Youth Ministry
 

XPLOD-Youth Ministry Dec 2008 Info!

Video - Second Sunday Salvador SJR ASWEGO

Xplōd youth ministry!

The youth ministry of St. John’s is for grades 7-12. The mission of xplōd youth ministry is toe Transform Students into Exploding Christians. We want to see students’ lives changed by the power and love of Jesus so that they can make a huge impact on their world. We believe that these students are just as much the church of today as they are the church of tomorrow. There’s always something going on, so come on out, we’d love to see your face!!!

Breakfast Table

Every Sunday morning at 9:03AM, the kids all gather in the DOG Pen downstairs around the breakfast table for some…well, for some breakfast. There’s also some discussion about God and other issues affecting their lives. It’s a great way to connect and to start off your morning—and your week for that matter!

STUDS/STARS

On Sunday evenings at 7:30PM (7PM in the summer), the guys small group (STUDS) and the girls small group (STARS) meet for praise and worship, prayer, sharing and a deeper look into the word of God. This is a great place for the youth to connect with one another and with God.

The Oasis

During the school year, The Oasis is a haven after School every Tuesday from 3:30PM to 8:30PM for kids in grades 6-12. Located in the old Sinking Spring Borough Hall, The Oasis features video games, pool, air hockey, skeeball, and even dinner. It’s a great place where kids from all over the community come together and hang out in a “drama” free zone. Contact Will if you want to know when the Oasis is open during the summer at oasisyc@yahoo.com.

Confirmation:

Confirmation is a two-year program which includes an overview of scripture and church history. Students may begin confirmation in eighth grade.

Ministries:

Archangel Choir:

The Archangel Choir practices on Sunday nights at 6:30PM during the school year and gives kids a chance to sing in harmony for God. The choir, puppet team and drama team also travel frequently to share their gifts with churches right here in the Reading Area and as far away as Ottawa, Canada.

Hands of Praise Puppet team:

A group of teens who communicate the truth of God through the use of puppets. They practice on Sunday nights at 5:30PM during the school year.

Acting Up drama team:

Acting Up performs skits, sketches, improve, and other dramas during worship services, at Comedy Dinner Theaters, at retreats, at Vacation Bible School, and on mission trips. They practice on Sunday nights at 5:30PM.

FUEL Retreat:

Students actively involved in the youth ministry have the opportunity to serve as counselors, worship leaders and even speakers for our FUEL Retreats. This is a great way for them to serve as role models and live out their faith—with a bunch of little eyes watching them.

Retreats and Trips:

The youth ministry is always up to something, whether it’s service projects like going to Soup Kitchens, raking leaves for members of the church, or serving a meal at Opportunity House or other fun/bonding trips to amusement parks, Geocaching, hiking, camping, going toe CreationFest, sleepovers, etc. Here’s a few other examples:

Fall Retreat:

Every fall we go away for a weekend with other churches in the Reading Youth Ministry Network for a weekend of fun, bonding, great teaching, ropes courses, and lots of laughs.

Winter Retreat:

In the winter we head to camp (or sometimes a hotel) with Community Evangelical for a weekend that challenges us, stretches us, and also refreshes us by giving us a break from the routine of school.

Newsong Retreat:

The Newsong Retreat is a retreat focused on worship and spiritual renewal in May before finals hit and school ends. It’s a great opportunity for our group to bond with each other and connect with God.
Mission Trips: Every other summer there is a youth group mission trip (Senior High trips on the years in between) which is usually a week-long trip designed to really push the youth to live out their faith and get dirty for the sake of the gospel. Trips have gone all over the US and to Mexico most recently.

Senior High only:

Ekklesia—Ekklesia is for 10-12 graders and involves one on one discipleship programs, mission trips, concerts and other events, like going out to lunch after church once a month.

Ground Zero

The Ground Zero leadership team forms the discipleship support base for everything that goes on in xplōd. People of all ages, gifts and backgrounds come together on this team, united by a common love for Jesus Christ and a passion for youth, to help challenge, mold, shape and protect this generation of leaders and world changers and prepare them for the journey ahead.

If you have questions, comments, feedback, or if you would like to sell him some Amway, please contact our Youth Director, Will Ogle via the following:
E-mail: xplodsj@yahoo.com
Phone: 610-678-1446

Transforming Students into explōding Christians!