YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY

The purpose of Ministry to Families is to nurture the practice of faith for families and family members in their everyday lives. This will be met through fellowship, service and teaching support to families and family members of the church and community.

The Milestones on a Growing Child's Faith Journey is the model that has shaped the way we do Ministries to Families at Good Shepherd:

Baptism (0-1 Years) is the child’s introduction to the Church. Prospective/new parents attend classes to help prepare them to have their child baptized.

Prayer (2-3 Years) is introduced to children to model reverent and thoughtful attitudes. We offer parents an opportunity to make a prayer pillow with their child to help introduce bedtime prayer.

Church School (3-4 Years) is the time children traditionally start Sunday School.

Worship (Grades K-1) becomes an active means of involvement for our youth through a Family Worship Service.

Bibles (Grades 2-4) are presented to our 3rd graders during an evening of fellowship and learning with their parents.

Communion (Grades 5-6) training provides instruction on the meaning and practices (ritual) of Holy Communion in the middle of their 4th grade school year.

Confirmation (Grades 7-8) is a two-year program with four parts: Sunday Church School, weekend retreats, monthly meetings, and parental instruction at home.

Witness and Service (Grades 9-12) provides the opportunity for our older youth to become more active in the community and to further explore their faith. The Senior High Youth participate in various fundraisers and service projects to benefit local and national causes.

Vocation (Graduation & Post High School) helps Seniors explore life beyond High School. Good Shepherd offers a class for Seniors and their parents entitled “Good-Bye High School, Hello World,” designed to help families walk through the transition which comes at the end of the Senior year of High School.

Discipleship and Mentoring (Adult) encourages adults to participate in the various ministries of our congregation. These include Christian Education, Small Group Ministry, Stephen Ministry, Music Ministry, and Outreach Ministry. 


GROUPS FOR YOUTH
Tweens is a group for 4th-6th graders which meets throughout the year on a monthly basis by specially called meetings and activities, which are listed on the Good Shepherd calendar.

Junior High (Confirmation) meets throughout the year on a monthly basis by specially called meetings and activities, which are listed on the Good Shepherd calendar. Friday Nights at the Movies is a unique summer opportunity for our Junior High students.

Senior High meets throughout the year on a monthly basis by specially called meetings and activities, which are listed on the Good Shepherd calendar. Also every year the senior high ministry offers a unique summer trip opportunity whose key components are study, service and fellowship.

New to the ministry this year is also a senior high small group ministry. Participants in this small group commit to meet additionally with one another once a month and with the leader of the group also in the month’s timeframe.

Other activities in Family Ministry:

Vacation Bible School at Good Shepherd is scheduled for two weeks in mid June. Children from 2 years old to fourth grade are invited to attend this exciting learning opportunity. Activities include Bible stories, Bible activities, games, crafts, and music. Older youth are encouraged to volunteer in the program.

M.A.D. for Jesus is the midweek youth program of Good Shepherd. This program offers a unique faith-based learning opportunity that is scheduled in 3--eight week blocks from September to May. Music, art and drama (M.A.D.) activities are offered for all levels. Games and storytelling are provided for younger children and handbells are offered for 4th-6th graders. There is also a faith-based learning component offered for adults too which typically focuses on Christian parenting and marriage enrichment. An optional dinner is offered each evening of the midweek program for the participants and their parents.