For as long as I can remember I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by people who love me.

This is a luxury that a lot of kids my age do not have, a luxury I take advantage of each day, and it seems more and more apparent as time goes on.

However, for anyone lacking self-confidence, a place to go or someone to turn to, I have found somewhere for you.

It was the last Sunday of winter break when a friend of mine, Katie Martin, called me and asked if I could be at the church in 20 minutes to play guitar for youth group at Pendleton Christian Church, a group we call Second Family.

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I had been asked to attend before, but this was the first time I took the offer.

The reason I accepted this time was partly because I love playing guitar and would never pass up the offer.

But as time goes by, I fall more and more in love with my Sunday evenings.

Each week I can count on a group of 80-ish kids to be together under one roof with a common purpose — their love for God.

For me, my favorite part is worship; for some, it is the games we play; and for others, it is the lesson that our youth minister, Devin Dummel, preaches.

But something each person who attends can always count on is a group of friends whom they can trust, talk to and express themselves around no matter what their differences may be.

And although it may be hard to hear those who you differ with, we all try. We try because we know everyone needs someone, and we may be that person.

This is a lesson Devin has done a great job at teaching us.

Each week, Devin addresses things we are actually going through in everyday life —whether it be peer pressure, the stress we undergo at school or that feeling of being an outsider because we have our differences.

And although we may all be experiencing different things, we can all relate if we are just willing to listen.

So, for those high schoolers out there who feel a little out of place or like they need someone to talk to, we invite you — not just myself but the whole group — because we’re willing to talk, get to know you and grow with you.

Each Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church we gather together as a group to laugh, love and enjoy the company of our peers.

More information can be found at: https://www.pendcc.org/2econdfamily

Jack Hudson is a sophomore at Pendleton Heights High School, where in addition to his studies he pursues music and broadcasting through the Pendleton Heights Jazz Ensemble and 91.7 WEEM FM.