Youth-friendly church open in Ranchos

by Sharlene Irete

sirete@recordcourier.com

Although The Cross church is new to the Gardnerville Ranchos, its pastor is not new in his service to youth in Carson Valley.

Dennis Bertucci was youth pastor at Valley Christian Fellowship and worked with teens on probation in Douglas County.

"For 15 years I worked with kids at China Spring, Aurora Pines and through the courts. I love teens," said Bertucci. "That's where the Lord led me."

Bertucci and his wife Vickie have lived in the area for 20 years, raising their three children, a niece and many other young people.

"We always had kids living with us, always teenagers," he said. "We've had 17 kids over the years. Some who needed a home, some out on probation. We had them from one weekend to 13 years."

The 5 p.m. Sunday church service is set up to accommodate youth and their families.

"Kids don't like mornings. With service at 5 p.m., Mom and Dad can do something in the morning and they can do something as a family later," said Bertucci. "It's neat to see kids bring their parents to church. It's good to get to know the kids and their families."

Youth group service with a live band, dinner and food is 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

"We feed them, sing with them and give them encouragement," he said.

Bertucci is at The Cross all day. He said the church gives young people a place to gather after school, hang out with their friends, do homework and play music.

"They can call me to set up a time to play," he said. "There are three or four teens who walk in every day, just to say hi and see what's going on.

"I'm able to connect with teens with problems. Give them hope, give them a chance and someone to talk to. Someone to listen to them."

The Cross Christian Church is at 811 Short Court, Units B and C, in the Gardnerville Ranchos. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday. Pastor Dennis Bertucci, (775) 781-2223.

The Cross

811 Short Court, Units B and C, in the Gardnerville Ranchos

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday.

(775) 781-2223

Services:

5 p.m. Sunday

5:30 p.m. Tuesday youth group