The four key were adopted by our Family Ministry group and are based on research by Dr. David Anderson and others at the Youth and Family Institute, these Four Keys are instrumental in helping children (and all of us of any age) develop and grow in their faith in God. This faith formation, that begins in the home, and is supported and nurtured by the Christian community in the congregation, is instrumental in passing on the faith to the next generation and to each other.

Why is this so important that we need four weeks to focus on this topic? Recent research has also shown that only 10% of baptized children/youth continue in the life of the church and continue to “grow in grace” as they become adults. They are also not returning to the faith in their 30s as they have children as had been common in the past. It is critically important that we equip parents to nurture faith in the home so we can live out Jesus’ Great Commission to “Go and make disciples of all nations.” If we do not pass on the faith to the next generation, how can we, as the church, continue to carry out the Great Commission?

You may be thinking at this point this is just for parents, but it is truly for all of us, all ages, single or married. It is for parents to equip them to live out the promises they made when their children were baptized, but it is also for all of us since we promised to support them and work with them in that task. We can all be a positive faith influence on those around us and when we participate in activities involving the Four Keys, our own faith is nurtured and strengthened.

Who are we? 
Advent’s 3rd – 5th grade youth group. Lesley Williamson is our leader and Andy & Susan Goerke are our advisors.

What do we do?
Our mission is to continue our faith journey together by building strong friendships, doing service projects, and experiencing fun devotions! On occasion, we have “special” events --- such as Souper Bowl Sunday Project, telling the Gospel for Youth Sunday, and going to college for the Annual Youth Quake. Other times, we invite our families to join us, like going to Rays Splash Planet or Lazy 5 Ranch.

Why?
To continue our faith journey together, to build strong friendships, serve our community, and to just have some fun.

When do we meet?
The first Sunday of every month from 12:30 – 2:30pm, in the Youth Room.  Special Events are always announced in the Advent Newsletter or though emails and fliers, and posted on the Youth Bulletin Board outside of Lesley’s Office.

Who are we? 

Advent’s 6th-8th grade youth group. Lesley Williamson is our leader and Cindy Peninger is our advisor.

What do we do?

We are a youth group that meets once a month for fun and fellowship.  On occasion, we have “special” events --- like our Middle School Retreat, or get-togethers at families’ homes. Starting this year we are going to be working on some new service projects like Trick-or-Can in October and Fair Trade Coffee in the Spring. We also will be contributing to the Plaza Place Christmas Party in our own unique way. In the Spring we play a major role in Youth Sunday, whether it is singing, planning the sermon skit, or supporting the service as ushers and communion servers Junior High youth set the example in every way.

Why?

To continue our faith journey together, to build strong friendships, and to just have some fun!

When do we meet?

Usually once a month after Church from 12:30 – 2:30pm, in the Youth Room. There also can be special events that take us to different places around NC. You can always refer to the Youth Bulletin Board outside of Lesley’s office or the Youth Newsletter published inside the monthly Advent Newsletter for the latest info and calendar of events.

Who are we? 

Advent’s 9th-12th grade Youth and Friends. Lesley Williamson is the Youth Director and Diane and Mark Large are our advisors.

What Do we Do?

What do we NOT do! We do everything from church meetings, to state wide synod events, to National Gatherings, to service projects. All centered on Christ and meant to build our Spiritual Selves.

Some of our Service includes the Annual Easter Pancake Breakfast, hosting dinner for the Room-in-the-Inn neighbors, and putting together the Angel tree during Advent for the Emergency Housing families.

We also throw down in our very own Orinson Hall hosting such events as Advent lock-ins and the Super Bowl game on the big screen.

We attend every synod event offered (because a lot of our own Youth are leaders in our synod and plan the events) like South Central Rally/Lock-ins and the LYO Assembly at the EMBASSY SUITES.

We have been known to take ski trips and beach
trips around North Carolina, and this year we will be “Mazing,” through a corn maze in the area.

Another big event of the year is Youth Sunday. We plan, organize, and present our style of worship to the rest of the congregation.

Last, but not least, we have special summer events. Like celebrating our graduating Seniors, taking service trips to destinations around the country, and getting together to just hang-out.

Why?

WHY NOT! Where else are you going to meet cool kids that believe in walking the Jesus walk, and having absolute Krazy fun. We all need friends and a place that we can be ourselves without being judged. Advent Senior High Youth Group strives to be the people who can create that kind of environment.

When do we meet?

Usually once a month after Church from 5:30-7:30p, in the Youth Room. There also can be special events that take us to different places around NC. . You can always refer to the Youth Bulletin Board outside of Lesley’s office or the Youth Newsletter published inside the monthly Advent Newsletter for the latest info and calendar of events