Dear Parents/Guardians,
As we enter this 2011-2012 season of Calvary’s youth ministry, our prayer is that our students will continually develop into devoted, transformed, radical disciples of Jesus Christ. Every service, meeting, project, and activity is designed with that in mind. During our weekly, Wednesday night “Encounter” services, we strive to create an environment for students to spiritually encounter God and then encounter group with other teens. In line with Hebrews 10:22, we want our students to "draw near to God with a sincere heart” and “spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together . . . but encouraging one another.” We are excited about this new season and the opportunity that our team of youth leaders gets to work with your teenagers. We encourage you to come on a Wednesday night and see what we do and, if you would like, even get involved!
One change that I want to let you know about is the youth “band.” If your student wants to get involved, please encourage them to find a couple other students and put a band or singing group together. There are many opportunities for a youth ministry team such as a band, drama team, speaking team, praying team, etc) in our church and community - including our first student-led Encounter service in November. I would love to see individual youth ministry teams happen and be completely organized, maintained, and led by students – using the adult leadership as resources.
Another change is in our small group organization. Our new “E-Groups” are comprised of 8-10 students that were prayerfully divided up according to gender and relation to leadership and each other. We believe that “circles” are better than “rows” when it comes to Godly relationships in the body of Christ, and the purpose of these groups is for our teenagers to encounter community based on their common faith in Jesus Christ. Students will be able to gain wisdom and understanding from each other, pray for and encourage one another, and serve in the community alongside of each other in these groups.
Because of everyone’s loaded schedules with work, school, family, and other activities, we have narrowed down the quantity of what we do and are focusing more on the quality. Our main focus this season is on our Wednesday night Encounter worship services and E-Groups. Most other events or activities that we do will be tied to those weekly meetings. On top of that, we will have a couple weekend, overnight events (like the Winter retreat in January), service projects (like the “Big Give” in December), and mission trips (like World Changers in July).
You will find attached with this letter several resources for you:
- a permission form for the scheduled events from October 2011 – May 2012 (sign and return)
- a medical authorization form (if you have not filled one out yet)
- a list of small groups and leaders – current but tentative (for you to keep)
Also, make sure you pick up a copy of the 2011/2012 youth ministry calender, available in CrossTown.
If you have any questions about small groups, please contact your small group leader. If you have any other questions, comments, or interests, please feel free to contact us via email or phone. God bless you!
Pastor Robert Hampshire
Calvary Baptist Church
CALVARY BAPTIST STUDENT MINISTRY
EVENT PARTICIPATION PERMISSION AND LIABILITY RELEASE AGREEMENT
This permission form gives your child(ren) permission to attend the following checked events. The exact dates, times, and costs are set, but are subject to change as needed. In the event of a change, you will be notified as soon as possible.
Sunday, October 9 (5:15pm) Fields of Faith @ Fort Defiance High School, Staunton (free admission)
Wednesday, October 12 (6:00pm) Starfield concert @ Church on the Hill, Fishersville ($10 admission)
Wednesday, November 16 (5:30pm) Community-wide youth service @ Church on the Hill, Fishersville (free)
Wednesday, December 7 (6:00pm) Big Give Meeting @ TBA (bring some cash for food)
Saturday, December 10 (TBA) The Big Give Service Project @ TBA
Friday-Sunday, January 20-22 - Winter Retreat @ Wintergreen Ski Resort & Camp Little-Crossroads (cost TBA)
Wednesdays, October-May (6:00-8:00pm) Small Group meetings, outings, & projects
Encounter Groups may meet on-campus (church or church-houses) or off-campus(home of a parent/youth leader or location in town). When an off-campus site is scheduled, parents will be notified prior to the meeting and transportation will be decided upon. Two or more adults will be present in each small group meeting off-campus.
Saturday-Saturday, July 21-28 – World Changers Mission Trip @ Philadelphia, PA (cost TBA)
I, the undersigned legal guardian/parent of _________________________________, hereby grant permission for my child(ren) to participate in the checked events above sponsored by Calvary Baptist Church, Staunton, VA. I grant permission for my child(ren) to travel to and from this event in the church vehicle (and/or pre-approved youth leader vehicle) under the supervision of chaperones to be determined by Calvary Baptist Church. I further release, hold harmless, and forever discharge Calvary Baptist Church, its members, agents, volunteers, or employees from any and all liability, action, damage, claim, or judgment for injury to the person or property of my child that may occur as a result of my child’s participation in this event or activity, whether accrued or unaccrued, vested or contingent, known or unknown. I agree to resolve any disputes arising over this agreement through a mutually acceptable negotiation.
___________________________________ ________________________ ________________________
Signature of Parent/Guardian Date Phone Number
Have you submitted a Medical Authorization Form to Calvary Baptist Church? Yes / No
Is participant covered by personal/family medical insurance? Yes / No
Name of insurer:
Policy or Group Number:
Please provide any special instructions for your child, considering allergies, special care, mediaction, etc:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Substitute contact person if we are unable to contact you:
_________________________________ __________________________ _______________________________________________
Name Phone Number Relationship to Child