Geneva Youth Photo Gallery 1 | Geneva Youth Photo Gallery 2
January 2008 Parent and Youth Newsletter (.pdf, opens in new window)
Seventh
and eighth
graders are invited to join Geneva's Middle School "Shine" Group.
As a part of Shine, your children will learn about God and develop
lifelong friendships in a fun, nurturing and challenging environment. Read
on to learn
more about the programs available to middle school "Shine" students,
both on Sundays and throughout the year.
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 Afternoon/Evening, 4:15 - 7:30 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 middle
school kids, the four-part evening includes:
Recreation - outdoor/indoor games
Worship -
singing praise songs and a short bible lesson
Core Group
Time - Students of the same grade, one group for girls and one for boys,
join together after each
lesson for discussion. Core groups are described in more
detail
above.
Family Dinnertime - Old-fashioned values at the table
with a delicious home-cooked
mean served family-style, shared prayers and post-dinner
game time.
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.
Vacation
Bible School (VBS) Summer - Last week of July
Five mornings a week, Geneva transforms
into whatever the theme
may be, to create
an exciting, fun-filled
way for children to experience God's love through
song, crafts, games and stories. Seventh
and eighth graders get the opportunity to assist
teachers and leaders. For both students and volunteers, VBS is one
of the most spiritually
fulfilling
weeks of the year! Here's a photo gallery of 2007's VBS activities and a slide show presentation (below).
OR the slideshow in a new window that can be viewed full screen.
Summer
Drama Camp
Geneva is thrilled to make the wonderful world of musical theater
come alive for
kids! Students
age ten through sixteen
can participate in this week-long, morning
program which
culminates with two evening performances
Friday in front of a live audience.
Geneva's drama
camps are led 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 also know teens, and
are experts at identifying the level of participation that is comfortable
for them.
Confirmation
Program
The confirmation program is offered annually
to 8 - 10th graders
who wish to make a public profession
of their faith in Jesus Christ
and become active members
of Geneva. A prerequisite for this program
is regular and proven participation in the life of Geneva's worship,
fellowship and ministries.
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.
Advent
Celebration
Middle school students love this event mostly for the cool crafts they
can make and then give
to
their families
for Christmas presents!
Held the Sunday before Advent, people
of all ages come together to "Hang the
Greens" in
the sanctuary and chapel, prepare
decorations for their homes, share a meal and
sing Christmas carols.
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. |