
Mark Chapman
Director of Student Ministry
(949) 837-4765,
ext. 211
mchapman@genevapres.org
Geneva Youth Photo Gallery 1 | Geneva Youth Photo Gallery 2
January 2008 Parent and Youth Newsletter (.pdf, opens in new window)
Our high school "FLOOD" group
has a mission — to provide a place where every 9th through 12th
grader feels comfortable, is greeted by name and is ensured a high five
or hand
shake.
And, perhaps most importantly, it's a place where everyone feels accepted
and wanted, not only by God, but by each other. High
school is a time where students can not only continue to mature in their
own faith, but
prepare
to share their faith with others. The programs offered for our FLOOD
students listed below allow them this opportunity.
Sunday Worship
Geneva's
Middle and High Schoolers meet Sunday mornings at 10:30 AM
in the youth room - complete with ping-pong table and old, beat-up couches
- for
a time of worship and Bible study. The two groups begin the morning
together singing contemporary praise songs with guitar accompaniment, then
separate
for Bible study. Many of our youth also attend our 9:30 AM contemporary
worship service which is held in Simpson Hall.
Core
Groups
These
small groups are at the center of Geneva's youth program. Two adult volunteers
lead each group of approximately 6-12 students (divided according
to grade and gender) in all activities, from discussion time during our midweek
LOGOS
program (see below) to fun days at the beach. Core Group Leaders
receive
training and nurturing from the Team Leaders and Pastors. Members
of a Core Group bond together to become a church "family". These
groups give students the opportunity to develop and nurture close friendships
as
well as provide a more intimate and safe environment for spiritual
questions and discussion.
Midweek
LOGOS
Wednesday Evening,
6:30 - 8:30 PM
October through May
LOGOS is a midweek
program designed for ministry to children, youth and their families. It
is a "retreat-every-week" that
provides all of the dynamics of a good camp program. For high
school students, the three-part evening includes:
Dinner - A delicious
meal
and shared prayers
begins the evening
Worship - singing praise songs and a short
Bible lesson
Core Group Time - Students break out into these smaller
groups after each
lesson for discussion. Core groups are described in more
detail above.
One of the cornerstones of
the LOGOS program is parent participation. All parents must attend an annual parent meeting
and at least one parent per family is expected to participate in one of the four areas of the
program. However, not all areas require weekly involvement. Rotation varies, so check the many
options. This commitment and effort on behalf of pastors, staff, church officers AND parents is
what makes LOGOS one of the finest programs of Christian nurture for children and youth available
today. Our kids love it and yours will, too!
Click here for 2007-08 Themes (Adobe .pdf file, opens in new window)
Music
Geneva
has a tradition of nurturing highly skilled musicians
and vocalists within the
local church family. Middle
and High School bands lead worship for both the Wednesday night LOGOS program
and
on Sunday mornings.
All band
members are
comprised of Geneva youth and practice weekly, or
as needed.
Retreats
and Camps Summer (week-long); Winter (weekend only)
Camps are
a vital part of
the youth ministry at Geneva. Students can get
away from their everyday schedules in a safe and nurturing environment,
grow
in their
relationship
with God
and build lifelong friendships.
In the summer,
the FLOOD group
enjoys a week together on a house boat, shared with
high school groups from other
churches.
In the winter,
a weekend away in a more traditional camp setting gives kids a chance to
bond and worship.
Summer
Drama Camp
Geneva
is thrilled
to make
the wonderful world of musical theater come
alive! High school
students up to age sixteen can participate in
this week-long, morning program which
culminates
with two evening performances in front of
a live audience. Geneva's
drama camps are lead by Kathleen Chapman
and Nancy Matossian.
The original
musicals are written and directed by Kathleen and
are
tailored for
each cast. Nancy is a professional choreographer
and co-directs. Not only do Kathleen
and Nancy produce a musical theater experience
through a fun learning environment pleasing to the Lord, they
are also
experts
at identifying
the level of participation
that is comfortable for each participant.
October Pumpkin Carnival
An old-fashioned fall harvest party complete with games, food and a costume parade, which our Middle and High School kids put on for smaller children. This October event features fun events such as a cake walk, bounce house, photo booth, and a snack bar with pizza, popcorn, pumpkin seeds and more.. Bring your kids and your appetite! No scary or evil costumes, please.
Short-Term
Mission
One of the highlights of the year for the FLOOD group is the
week-long
Vacation
Bible School they
both prepare and lead for children in
Mexico during spring break. It's
an opportunity for our high school students
to step out of their "comfort
zone" and see the world through
different eyes. It also allows them to
use their gifts,
abilities and resources to share
the compassion
of Christ
with others.
However, mission
work doesn't necessarily mean helping people
far away. Our FLOOD group does plenty to reach
out to others within the church who need their
help. For instance, many of the programs designed
for younger children could not be done without
the help of our high school students. Vacation
Bible School, the Pumpkin Carnival and Easter
Egg Hunt are successful in large part to their
contributions. Additionally, our High School
kids are beginning to get involved in youth
ministry as leaders-in-training for the Middle
School, "Shine" group.
Fundraising and
Scholarships
Each student at Geneva has an "individual
scholarship account" where money
they earn through church fundraising
may go toward
participation
in future youth events.
Partial and full
scholarships are also granted on an
individual basis.
Kevin O'Neill Scholarship
This is a fund-raising and grant program for students who are continuing their education beyond high school. This ministry designates awards based on scholastic achievement, Christian commitment, goals, contributions to the community and faith at Geneva. To download the 2008 application, click here and follow the instructions. The deadline for submissions is Thursday, May 29. A copy of your most recent transcript must be included.
Advent Celebration
The Sunday before Thanksgiving, youth
and adults gather for an evening of making holiday crafts and decorating
the sanctuary for
the Christmas season. Dinner is provided. The highlight of the evening is
carol singing in the sanctuary and singing "Silent Night" under
the stars in the courtyard.
Father/Daughter
Dinner
Fathers and daughters get to enjoy dinner together followed by a
special speaker or musical act,
or both! However, the highlight of this annual Spring event is the awards
ceremony. Bring your appetite and your sense
of humor to this highly anticipated
event. |