Youth Ministry: April News
I’m ready for summer. I’m just waiting for a nice Saturday to come so I that I can clean my grill and start the BBQ season. And speaking of transitioning into the summer season, we have some important transitions ahead that everyone needs to take note of so please read on!
GRADE 12 TRANSITIONS
In the past two years, we’ve had all our Grade 12’s transition to the Adult Small Group Ministry in May. The reason that we do this is primarily to help these graduates acclimatize to the post-secondary world before their transition in September. So starting in May, I’ll be co-leading a summer small group which combines our returning out-of-town post-secondary students with our Grade 12’s. In doing this, we allow for the 12’s to build some strategic relationships with those who are ahead of them and also to prepare themselves for September. Spiritually, this small group also puts a more intentional emphasis on understanding God’s Word and knowing how to navigate our ever-secularizing culture.
But in contrast to previous years where we moved all our Grade 12’s without exception. This year, we’re going to give the 12’s an option — they can join the new summer small group AND/OR continue staying in Themelios. The reason for this is because we want to accommodate those who may not be able to attend the new group due to scheduling. However, my strong encouragement is for all the 12’s to at least try this summer group first.
This new summer group runs from May to August, every Saturday, from 6:30 pm until about 9:30 pm. Our first meeting will be Saturday, May 4 at my place, inaugurated with a BBQ, of course (I’ll be creating a Facebook event to RSVP later). From there, we’ll meet weekly either at my home or someone else’s and we’ll always aim to have dinner together first before diving into the night’s activities.
Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
SUMMER BREAKS
I know we’ve barely hit spring but we need to start planning for the summer already! Please note that we’ll be taking certain ‘summer holidays’ this year in both fellowships. If you have any questions about these breaks, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
412 Fellowship. Taking a break in July and August. However, because we have many more in this demographic who only attends on Sunday, we’ll be shifting a focus there instead by having a dedicated Grade 7-8 class during Sunday School from June through August.
Themelios. Taking a break in August. During August we will be having training instead for the new committee.
So that’s all the future stuff and here’s what’s happening in the present!
| Date | 412 Fellowship | Themelios |
| Apr 5 | — | Bible Study |
| Apr 12 | Fun Night! | Book Talk |
| Apr 19 | Good Friday @ SCAC | Good Friday @ SCAC |
| Apr 26 | Fun Night! | Snap’em (Graduation) |
| May 3 | — | New Themelios |
YOUTH EVENTS
Toronto Remix – June 26 – 30, @ Seneca College Newnham Campus
We went two years ago and had a great experience. Toronto Remix is a week-long interactive and hands-on urban mission experience designed to equip, train, and inspire young leaders to centre their lives within the mission and message of Jesus. If you’re interested in attending this year, let me know as soon as possible! More info here. Also, if you want to see what we did when we went two year ago, click here! See if you can spot us in the video!
CHURCH EVENTS
Good Friday Service – April 19, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm @ Scarborough Chinese Alliance Church
Our annual joint Good Friday service several other Alliance churches. This year we’ll be trying something a little different and with a more solemn and somber service where we’ll be recounting the last words of Jesus. More details to come but mark off the date!
Family Camp – May 18 – 20 @ Brock University
Every year, our church has its annual camp with the entire church. All are welcome! This year we’ll be having Rev. John Mah speak on the English side on the theme of “Losing Face, Saving Grace.” If you’re interesting in joining, please register soon as we need to confirm our numbers as soon as possible! Registration forms are available at the front desk in the foyer.
Blessings,
Pastor Darren