Exciting Changes to Our Student Ministry

Middle School, High School—Separate and Stronger

Over the past few months, I’ve been really excited about the changes we're making to our Student Ministry. We've decided to restructure things by splitting the ministry into two separate groups: middle school and high school. While both will still operate under my leadership, each group now has its own space, schedule, and program to help us disciple our students with more intentionality.

On Sunday mornings, middle and high schoolers now have their own Bible studies. And on Sunday nights, we’ve separated our gatherings—middle school meets from 5:00 to 6:30 PM, and high school comes in from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. We’re continuing our separate Wednesday community groups, which are already divided by grade and gender, so no changes there.

Because of these shifts, we also felt prompted to bring fifth graders up into Student Ministry. Most of our local schools consider them middle schoolers already, and this adjustment allows us to align with the environments our kids are in during the week. It also makes it easier when sixth-grade students invite their fifth-grade friends to church.

This change is in response to growth. As we get more involved with our local schools, we’re seeing more new students walk into our ministry—and we want to meet them where they’re at. That meant creating spaces they feel truly comfortable in.

We’re also thrilled to welcome Amanda Howatae as our new Middle School Director. She’s already hit the ground running, and I can't wait for parents and students to get to know her.

If you're a parent: Sunday morning middle school Bible study meets at 9:15 AM in the Lower Parlor. Drop-off for middle school on Sunday nights is 5:00 PM, and pick-up is 6:30. High school meets from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

Come join us—exciting things are happening.

Joseph Furno
Students Pastor