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Welcome to the
Parent’s Page! You can see the pictures,
events, and calendars for our teen programs
throughout the teen pages. This is a page just
for parents to help provide appropriate
information on the Teen Ministry Programs at the
Vineyard.
Our
Structure
We have two teen
youth groups at the Vineyard. Why? Primarily
because of age. We feel there is a big
difference between youth in Junior High (grades
6 through 8) and High School (grades 9 through
12). Both age groups face distinct challenges
with faith, school, peer pressure, etc. Having
two groups allows us to structure our programs
to each group to best meet their spiritual needs
and development. In addition it creates
smaller, more close-knit groups. All teens come
together each Sunday to participate in Teen
Church and participate together regularly in
special events and outreach.
Our Focus
Ultimately, we
are responsible for developing our teens to be
representatives of Christ on Earth. They face
many challenges on a day-to-day basis and are
under relentless pressure to conform to cultural
values. When we meet each week our primary
focus is to provide an environment where teens
can escape from these pressures and share time
with other Christian youth. The emphasis is on
having fun. We may play board games, watch
age-appropriate videos, or listen to music.
Every week a small amount of time is devoted to
discussion or topical items, as well as prayer
requests and prayer. More structured Bible
study is delivered every Sunday through our Teen
Church program.
Teen
Church
Each Sunday at
both services, the Vineyard provides an
opportunity for all teens (grades 6 through 12)
to participate in their own time of study and
message presented in a format for teens. Teen
Church offers a relevant study time using
materials that will challenge and inspire the
youth. It also brings youth from both the youth
groups together allowing them to interact in a
more structured format.
Where We
Meet
Our youth groups
are held in our leader’s homes to provide a
comfortable environment where youth can relax
and have fun. We provide snacks too! We have
found that the more comfortable the setting, the
more relaxed the youth are and the more they
open up for discussion and prayer. It also fits
in with the Vineyard’s concept of small group
ministry. The youth, like the adults, have
their own small group ministry each week.
Please refer to our specific youth group pages
for additional information and directions.
Special
Events
Throughout the
year the youth groups will combine to do many
fun events, such as skiing trips, bowling,
movies, white water rafting, and many more. We
plan a major combined youth group event every
quarter. There is generally a cost and travel
involved. We always ask for and welcome parent
involvement on these trips as additional
chaperones are needed. In addition to these
events, we participate in a regional Winter Camp
held every year and the high school youth are
able to participate in an annual mission trip to
Mexico.
Outreach/Community
Service
Reaching out to
others in order to share the message of Jesus is
an important part of the Vineyard’s Teen
Ministry. Whether it is helping serve food at a
local food pantry, wrapping gifts at Christmas,
or participating in our annual mission trip to
Mexico outreach through service is always a top
priority. Our teens will participate in many
such events throughout the year as they learn
the importance of serving others unselfishly and
humbly. Most all outreach events are done with
both youth groups combined.
Communication
We understand
how important it is as a parent to have timely
and accurate communication about youth group
activities. The Vineyard Teen Ministry website
provides a “one-stop” location for you to see
what we have planned, read about past events,
see pictures of events, and most importantly
stay involved with your teen. In addition, we
use e-mail to provide reminders and updates to
both the youth and parents. If you want to be
added to our e-mail distribution lists, just
send the youth leaders an e-mail at the links
provided on their respective pages.
Participation
The Vineyard
Teen Ministry programs are offered to all youth
beginning at grade 6 through grade 12. Friends
are always welcome and encouraged. We hope that
if you have teens in these grades you will
encourage them to participate in the Vineyard’s
Teen Ministry programs. It’s a fun way to
develop and strengthen the Christian values they
need to light a righteous path in a dark world.
If you have additional questions please contact
any of our youth leaders below. We will be
happy to speak with you.
Chad & Shanna
Perreault (Youth Ministry Leaders)
shanna.chad@g.mail.com
Chris and Sarah
Leeman (Junior High Youth Group)
cs.leeman@yahoo.com
Jim & Kathy
Fasulo (Teen Church) officevineyard@maine.rr.com |
The
Vineyard Christian Fellowship
of Greater
Portland
