Every Wednesday afternoon, the rooms of First United Methodist Church of Canonsburg come alive with middle school energy. There’s laughter over puzzles, quiet moments with devotionals, and hands busy with art, snacks, and service projects. For Canon Mac middle school students, it’s more than just an after-school stop—it’s where faith takes root, and relationships grow.
Tierney joined Canon Mac Campus Life in sixth grade after hearing about it from older friends. She already had some church background, but it was Summer Escape that changed everything. “That week was more than just a camp; it was a learning moment,” she said. “I learned that I am not alone, and God has a plan for everyone. It is something I will never forget.”
Like many kids, Tierney carried hard things she didn’t always share. “I always thought I was the only kid who had divorced parents and was never good enough since my parents had different expectations and life could become very stressful. I always thought it was my fault my parents split up, but at Summer Escape we were learning about God’s plan. Not only that, but I learned that God had a plan for everything even if it didn’t seem like it. It helped me figure out that God was making me strong for the harder battles in life that have yet to come.”
From that point on, Tierney showed up to everything—summer events, regular meetings, and after-school gatherings. “Through regular Campus Life, I learned that you are not alone either. When I listened to other people, I realized how many people also had divorced parents and some with bigger problems than mine.”
She leaned in by listening closely, taking notes, and bringing her friends along. “I knew one way I could show traits like this was to get closer to the Lord. So, I started listening to JR preach more at Campus Life and brought a notebook to write things that stuck out to me.”
The midweek meetups at First United Methodist became her favorite part of the week. “On Wednesday we go to First United Methodist Church, and I loved all the ladies that helped, and I looked forward to it every Wednesday. It’s a place where I can be myself. I know I won’t be judged, and it was a great way to calm down from school. I started to invite my friends to after school and campus life to help them grow their faith, and they helped me grow my faith.”
Phyllis Pirnik, a longtime member, was one of those welcoming Wednesday volunteers. She didn’t expect to feel so moved. “I have always found myself most comfortable with the older generations. But with that said, from the very first Wednesday with these kids, each of them touched my heart!”
When JR and Erica Gardner, Canonsburg Campus Life Middle School Directors, approached the church about partnering with the Armory After School Program, Phyllis and other church leaders said yes. They prepared rooms, brought in activities, and recruited volunteers. “Some [students] are brand new to the idea of faith and others are further along into their faith journey. Each student brings a unique perspective to our group and each other.”
The group learned to sew blankets for kids in need and crocheted mats for people experiencing homelessness. They asked deep questions, laughed together, and even welcomed a 96-year-old church member to share stories. The year ended with a family open house, a Gospel-sharing magician, and bowls of homemade ice cream.
Phyllis remembers Tierney in particular. “Tierney was a student who you could tell was motivated to share her faith with others. She had a fun and entertaining way about her. She used her art skills to add projects to our space that reflect God’s love for us. Gentle reminders to the group of God at work in their lives.” “There is no question that God is working with us and through us in this amazing after school program,” Phyllis said.
Tierney agrees. “Campus Life has taught me so many things you can never learn in a classroom.”