Children and Youth

Children and Youth Ministries

The Children and Youth Ministry of First Baptist Church of Highland Park wants every child to hear God’s word, come to know Him, develop a love and personal relationship with Him, and learn to serve Him. Our ministry provides programs and events to glorify God and provide an environment that leads children to a lasting relationship with God. We seek to minister to the whole child. Each child needs to be fed physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. Knowing that each child is unique and that God has gifted them to learn differently, our programs provide numerous opportunities for them to learn using their abilities. We provide age-appropriate Bible studies and activities for children at their biblical learning level. Curriculum is based on God’s word and incorporates our philosophy that children learn by doing. The curriculum encourages interactive puzzles, games and questions. The setting is also designed to not only encourage spiritual growth, but also strong friendship with other children.

Awana Camp 2025 - Refreshing Mountain

AWANA Ministry

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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:

Ministry Name Age/Gender Director
Cubbies 3-4 years/boys/girls Victoria Washington
Sparks Kindergarten/boys/girls Linda Sims
Sparks 1st/2nd grade girls Linda Sims
Sparks 1st/2nd grade boys Vickie Gilbert, Arita Oluwo
Truth and Training 3rd/4th grade girls Sharon Gainor
Truth and Training 5th/6th grade girls Christine Artemus, Teresa Weedon
Truth and Training 3rd/6th grade boys Daron Clark, Alex Pettit
Game Time All Clubbers Pheona Walker
Share Store All Clubbers Jane McCray
Administrator All Clubbers Nancy Clark

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.

Baby Dedication Ministry

Introduction of Ministry: Baby Dedication Ministry started as an evangelistic effort approximately 25 years ago to share the Gospel of Christ with parents who may not be in relationship with Jesus Christ. We wanted to offer parents the opportunity to biblically dedicate their young children to the Lord, as found in 1 Samuel 1:21-28.

Mission Statement: Here at the Park, Baby Dedication is a Christian ceremony for believing parents and family members who make a commitment before the Lord and the body of Christ to raise their child according to God's Word. We 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.

Counseling Ministry: Our 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. Second, to dispel Biblically any ideas about baby dedication.

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

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

Ministry Leaders:
Rev. Emanuel Williams
Dr. Lawrence Hawkins

Ministry Contacts: For information about Baby Dedication, contact the Church Administrative Office at (301)773-6655 or E-mail: BabyDedication@fbchighlandpark.org.

Girl Scouts Ministry

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.

Jesus and Me (JAM) Teen Ministry

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.

Jr. Missionary

Junior Missionary Ministry

Introduction: The Jr. Missionary Ministry at First Baptist Church of Highland Park calls our youth to follow Jesus Christ more faithfully. It provides an environment where a commitment to Christ is encouraged and mentors youth to a life of service and spiritual disciplines such as prayer, scripture reading, and regular devotions. The ministry aims to encourage, educate, equip, and empower our youth to be responsible citizens of the world, leaders among their peers, and future leaders in broader communities.

Mission: To follow Jesus Christ more faithfully. To discipline myself to pray more; To have regular devotions and scripture readings; To respect one's body as the temple of God; To advocate love, peace, and justice as the Christian way of life; To strengthen my family life; To practice responsible decision-making in ethical and lifestyle choices; To actively invite the unsaved to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To be responsible citizens of the world, leaders among my peers, and future leaders in broader communities.

Activities and Services:

  • Annual Junior Missionary Ministry Prayer Brunch
  • Serve the Homeless a hot meal in Downtown DC
  • Prepare and pass out Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets
  • Sponsor food and clothing drives for the needy
  • Evangelism Outreach
  • Participate in and recruit for Vacation Bible School
  • Participate in Local and Foreign Missions
  • Educational Training and Youth Seminars
  • Youth Missions Trips
  • Participate in County-wide Annual Youth Missions Day
  • Serve at homeless shelters and visit the Sick and Shut-In

Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT) - 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Ministry Contacts: For more information about Jr. Missionary Ministry, contact the Church Administrative Office at (301) 773-6655

Jr. Ushers

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

Sunbeams Choir

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.

Teen Crown Ministry

Discovering God’s Way of Handling Money Teen Crown Class is a Crown Financial Study and is designed for young people ages 13-18 years old. The focus of this course is to help young people build a closer relationship with God by understanding what the Lord would have them to do with the finances entrusted to them and to prepare them for a successful financial future. Students will get a better understanding about money issues they will face in various stages of life with biblical understanding.

Services and Activities: Crown Financial Ministries offers classes that meet weekly for two hours, including homework and scripture memorization. The study groups are small, allowing for sharing and relationship building. The ministry has been instrumental in teaching financial management principles to various age groups and other churches.

This course is a requirement for students to qualify for our Harvey W. Broadie Scholarship.

Class Meeting Schedule: This 10-week course is a part of our Sunday Biblical Institute (Sunday School) and is currently held virtually on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am and offered twice per year Fall and Spring.

  • Weekly two-hour classes
  • Outside preparation homework and weekly scripture memorization
  • Study groups of fewer than 10 students

Cost:

  • Singles: $30 for workbook materials
  • Couples: $50 for workbook materials

Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 29: 11-12 (LB) - 11. Everything in the heavens and earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as being in control of everything.
12. Riches and honor come from you alone, and you are the Ruler of all mankind; your hand controls power and might, and it is at your discretion that men are made great and given strength.

Ministry Contacts: For more information on Teen Crown Financial Ministries, contact Brother Tony and Sister Rowena Perez, via the Church Office at (301) 773-6655 or via e-mail: crown@fbchighlandpark.org.

Voices of Hope (VOH) Choir

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.

Youth and Teen Sunday Biblical Institute

Looking for a place where your Youth or Teen can learn, grow and engage in Bible age-appropriate material all while having fun, then join Highland Park Sunday Biblical Institute Youth Department every 1st, 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month from 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM. We have classes for Pre-K through 12th grade.

At Highland Park we provide a safe and dedicated space for our children to learn about having faith in Christ, building relationships with peers and how to develop a strong foundation for their spiritual journey.

Class locations:

  • Pre-K through 1st grade: West Sanctuary
  • 2nd through 4th grade: Fellowship Hall
  • 5th through 8th grade: Upper Wyatt Annex
  • 9th through 12th grade: James J. McCord Education Building, Room 103 (Classroom G)

Mission: To deepen the spiritual growth of our children and youth by providing biblically sound, age-appropriate, and engaging lessons.

Curriculum Ages 2-11: Bible Study Workbook for Kids by Jerry Ingram

Highlights:

  • Weekly lessons with Scripture focus, themes, quizzes, games
  • Stories from both Old and New Testaments
  • Age-appropriate language and interactive content
  • 52-week format to support year-round engagement

Curriculum Ages 12-17: Whole Life Discipleship Curriculum

Focus:

  • Discipling the whole study: spiritual, emotional, physical, mental
  • Rhythm of rest, play, and spiritual discipline

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

Ministry Leaders:

  • SBI Superintendent: Rev. Shelia Reid Dent
  • SBI Assistant Superintendent: Rev. Tracy Stevens

Youth Facilitators

  • Rose McClyde
  • Vickie Washington
  • Vera “Quincy” Worsley

Teen Facilitators

  • Rev. Tracy Stevens
  • Rev. Torren Cooper
  • Rev. Jordan Dent
  • Rev. Joel Washington

Ministry Contacts: For more information on Sunday Biblical Institute contact Rev. Sheila Dent via the Church Office at (301) 773-6655 or via e-mail: SBIministry@fbchighlandpark.org.

Youth Dancers

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