youth

In keeping with the overall mission of College Church, the personnel and programs of youth ministry at College Church exist to glorify God. Specifically, the goal of our youth ministry is to connect children and their families with our Lord Jesus Christ and to his Church, and to prepare them for a life of joyful obedience to God our Father, keeping in step with the Spirit.

NURSERY AND CHRISTIAN EDUCATION at College Church

During the summer we hold one worship gathering at 9:30am with nursery and Sunday school provided.

Nursery: Birth – 2 Years In our nursery, volunteers provide a safe, loving, caring environment. Parents can confidently leave their children while the attend worship.

Toddlers: 2 & 3 Years Old In a room off the nursery, two and three year olds have their special place to play and begin to learn about God through stories and crafts.

· Two + Three year olds: Room 19

· Four + Five year olds: Room 20

Kindergarten – Fifth Grade: 11am service only

College Church provides creative and edifying Christian Educational programming for elementary school children.

· K-5 Girls: “Upper Room”

· K-5 Boys: “Artisan's Marketplace”

Awana: http://www.awana.org/ (Fall '08 – Spring '09)

What is Awana? Kids having a good time memorizing scripture, interacting with older role models, listening to a story that teaches something about the Bible or the Christian life, playing games, and having snacks.

     Tuesday nights, 6:30-8:00.

     For children age 3 through fifth grade

     Adult Leader: Mike Laprade.

Youth programming is on hiatus for the summer. The following is an overview of our youth ministry during the school year. For more information contact Michael Jones, Youth Leader, 586-0057 x 207.

The goal of youth ministry at College Church is to connect children and their families with our Lord Jesus Christ and to his Church...

What does this look like?

l      For youth who do not know Christ, it means hearing of him and seeing him in the people of the church: other youths, leaders, parents, the whole Body.

l      For youth who do know Christ, to learn more about him and grow closer to him, both on a personal level and by participating thoroughly in the life of the Body, serving and being served.

l      For parents who do not know Christ, it means having an opportunity to discover faithful Christians—young and old—who will give them reason to take a closer look at Jesus Christ.

l      For parents who do know Christ, it means having an opportunity to learn from others and live as a model of Christian parenting.

... and to prepare them for a life of joyful obedience to God our Father, keeping in step with the Spirit.

How do we do this?

l      By helping everyone thoroughly to understand Christian doctrine, including Biblical theology and Church tradition.

l      By honestly communicating about life beyond adolescence and the challenges to faith that are bound to occur.

l      By challenging people to adopt life habits that help to gird up one's faith, encouraging them as they grow, and holding them accountable to their commitments.

l      By always demonstrating loving acceptance in the name of Christ.

Middle School & Junior High: CC Youth Events and Activities: Google Calendar link

l      Sunday School Class

     Sunday, during the 11:00am worship gathering, Back Sanctuary Loft

     This year (2007-2008), lessons focus on discovering who we are in Christ,

and finding practical applications for our Christian faith.

l      Youth Group

     Sunday, 6:00-7:30pm, Logan House

     Involves Bible/theology lessons, mentoring, small group prayer, silly games, and snacks provided by parents.

     Parent meetings the second Sunday of every other month. Check the calendar for more details. (link)

     Parents are always welcome to come and sit in on a middle school youth group meeting.

l      Special Events

High School: CC Youth Events and Activities: Google Calendar link

l      Sunday Lunch Study

     Sunday, after 11:00 service, Where?

     Lunch and Bible study

l      Youth Group

     Sundays, 6:00-8:00pm, Back Sanctuary

     Games, snacks, group prayer, Bible based lesson, small group discussions

l      Tuesday Hang Time

     Tuesdays, 4:00-6:00pm, Bruegger's Bagels, Downtown Northampton

     Talk about what we've been reading in the Bible, do some homework, listen to music, etc.

l      Side Door

     Fridays, 6-9pm, Back Sanctuary

     Informal games and hang out time

     A safe alternative to other Friday night activities for church goers and their non-church going friends

l      Special Events [LINK TO CALENDAR]

     Details about upcoming events. [MJ update as needed]

     Winter Retreat (http://www.mountainsummits.com/mountains/newhampshire/monadnock.htm)

     Amazing Race

     30 Hour Famine (www.30hourfamine.org)

     Picnics

     Movie Nights

     Camping

l      Volunteer Leaders

     Doug & Sue Miller, Stephen Luchini, Jeff Costigan, Kathleen Thomas

Post-High School and College: CC Youth Events and Activities: Google Calendar link