Programs
Our Junior High Youth Ministry consists of students from various schools in grades 6-8. The way we do ministry is SIMPLE - WTNR.
Below is what we do during the school year. The summer looks a little different.
WTNR = HPCYM's Discipleship Process
WTNR. These four letters represent our four values here at Highlands (Worship, Teaching, Nurture, Reaching). HPCYM has the same values and from these four values comes our discipleship process for students to grow in grace. Each one of our programs is designed with a specific value in mind, although, all four values show up in everything we do.
WTNR is a challenge to all of our students and families to move along the path of discipleship. Following this path, beginning with Worship and ending in Reaching, is designed to lead a student into a closer connection with the Lord and with one another.
WORSHIP: Youth Group, Wednesdays, 5:45-7:15pm
- WHEN: Wednesdays, 5:45-7:15pm. Dinner is served at the church beginning at 5pm.
- WHERE: "The U" (The Youth Building behind the church)
- WHAT: Jr. High students will gather together for games, worship, and bible-based teaching.
- WHY: All students need a place each week where students can come and worship God with their peers...Youth Group is that place. During this time real, personal application of the Word of God will be applied to the students. It also provides a place each week where students can bring their friends to a friendly, welcoming setting where they could perhaps engage with the gospel for the first time!
TEACHING: Sunday School, Sundays 9:30-10:30am
- WHEN: Sundays before worship, 9:30-10:30am.
- WHERE: "The U" (The Youth Building behind the church)
- WHAT: An interactive teaching time encouraging students to actively participate in the lesson.
- WHY: We want to get the students thinking and responding to what is being taught.
NURTURE: Small Groups, Sundays, 5:00-7pm
- WHEN: Sundays, 5:00-7:00pm.
- WHERE: Both Jr. High and Sr. High will meet at THE U. Small groups will then proceed to various locations in the church.
- WHAT: We will begin with eating dinner and hanging out, and then we will break up into our small groups which are divided by grade and gender.
- WHY: A place where nurture and fellowship can happen around the Word of God. We have an amazing small group ministry at Highlands. This is due in large part to the awesome and committed volunteers who build more personal relationships with the students.
REACHING
This element of WTNR is very flexible and we feel that through the different reaching aspects below you will find out why the HPCYM is truly a well-balanced ministry offering students many different ways and opportunities to intersect with each other and the culture.
Events & Fellowship
Throughout the year we have various opportunities for fellowship and fun. Prayer Breakfast, Tacky Christmas Party, Movie Nights, and more. Some of these events serve as opportunities for students to reach out to their friends and peers.
Conferences & Retreats
Fall Retreat, Live Out Loud (Spring), The Edge (Summer) are all great opportunities to further students along the path of WTNR in a more focused and intentional way.
Missions
Missions is one of the areas that we truly believe sets the HPCYM apart and brings balance to the overall discipleship process. Jr. High students will have a unique opportunity to GO and serve with Hope for the Inner City in Chattanooga, TN.
Mercy/Outreach
Another way in which we seek to “reach out” is by looking in our own backyard for ministry opportunities. About once a month, we do a local service project. HPCYM has worked with Perkins Center, Voice of Calvary Ministries, MadCAAP and other local ministries in the past to give our students opportunities to reach out in their community.
Church
The Youth are vital in running many of the big children's programs like Reformation Celebration and VBS. We have also started a new way to serve...#LOLO @ Church