Children and Youth

AWANA is an acronym for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed and comes from 2nd Timothy 2:15. "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

Mission: To teach boys and girls the gospel of Jesus Christ and to train them to serve him. It is also an effective vehicle for the participants to witness to other boys and girls and even their families.

History: AWANA is a Global Organization with ministries in all 50 states and in over 130 countries. AWANA was introduced to First Baptist Church of Highland Park in 1993 as part of the Jesus & Me (JAM) Youth Ministry. Our Commander is Sister Vickie Washington and our present Youth Minister is Reverend Altheria Barnett.

Purpose: The purpose of AWANA is two-fold: Evangelism and Discipleship.

• Evangelism: To draw unsaved children to AWANA where they can hear the gospel and accept Jesus Christ as their Savior.
• Discipleship: To encourage and train children to memorize scripture and know the principles of God’s Word so that the Spirit of God can work in them (1) to understand the relevance of God’s Word on a daily basis, (2) to have the ability to discern right from wrong according to God’s Word, and (3) to have a desire to share the Gospel and the AWANA ministry with their friends and family.

Since AWANA's inception, we have seen numerous children accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Parents as well as their children have been and are actively involved in the ministry. Entire families have joined First Baptist because of the AWANA ministry. Through God's blessing the First Baptist Church of Highland Park's AWANA ministry, other churches have observed and received information about the ministry inspiring them to start an AWANA ministry at their home church.

Services and Activities:

The FBCHP AWANA Ministry is centered on children between the ages of 3-6th grade.

The ministry is divided into groups by age and/or gender.

• The ministry meets September through June of every year on every Friday of the month except most third Fridays from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
• Activities include: scripture memorization, council time (an invitation to accept Jesus Christ is given at this time), game time, and snacks.

Some outings may include AWANA Olympics , Bible Quizzing, roller skating, paintball, gaming places, restaurants, sleepovers, and others.

The Harvest Festival and AWANA Camp are annual activities. The Harvest Festival, a Holy alternative to Halloween, is held during the month of October while AWANA Camp is held just after school finishes for summer break.

AWANA Parent Handbook: Click here for the AWANA Parent Handbook.

Ministry Leaders:

The AWANA Ministry leaders are comprised of dedicated and Spirit filled Christians who have a love for children. There are presently approximately 20 adults who come out on Friday to work with the children. The ministry groups are:

Registration:
Click here to register for AWANA

Scripture Reference: 2 Timothy 2:15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. (NLT)

Ministry Contacts: If you are interested in the AWANA Ministry, please send an email to awana@fbchighlandpark.org.

Introduction of Ministry: The Baby Dedication Ministry at First Baptist Church of Highland Park is a Christian ceremony for believing parents and family members. Parents make a commitment before the Lord and the body of Christ to raise their child according to God's Word.

Counseling Ministry: The purpose of the baby dedication counseling is two-fold. First, it is to inform the parent(s) in accordance with the Scriptures, about what baby dedication is and is not. Also, to dispel Biblically any ideas about baby dedication.

Mission Statement: To present parents with an opportunity to make an outward showing of an inward commitment to dedicate their children to the Lord by modeling a Christian lifestyle before their children.

History: Started as an evangelistic effort approximately 25 years ago that first seeks to share the Gospel of Christ with parents who may not be in relationship with Jesus Christ, and Second offer parents the opportunity to biblically dedicate their young children to the Lord, as found in 1 Samuel 1:21-28.

Services and Activities:
Baby Dedication Services: Held every 3rd Sunday at the 10:45 AM worship service.

Baby Dedication Leaders:
Rev. Emanuel Williams
Dr. Lawrence Hawkins

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 22:6 (NLT) - Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Ministry Contacts: For information or concerns, please contact the church Office at (301)773-6655

E-mail: BabyDedication@fbchighlandpark.org

Introduction: Girl Scouts is the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives: strong values, leadership, social conscience, and conviction of their own potential and self-worth. If the church does not provide a platform for these girls then the streets will.

Mission: The mission of Girl Scouts is to offer every girl an opportunity to build confidence and courage at every step of their path. Girl Scouting aims to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

History: The Girl Scouts have had a presence at First Baptist Church since August 1990.

Activities and Services:

• Participate in activities at church, in the community, and worldwide
• Assist nursing homes, women's shelters, food kitchens, women's ministry, Border Baby Campaign, Angel Tree, and other organizations as needed

Girl Scout Leaders:

• Jane McCray: FBCHP Coordinator
• Chelsea McCray and Denise Jones: Troop 2636 (Daisy Troop) Leaders
• Alexis Joyner & Marguerite Matthews: Troop 3100 (Brownie Troop) Leaders
• Deborah Mays and Janet Grigsby: Troop 3101 (Junior Troop) Leaders
• Shannon Scrivner & Kisha Miller: Troop 2308 (Cadette Leaders)
• Jane McCray & Marguerite Matthews: Troop 3255 (Senior/Ambassador Leaders)
• Anna Bell: Money Manager
• Naeemah Raqib: Camping Certified Assistant
• Rev. Joel Washington: Spiritual Adviser

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 6:22 (NLT) - When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you.

Ministry Contacts: For more information, contact Jane McCray via the church office at (301) 773-6655 or send an email to gsministry@fbchighlandpark.org.

The First Baptist Church of Highland Park’s JAM Teen Ministry ministers to teenagers in the 7th through the 12th grades. The ministry attempts to instill God’s word as a foundation in their lives and equip them to grow spiritually to evangelize and disciple others. The ministry meets teenagers where they are spiritually and attempts to grow them spiritually to where God would be pleased.

Mission: The mission of the Jesus and Me Teen Ministry at the First Baptist Church of Highland Park is two-fold. The first objective is to enrich the lives of our youth through Christian education by meeting them where they are and then assisting them in their spiritual growth and maturity in Christ. The second objective is to cultivate this knowledge through a pragmatic understanding of these biblical teachings so teens can employ them in their daily interactions in the community, at home, school, etc.

By teaching God’s word and works to teens while they read and study the Bible, it provides a strong Christian foundation that enables our young people to have an understanding of who God is and why He is important in their lives. Parables, real life stories, role playing, community and church service/activities and fellowship provide a practical approach to understanding these teachings and how they impact their everyday lives.

The goal of the JAM Teen Ministry is to make Christ more accessible to our youth by providing a comfortable, safe and acceptable forum that allows them to receive Jesus Christ into their lives and to accept Him as their personal Savior.

Services and Activities: The ministry uses the Word of Life (WOL Ministries) curriculum to teach the following disciplines:

· Core Essentials - (The Gospel, spiritual disciplines, and scripture memorization)
· Apologetics - (Students will learn to defend their faith)
· Christian Basics - (Student will learn to share their faith and grow in what they know)
· Bible book study - (Students get a fuller understanding of the scriptures)
· Theology - (Explore some of the essential theological questions)
· Topical - (Important topics for students - things like stress and authority)

Weekly Classes: Weekly Bible study of God’s word is taught using mediums such as Kahoot, Memory Game, PowerPoint, Jeopardy style games, panels, etc.

· Held on Friday nights except for the third Friday of the month.

Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 2:20 (NLT) - I replied, “The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no share, legal right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.”

Registration: Click here to register for the JAM Teen Ministry

Ministry Contacts:

• Rev. Altheria Barnett
• Deacon Edward Harrison

For more information, please contact the church office at (301) 773-6655.

Introduction: The Junior Usher ministry encourages good ushering techniques through training and unity of its members through fellowship activities. The Juniors and Young People Ushers are part of the Combined Ushers Ministry of First Baptist Church of Highland Park. We accept youths between the ages of 9 and 24.

The teenaged Juniors and Young People Ushers partner with other church ministries as volunteers by assisting them with games and escorting the younger children to and from various activities. With this volunteer service they earn community hours towards their school community credit hours requirement.

The Junior Ushers serve every third Sunday at the 10:45 AM worship service. The Junior Ushers partner with other church youth ministries when called upon.

Scripture: Psalms 84:10 NLT - A single day in Your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

Mission Statement: To assist the pastor in making the worship service a success and greet worshippers with a pleasant smile and warm welcome.

Services and Activities:

• Ensure order is kept in and around the church at all times.
• Monthly Meetings:
  • Junior Ushers: Fourth Saturday at 12:00 PM

Jr. Usher Leaders:

• President: Jeremiah Grier
• 1st Vice President: Nikolas Williams
• 2nd Vice-President: Dion Dunston
• Recording Secretary: Sariah Clark
• Corresponding Secretary: Jacob Clark
• Chaplain: Mercelles McKnight
• Assistant Chaplain: Gabriel Clark
• Sgt.at-arms: Mecai McKnight

Ministry Contacts: For more information about Usher Ministry, contact Marion Solomon via the Church Administrative Office at (301) 773-6655 or send an email to ushersministry@fbchighlandpark.org

Introduction: A nurturing setting of spiritual growth through children’s music which builds on a foundation of telling stories about Jesus and His goodness. The Sunbeams Choir offers opportunities to young children ages 4-11 to minister through song.

Mission: To teach boys and girls the gospel of Jesus Christ through song and train them to serve Him.

Service and Activities:

• Rehearsals: Thursday nights at 6:30 PM before 3rd Sunday
• Standard Schedule: 3rd Sundays at 10:45 AM

Scripture Reference: Psalm 149:1 (NLT) - Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful.

Ministry Contacts: If you are interested in joining the Sunbeams Choir, contact the Church Administrative Office at (301) 773-6655 or send an email to nrooks@fbchighlandpark.org.

Introduction: The choir's repertoire consists of music that equal the times in which this age group can identify with in terms of harmonies, rhythms, movement and repertoire that challenge their vocal as well as their physical capabilities. The Voices of Hope Youth Choir offers opportunities to young children ages 11-17 to minister through song.

Mission: To teach boys and girls the gospel of Jesus Christ through song and train them to serve Him.

Service and Activities:

• Rehearsals: Thursday nights at 6:30 PM before 4th Sunday
• Standard Schedule: 4th Sundays at 10:45 AM

Scripture Reference: Psalm 149:1 (NLT) - Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful.

Ministry Contacts: If you are interested in joining the Voices of Hope Youth Choir, contact the Church Administrative Office at (301) 773-6655 or send an email to nrooks@fbchighlandpark.org.

Introduction: The purpose of the ministry is to minister the gospel through various forms of visual interpretation including, dance, step, and mime.

Mission: As led by the sovereign spirit of our Lord and Savior, Praise Power PRAISES with anointed POWER for an audience of one, the Lord Jesus Christ. God releases his POWER to the harvest who witnesses his glory when we offer PRAISE to our Master and King.

History: Praise Power Ministry began as a dance ministry with eight members in 2003. Now, it is an umbrella ministry for various forms of spiritual interpretation to include the many groups below.

Angel Power – Ages 5–8

Mighty Power – Ages 9-12

Dance Power – Ages 13-18

Service and Activities:

The ministry supports the Music and Worship Arts Ministry of FBCHP, ministering weekly during worship services. Praise Power ministers for special church events to include external venues such as weddings, funerals, local community and outreach events, other churches, and area nursing homes.

Scripture Reference: Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) – 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Ministry Contacts: For more information about the Youth Dancers Ministry, contact the Church Administrative Office at (301) 773-6655 or send an email to praisepower@fbchighlandpark.org