A Sustainable Youth and Children’s Ministry
by Andrew Moore
We value the young people of our church, and we are committed to building a sustainable youth and children’s ministry that is going to have a deep impact. That’s why we are developing a game plan together. I will be leaving for seminary in the fall and we want to make sure that we have a strong plan in place for the transition. To help facilitate this process and lay a strong foundation for the future, we have invited Youth Ministry Architects to visit us January 29-February 1, 2012. (Learn more about them at www.ymarchitects.com.) YMA will spend the majority of their time listening to a variety of groups within the church through focused listening groups. We hope to see participation in those groups from a broad spectrum of parents, volunteers, staff and people who just love our young people. We want your insights, your frustrations and your dreams to be heard.
After spending 2 days in these listening groups (and taking copious notes), the YMA team will hunker down to write a report, sharing with us what they’ve heard about the youth and children’s ministry—including assets, challenges, and how we compare to youth and children’s ministries around the country—and where it seems that God might be taking us next. OnWednesday, February 1, the report will be presented to the congregation at 6:30 p.m. during Koinonia, laying out specific recommendations and a blueprint for how to move forward.
We want to hear your voice! Times of listening sessions are listed below, as well as on the bulletin board in the 2nd floor Education Hallway. Sign up for the listening sessions either on the bulletin board or by e-mailing me or calling me, 525-6602 ext. 125.
Sunday, January 29
12:00-1:15 – Godly Play & Sunday School Teachers**
1:30-2:45 – Parents of Children Age 0-Grade 5**
3:00-4:15 – Vestry
4:30-5:45 – Youth in Grades 6-12 & Parents of Youth
6:00-7:15 – Youth in Grades 6-12 & Parents of Youth
7:30-8:45 – All parishioners welcome
**Childcare will be provided.
Participants only need to attend one listening session,even if they fall into several categories.