NextGen Ministry
What is NextGen?
NextGen Ministry encompasses all young people (from cradle to college) and their families. It is unique from typical children's and youth ministry because it seeks to build a bridge of faith beyond the walls of the church. We offer different environments tailored to meet whatever phase of life our young people are in so that they can grow in their faith! Each environment is led by at least two pre-screened, background-checked adults who love Jesus and who are passionate about the next generation. Background checks are repeated every two years, and every volunteer must read and sign our Children and Youth Protection Policy.
Faith Forest
Birth - 5th Grade
Our children's ministry is a safe space for children (birth to 5th grade) to explore their faith through age-appropriate environments. Each environment is led by at least two pre-screened, background-checked adults who love Jesus and love the next generation. Background checks are repeated every two years and every volunteer must read and sign our Child Protection Policy.
The Nursery is a safe and nurturing environment for young children (birth - 5 yrs) to experience God's love. Nursery is offered during Sunday School (9:15 am) and during Worship (10:30 am). A starting place where kids can begin to know God's love and meet God's family (the church)! With hearts and minds full of wonder and imagination, our nursery is a fun place for all young children! The Nursery is located upstairs across from the Parlor.
In our nursery ministry we want kids to know three big truths:
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God loves.
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God made me.
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Jesus wants to be my friend forever.
During Elementary years (Kindergarten - 5th grade) we embrace fun and engage children's interests so that they can learn to trust God and experience life with God's family. Elementary will meet in the cove located on the lower level across from the Fellowship Hall.
We strive to help kids understand these three big truths:
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I need to make a wise choice.
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I should treat others the way I want to be treated.
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I can trust God no matter what.
What's Happening in Faith Forest?
Nursery (birth - 5 yrs)
Nursery is offered during Sunday School (9:15 am) and during Worship (10:30 am).
Elementary (Kindergarten - 5th grade)
Sunday School starts at 9:15 am in the cove.
During Sunday School, elementary students will get the opportunity to learn God's Word hands-on through a different type of activity each week. They will learn about the Bible through storytelling, games, crafts, and science.
Pathfinders (Kindergarten - 5th grade)
Pathfinders starts at 10:30 am in the cove during worship.
Pathfinders is a time for children to explore God's Word through fun and engaging activities so that they can explore their unique path of faith. On the 1st Sunday of the Month, all Elementary kids attend Sunday Worship with their families in the Sanctuary.
Wednesday Nights (select dates during the school year see calendar)
On Wednesday nights we emphasize even further the Sunday School lessons with games, music, and small groups. The meal starts at 5:15 pm (in conjunction with Wednesday Family Night) and programming from 6-7 pm
Students
6th grade-12th grade
In Student Ministry we intentionally create an environment that helps students dive deep into God's Word and ask questions that allow them to grow in their faith.
During Middle School (6th-8th grade), we want students to know that they are loved, valued and that they belong. As we help them to own their faith journey, we want them to live out these truths:
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I will love God because He will never stop loving me.
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I will follow Jesus because He knows me better than I know myself
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I will live out God’s story so others can know who Jesus is.
During High School (9th-12th grade), we want students to solidify a faith that lasts a lifetime. Our student ministry is a safe place for high schoolers to explore their God-given passions in life. When students graduate and become adults, we want them to know:
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I am created to pursue a relationship with my creator.
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I trust what Jesus did to transform whom I need to become.
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I exist to demonstrate God’s love to those around me.
What's Happening with Students?
Youth Sunday School at "Core52" -- A 52-week series through the Bible.
Over the course of 2022, we're challenging students to take a deep dive into God's Word! One of the easiest, but most critical ways a person can grow in their faith, is through a consistent devotion to God's Word. Students are encouraged to spend 15 minutes a day, 5 days a week in the Bible using the Core52 Student Edition book as their guide! These books are free to any student on Sunday morning.
Wednesday Nights (select dates during the school year see calendar)
On Wednesday Nights we help students break down difficult concepts, and navigate unique challenges they may face through biblically rooted teachings and small group discussions.
Meal starts at 5:15 pm (in conjunction with Wednesday Family Night) programming from 6-7 pm
Keep in Touch
Pastor Bri sends out an email to parents and guardians regularly to keep them updated on what is happening in the NextGen program. This includes news on upcoming events, status updates on the current curriculum for Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights, and so much more! This is a great way to stay connected to our ministry. Pastor Bri also does great with trying to bridge the gap between church and home and always has opportunities to bring lessons back into the children's home space with the help of parents.
Click the button below to subscribe to the NextGen email.
Click on the links below to visit our Facebook Groups for our Youth
You can find all of our curriculum on The Parent Cue App. You can follow along with us as your kids learn all about Jesus.
Click below to add the Parent Cue app today!
