Sunday, November 7–8, Dr. Ryan McGraw will be at First OPC Sunnyvale for the Silicon Valley Bible Conference. He will be speaking on "The Lord and Life-Giver: Enjoying the Holy Spirit" You are welcome to join us!

FAQ

May I still attend the event if I have not reserved a ticket?
Reservations help us plan the event and be prepared for those who come, so we appreciate the advance notice! However, everyone is welcome, with or without tickets. A ticket will not be required for entry.

Can teenagers attend on their own, or must a parent or other adult accompany them?
Teens may attend on their own, with a group from their church or school, or with their parents.

What ages are included in "teenager"? Am I allowed to bring my younger children to the event? 
The teenage audience we anticipate will be most interested in this event are High School age students. However, younger children are welcome to attend with their parents.