Ebenezer Youth on the Move!

As the Youth department continues to grow, our youth have been quite busy with the number of ventures and activities taken on lately.  Between workshops, Ministry of Youth, the annual Halloween party, Advent and Christmas season, Junior Church, youth choir, EPIC youth group, individual development, and much more, our youth are on a roll

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FEBRUARY
The month of February is dedicated to love.
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 16TH at 7pm – 6th annual Valentine Dinner hosted by the EPIC Youth Department, Sir. Durward Knowles Auditorium.  Tickets $25 available now.  Please support.  SEE YOU THERE!!!!
 
Gia  Rolle is chairman of the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church -Children Youth & Young Adult Board, There is a schedule of Youth events put together by our team.  Such events will keep most churches busy as it relates to our young people.  Please see proposed schedule of events (some dates are subject to change based on Conference decisions and the concerns of individual churches.
 
MARCH
The month of March will be called “MARCH MANIA” as we go into a mania mode for Basketball.  Each church is expected to put together a basketball team starting now, and begin to practice immediately especially during the month of March. This sport is more appropriate for Youth and Young Adults, so please use discretion for children.  Tournaments will be held:
 
MARCH 16TH & 23RD -  Registration fee $3 dollars per person.
 
APRIL
The month of April will be called “APRIL PRAISE” as we dedicate this month to Praise and worship.  Individual churches are expected to prepare groups and individuals to perform music, dance, readings / poetry, and other forms of praise and worship.
APRIL 12TH – Children’s Concert, (Youth and Young Adults are encouraged to support)
APRIL 27TH - Youth and Young Adult Praise and Worship (Children encouraged to support)
 
MAY
The Month of May is dedicated to the BCMC Spiritual Growth and Omnifest events.  This Month is called “Spiritual Growth”.  Events are usually held during the last 2 weeks of the month.  Exact dates for events will be issued by the Conference Office but please expect the following:
YOUTH NIGHT – This night includes great participation by youth of our Conference
OMNIFEST – A day of games and sports: Sac Race, Tug of War etc. Volley Ball and Softball, Art and Craft, foods, and movie.
 
JULY
This month will be called “JAMMIN JULY”, as all of our churches come together and enjoy an awesome 2 (two) weeks at Camp Symonette in Eleuthera.  The help of Youth Leaders, Youth, and Young Adults would be greatly appreciated.  Camp will be held:
JULY 13th – 20th for ages 8 – 11
JULY 20TH – 27TH for ages 12 - 16
 
JUNE & AUGUST
Due to the summer camp for July, we advise churches to host Vacation Bible School (VBS) in June and August.  However, those not able to go to the camp can focus on offering VBS in his or her individual churches in order to accommodate other persons that may not attend the camp.   We would like for our Methodist Churches to remain active in all regions.  Please submit dates that your church will host VBS so this information can be shared in advance.
 
OCTOBER – “YOUTH MONTH” (designated by the Bahamas Ministry of Youth)
Once again we will participate in the Ministry of Youth National Youth March (date will be issued).  It is also National Children’s Month - designate a Sunday for children and youth to lead. 
Start the process of selecting and preparing youth for various awards and events for Youth Month.  For e.g.- Youth in Parliament, Outstanding Youth Award, etc.  See Criteria on the Ministry’s website where you can also debrief on what the month is about: https://www.celebrateyouthbahamas.org/2018-national-youth-month. 
 
Events organized by our team to be posted on the Ministry’s Calendar of youth events: 
OCTOBER 19 – Methodist Youth community service drive (let us select a project together)
OCTOBER 26 – Maze and hunt game to be done in a designated safe area of each Region

Youth Ensemble

The Ebenezer Youth Ensemble has grown, and the group has been learning basic theory and vocal tips.  So far, each person has improved singing skills and built more confidence.  Lately, the choir has been rather busy between learning more about music, and leading praise and worship more often. So as the group continues to do well, thank you to the church for being supportive and encouraging the choir to continue the good work. 
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Youth Bible Study

​Recently, the Youth Bible Study group has taken a slightly different approach than before. Instead of the Youth Worker being the main host and speaker for the study, each youth takes a turn leading the group per week.  The basic material is provided, while the assigned youth must improvise, and find creative ways to engage discussions, and encourage effective teaching and participation. This method of bible study has encouraged better study practices, introduced various learning styles, improved overall skills in public speaking and conduct, and increased the level of patience and understanding between peers.

EPIC Youth Group

​The EPIC Youth Group is running good and smooth as usual.  Lately, we’ve used a great deal of time preparing for events, practicing skits, and covering topics focused on faith, choices, leadership, and sensitivity to the spirit of God.  Moving forward, the group is planning for a lock-in, preparing for a big stage play, and will focus more on empathy, caring for others, self-esteem, and recognizing the God given gifts in self and others.

​Junior Church

The Junior Church (JC) program is an activity managed by the Youth Department, designed mainly for children ages 4 - 12. The overall goal of JC is to help children and youth feel equipped enough to effectively understand, and appreciate the elements of a regular worship service, especially when it comes to following the sermon, being active in worship service, and leaving feeling ready to share God’s word.  JC is a mini church service, with a full detailed lesson. It takes place 11am during regular service time, on assigned Sundays only.  For the mini service, children take turns leading it, as this is great practice for leading other worship services. Then for the message, each Lesson comes from a book where stories are mapped out from the beginning to the end of the bible.  To support thorough and versatile learning, we break down stories and apply it in writing, discussions, art, games, challenges, skits, virtual life, and other forms. In the end, most of the children are able to remember and understand the bible stories along with its moral, while learning more about God’s character.
Along with senior leaders, some of our older youth are listed on the JC roster as either a helper or teacher. This offers our youth great opportunities to train, teach others the word of God, be positively influential, and develop healthy relationships with children and senior leaders.  At this time, there are at least 25 children that attend JC, where the group is split ages 4 -6, 7 -9, and 10 – 12. We look forward to continuing JC as the children are also always excited to have it.