A Message for Youth
Information for Parents
If You'd Like to Volunteer

A Message for Youth

"T'shuva" … That's what the Youth Group at BPC is called. "T'shuva" is the Hebrew word meaning "to return to the people God created us to be." That's the aim of Youth Ministry at BPC.

So… if you haven't been coming, we want you! We hang out each week to find community and grace, and kick it with God. We pray, and we talk, and we support each other, and we do life together. So join us on Sundays and throughout the year!

Snapshot of Middle School Ministry
Sundays - Sunday School ("God Squad"), 9:30-10:30 AM; Youth Group, 5:00 - 7:00 PM in the Youth Lounge.

Special Events - Includes road trips to fun spots like Boomers Family Fun Center, the local bowling lanes and Cold Stone Creamery.

Leadership Group - Comprised of middle school (and a few high school) students, as well as sponsors. Plans special middle school youth events and brainstorms cool ideas for the middle school youth group.

Student Care - Youth leaders greet the middle schoolers on Sunday nights, come to events that are important in the middle schoolers' lives, and keep in touch with them by phone - the middle schoolers feel loved and cared for.

Fright Night - A Halloween-themed night when the middle schoolers come dressed in costume and solve a "scary" mystery.

Summer X Camp - A fun-filled weekend camping trip in July. We camp out under the stars, go to the beach, hike and play games at night.

Overnighters - Also affectionately called "lock-ins," these overnighters, held several times a year, usually include an outing (for laser tag, bowling, miniature golfing, etc.), returning to BPC for a night of games and movies.

Snapshot of High School Ministry
Sundays - Youth Group, 5:00 - 7:00 PM in Room 222.

Special Events - Celebrating holidays, "new beginnings" and kick-offs of new programs.

Small Groups - Formed by Youth Ministry's volunteer discipleship staff to serve and support the students.

Student Leadership - High schoolers are invited to participate in worship services, whether through musical, dramatic or other artistic contributions; technical support; or helping with set-up and tear-down.

Student Care - Youth leaders greet the high schoolers on Sunday nights, come to events that are important in the high schoolers' lives, and keep in touch with them by phone and MySpace - the high schoolers feel loved and cared for.

Mexico Work Trip - Annual trip to Mexico the week before Easter to build homes for those with inadequate housing.

Rafting Trip - Annual trip to the California-Oregon border to white-water raft and deepen relationships with God.

Retreats - August, backpacking in Yosemite. Winter, Annual "all girls" and "all guys" retreats in February.

Information for Parents

Our mission at BPC is to help your child find community and experience the presence of God every time they attend a Youth Ministry program, retreat or event. It is our hope and prayer that every student feels loved and accepted here.

We welcome your involvement
BPC Youth Ministry will give you - as parents or caretakers - many opportunities to be involved in the life of your child. We invite you to attend the annual parent banquet as well as special programs and seminars. Contact Youth Director Angela Williams anytime to talk - her door is always open. Thanks for all you do to love your children, encourage their relationship with God, and get them to Youth Group on Sunday nights!

BPC Youth Ministry is family-focused
We are committed to serving every student and their family, bringing family members together and being sensitive to the needs of each particular family unit. We serve all types of families with a variety of faith backgrounds, cultures, circumstances, etc. We celebrate our inclusiveness and the diversity of BPC.

Youth Director Angela Williams is passionate about helping teens and parents understand each other and offering whatever assistance she can. She has many resources in her office as well as information on helpful websites. She will also be offering seminars throughout the year (on adolescent development, faith development, MySpace issues, cultural trends, etc.)

What to expect from us
- A safe environment for your teen. Please let us know if you are ever concerned about the safety of your children.
- Support of your parent/child relationship. We will always encourage your child to talk with you about important things going on in his or her life.
- Time to meet with you to discuss your child and answer any questions you have.
- Opportunities to be invested in BPC's Youth Ministry and the life of your child.

What we expect from you
- To give us the benefit of the doubt. If you have concerns or questions, please contact us as a first step.
- To attend events for parents and families at BPC so you can stay informed.
- To give us your input about Youth Ministry at BPC.
- To pray for us and serve, if you feel called to do so.
- To encourage your student's attendance at Youth Group.
- To make God a priority in your homes.

If You'd Like to Volunteer

Working with teens is one of the most rewarding jobs in the world. You will need lots of patience and energy but, in return, you will receive the immense gratification of seeing the youth achieve their goals, excel, grow up, go to college, pursue their dreams… and deepen their experience of God's grace and love. Amazing things are happening in BPC Youth Ministry - please join us for the ride! You can begin anytime during the year, and we suggest you commit to one school year at a time.

There are three types of "volunteer staff" positions to choose from:

Discipleship Staff
- Responsible for getting to know a select group of students (and their families, friends, etc.)
- Calls students each week
- Attends Youth Group most Sundays from 6:00-8:00 PM (arriving one hour early to set up)
- Attends important events in the lives of the teens (at least one event per teen, per semester)
- Attends all discipleship staff meetings

Programming Staff
- Attends programming meetings once a month
- Helps create imaginative programs, retreats and trips that bring God's word to life and inspire teens
- Assists in designing series and their integration into worship services
- Attends special programs and helps with set-up and "staging" (music, PowerPoint, video, drama, audio, dance, visual arts, etc.)

Administrative Staff
- Helps plan retreats and mission trips
- Contacts parents and students for special events
- Helps with copying/emailing/postal mailings, as needed
- Organizes volunteers, sponsors and cooks, as needed

All volunteer staff also attend a Youth Leader meeting once a month.

For more information on Youth Ministry programs, please contact Angela Williams, Director of Youth Ministry at 310-826-5656, ext. 3130 or awilliams@bpcusa.org.