A LETTER FROM JASON Parents! This resource is for you. We hear it all the time in the student ministry office I didn t know that. - or - Really? I had no idea. With so many things vying for your attention and the colossal task of raising a godly student, it is easy for pieces of information to get lost in the fray. For that reason, we want you to have this Student Ministry Parent Handbook. There is all kinds of great information inside ranging from calendars, to traveling expectations, to approximate costs of student events. It s all here for you to put on the shelf and pull it down throughout the year. Julie and I are so thrilled about all that God has in store for this ministry in the upcoming year. The student ministry staff echoes their excitement as well! We are honored to partner with you in the endeavor to see students come to know and love Jesus. The Bible is clear about showing us that it is the parents who are to be the primary discipler of their son or daughter (Deut. 6). It is a joy to support the work that you are already doing in your student s life. We are here for you and your family as your student navigates the upcoming years. If you have any questions, comments, or need more information about something, please give me a call (461-3226 x241) or email (jwaters@firstnorfolk.org). We ll do our best to connect you to the answers you need or a shoulder to lean on. I am here for you and I love being your Minister to Families with Students. Living the Mission, Jason Waters Minister to Families with Students First Baptist Norfolk Instagram: senioraguas Twitter: senioraquas
FIRST NORFOLK STUDENTS overview of mission and values We exist to glorify God by winning and leading the students of our community and their families to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. GLORIFY Is this bringing God greater glory, honor, worship, and praise? Romans 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. (NAS) Man s chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy him for ever. Westminster Confession of Faith REACH Does this contribute to winning and leading others to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ? Matthew 28:19-20 - Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age. (NIV) If all churches were engaged in perennial evangelism, I don t think there would ever be need for a person like me. Billy Graham TRANSFORM How does this aid in transformation into a mature disciple of Jesus Christ? Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (NAS) God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you there. He wants you to have a heart like His. He wants you to be just like Jesus. - Max Lucado LEAD Is this an opportunity for leaders to rise and influence others? 1 Timothy 3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Five years from now you will be the same person you are today... except for the books you read, the people you meet, the places you go, and what you memorize. Jay Strack SERVE Will this be a chance to serve and minister to others? Luke 10:27 So he answered and said, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.
SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE 9:30 and 11am Life Groups We have intentionally selected gifted leaders who are passionate about helping students. God has brought them into our ministry to discover and become all that God hads created them to be. Central to this mission is great leaders giving students individual attention as they gather in small groups around God s Word. Teaching in small groups helps leaders get to know students on a personal level as well as providing students opportunities to interact with their leaders and apply Scripture to their lives. WHERE WE MEET Students meet by grade level as follows 9:30am Hour room 317 12th grade room 318 11th grade room 319 10th grade room 315 9th grade room 320 8th grade room 321 7th grade room 323 6th grade 11am Hour room 317 11/12th grade room 319 9/10th grade room 320 8th grade room 321 7th grade room 323 6th grade Our curriculum is provided by Student Life and it continues to offer the best approach available by covering all the major passages of Scripture over the course of 7 years. Our leaders access the lessons each week online.
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES Sunday LIFEgroups @ 9:30am & 11am Captured Choir @ 4:30pm Wednesday Gathering @ 6pm-7:30pm Student Cafe - snacks and drinks for 50 cents or a meal deal for $2.50 which includes an entree, chips and a drink. Fellowship and develop friendships with fellow students Student Games Worship Message from Jason Waters
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2 0 15 Sept. 18-20 - High School Senior Retreat Sept. 23 - Back to School Bash ($10 per person or free if you bring a friend) Nov. 6-8 - Disciple Now ($25 early, $35 in october) and Parent Conference 2 0 1 6 Jan. 2-4 - Passion 2016 in Atlanta, GA (Seniors Only) Apr. 8-10 - Wide Awake Student Conference Jun. 7 - Graduation Sunday Jun. 27 - July 1 - VBS/CRAVE July 4-7 - Student Leadership University 101 (Orlando, FL) Jul. 11-15 - Student Leadership University 201 (Washington, DC) Jul. 25-29 - Student Summer Camp ($250 - $300) We understand that costs can pile up and become prohibitive, so we do have fundraising and limited scholarship opportunities available. See page 8 for more information.
STUDENT MINISTRY POLICY MOVIES GIRLS AND GUYS STUDENT MINISTRY TRIPS One of the most popular past times of most students is watching movies. Movies can be a great way for students to connect and fellowship with one another. Because parents have a wide spectrum of standards, the Student Ministry and its leaders err on the side of caution in this area. Only movies rated G and PG are allowed to be shown at our ministry sponsored events. Please screen movies ahead of time to see if there is any questionable content. Leaders will not to be alone with a student of the opposite gender at any time. Whether it is driving to a gethering, hanging out at a restaurant or providing wise counsel, it is ministry policy for another adult or student to be present. Students and leaders are encouraged to spend time together in groups of three or more. During Student Ministry trips and activities, male and female students are not permitted to be in dorm rooms of the opposite gender (regardless of familial or other relationship). Leaders do not sleep in the same bed as a student, and the Student Ministry office will always strive to ensure leaders have their own bed and/or room on overnight trips. Our leaders are above reproach and will not place themselves in situations that even appear inappropriate. During Student Ministry trips and activities, students are not permitted to drive other students, even in their own vehicles, for insurance reasons. Leaders will be available to drive whenever transportation is needed during planned activities.
FUN WITH FUNDRAISING money, money, money CHICK-FIL-A CALENDARS During the fall semester, your student can sign out a Chick-fil-A calendar example, which features funny cow-themed pictures and a discount card to be used monthly at any Chick-fil-A location. These calendars are sold to friends and family for $7.00 and every student makes $2.00 per calendar sold. If a person desires to donate more for your Student Ministry experiences, they certainly can! Take orders, turn in the money, and pick up the calendars in room 316 on Sundays. You may choose to prepay for calendars and give them out as you take your orders. HIGH SCHOOL MISSIONS First Norfolk s missions policy is that all members fill out paperwork and submit a $500 deposit for their trip. From there, students write 50 letters asking friends and family members to support them on their mission journey. A form letter is available on the church website (firstnorfolk.org) under Missions. You will be responsible for any unpaid balance once donations are collected. STUDENT MINISTRY SERVICE CREW There are events throughout the year that students can work to earn a few extra dollars whether through childcare, food service, or additional needs. Email dhoffius@firstnorfolk.org to get your name on the list to be notified when opportunities become available. SCHOLARSHIPS Scholarship monies are available for our larger events, especially student summer camp, but these funds are often limited. Scholarships are often generously given by individual church members and Life Groups. Students need to demonstrate need by participating in a student ministry fundraising activity and write a thank you note to donors in order to be eligible for scholarship assistance.
NOBODY EVER TELLS ME ANYTHING How Can Parents Get in the know? WEBSITE www.firstnorfolk.org/students The Student Ministry calendar, up-to-date event information, and student forms are accessible on this site. There is a lot of material so that you can have a good understanding of what is going on. Mark this on your favorites on your computer! PARENT MINISTRY This year we have an all-new parent ministry to give you the vital tools you need to equip your teen to thrive as they become all that God has created them to be! Each month you will receive 2 short emails and 1 short video that include summaries of some great parenting books, encouragement, and insight on some of the pressures your teen faces. Get more info at firstnorfolk.org/students. THE PARENT HOTLINE 757.461.3226 x294 or 757.802.9517 Can t find it online? Don t have all the details? Call us, to speak with our ministry assistant, Debbie Hoffius. Email: jwaters@firstnorfolk.org or dhoffius@firstnorfolk.org. SNAIL MAIL & EMAIL All of our large ministry events are usually accompanied by a mass mailing straight to your home or email. Moved? Changed your email address? Haven t heard from us in a while? Give us a call to make sure that you are included! SOCIAL MEDIA Parents and students alike are invited to search for First Norfolk Students on Facebook and join our group for information about upcoming events, activities, and opportunities to get involved. Pictures and videos from our ministry events are posted here for all to see and enjoy.