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“Transformed by Christ;
Influencing Our World”

MISSION STATEMENT
We joyfully give God glory by growing as a community of believers, transformed by Christ and empowered to share His love.

Core Values
  • Worshiping God together

  • Nurturing an environment where Christ’s love and grace is expressed

  • Exploring God’s Word through the Bible to know Christ more fully

  • Compelled by God’s redemption to influence our world

Being a student in the 21st century isn’t always easy. Calvin’s Youth Ministry strives to help students follow God through all the times. Our Ministry team wants to create opportunities for students to connect with God through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Senior High Youth are in 9th through 12th grade, and the Mid-High Youth are 6th through 8th graders.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20


FOUNDATIONS
Foundations is a time of in-depth Bible teaching and prayer. When students complete the entire 7 years of Youth Foundations curriculum they will have studied the entire Bible twice.

Senior High Foundations meets Sunday mornings in the Chi House. Using the Student Life Bible Study Curriculum, one major strand of biblical truth (Community, Covenant, Consecration, Commission) is followed from beginning to end each year so students understand the major themes of the Bible.

For 2007- 2008 academic year the strand of COVENANT traces the covenant God established from the patriarchs to the New Covenant ushered in by Jesus Christ. It will focus on God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, and sovereignty. Students will discover that they can only know God in a covenant relationship and will be challenged to build their lives on the promises of God.

The goal of Mid-High Foundations (Sundays in the Activity Center Youth Room) is to provide a foundational understanding of the tenants of the Christian Faith and the big picture of the biblical story from Genesis to Revelation. Teachers use “Show Me Jesus - Youth” from Great Commission Publications. The 2007 - 2008 academic year studies include:
  • GOD’S GRACE IN YOU - God’s covenant plan and how we fit into it

  • JESUS IS MY SAVIOR - why everyone needs a Savior and how Jesus fulfills that role based on the Gospel of Luke


  • LETTERS FROM GOD - New Testament epistles for guidelines on kingdom living.
FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
SENIOR HIGH
On Sunday evenings (7:00 p.m.) the Senior High Youth come together to experience and express the love of God through worship, fellowship, devotions and service. The evening includes great music, fun, and an opportunity to nurture friendships and be recharged through the Word of God. Our devotions/discussions are designed to make students think seriously about their theology. We want them to examine what they believe and claim as a Christian, why they believe it, and how those beliefs express themselves in their lives. No easy answers; learn to think biblically.

MID-HIGH
Wednesday evenings (7:00 p.m.) the Mid-High Youth gather for exciting activities, great music, discussion, service and fun. Generally following the recognized chronology of Jesus’ life, our devotions at youth group are designed to give students a big picture perspective on Jesus’ mission, his kingdom, his sacrifice and his love. They’ll move beyond just acquiring knowledge; as they encounter Jesus, we pray that their lives will be changed and their hearts transformed.

BIBLE STUDIES & SMALL GROUPS
Various opportunities to participate in small group Bible studies are available. Some groups meet weekly while others are seasonal with a special emphasis. Please contact Youth Director Kathi Bonallo for topics, meeting times and locations. Opportunities for one-on-one discipleship are also available.

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH CLASS
In January and February a Confirmation/Inquirer’s class is offered. The course intends to launch students into a lifetime of discipleship by means of encouraging spiritual practices and developing a “rule of life”. After this class students may become members in the church.

SPECIAL EVENTS & SERVICE PROJECTS
Monthly there are special events and service projects for both Senior High and Mid High students. These special events are designed to grow and stretch their faith and experience the love of God. Some examples include: serving at a soup kitchen, movie nights, raking yards, weekend retreats, rock climbing, youth conventions, rollerblading and much more. In 2007 - 2008 the Sr. High youth will lead six evening services - a L.I.F.E. service - for the Calvin/Shoreline and Edmonds community. To find out what is going on, be sure to check the Youth Calendar (available on line) or call Kathi Bonallo in the Youth Office for information on future events.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

MISSIONS
Calvin Sr. High Youth have a long tradition of summer mission trips, alternating summers between a cross-cultural mission and a more local location. In 2007 the Mid-High youth also had an opportunity to go on short-term mission in our local area. The Youth Ministry Team has established a Youth Mission Board to further enhance youth missions. The board’s role will be to direct the vision, long-range planning, training models and quarterly mission focus for a year-round, 6-7 year cycle in youth missions. Please call Kathi Bonallo, Director of Youth Ministries, for more information and/or to volunteer!

TRAINEES
When school is out the excitement in youth ministry ramps up! Calvin brings in 3-7 Trainees, young adults, to minister alongside staff. Summers are full of unusual events, retreats and lots of fellowship time.

SUMMER CAMP
Bordering the Glacier Park Wilderness Area, Tall Timber Ranch has provided inspiring camping experiences for over 45 years. The lush meadows, massive cedars, glacial rivers and snowcapped peaks enhance the wholesome fun, exciting activities, and solid biblical teaching that stretch and challenge campers. Week-long camps for youth are available July and August. Many camps have added adventures and focus on specific interests.

GETTING INVOLVED

ADVISORS & TEACHERS
Calvin’s exciting ministry for youth is possible because of the dedicated volunteer advisors and teachers. If you would like to be a part of this dynamic team of volunteers, please contact Kathi Bonallo. The requirements are a solid faith in Jesus Christ, a love for youth, and a youthful heart.

PARENT ADVISORY MEETINGS
Each month a parent advisory team meets with the Youth Director and Youth Elder to pray for the ministry, to share concerns, and celebrate successes. The parents’ help and support are vital to the energy and excitement of the ministry. All parents and other interested members are invited to these meetings.

YOUTH MISSION BOARD
Do you have a heart for missions and youth? The Youth Mission Board directs the vision, long-range planning, training models, and quarterly mission focus for a year-round, 6-7 year cycle in youth missions. The board includes 3-4 adults and 2-3 youth members, as well as the Director of Youth Ministries (ex-officio). The board also works indirectly with the Calvin Mission Board. Please call Kathi Bonallo, Director of Youth Ministries, for more information and/or to volunteer!



For printable forms and current month Youth Calendar, go to Downloads, then Youth Calendars and Forms.


For dates and times of current activities, check the Calendar and News sections of this website.