H7 Story: "180 Is Thriving"
H7 Story: "180 is Thriving"
by Wendi Kitsteiner
First Christian Church’s Student Ministry, ONEEIGHTY, is thriving! Attendance is regularly over 100 students, and students are getting involved in leadership (seven new members!) and taking Next Steps to Identify with Christ through baptism (four new baptisms!)
But it isn’t just what is happening within the walls (or in the parking lot!) of our Wednesday night program that excites us here at FCC. It’s the fact that these 6-12 grade students are reaching out to their communities beyond the normal “church time.”
Honestly, the limit to the ways our young people are getting involved around our community is more than we could ever delve into with just words from one blogpost. However, we did want to take an opportunity to share just some of the highlights of things our teens are doing around Greeneville for Jesus!
But it isn’t just what is happening within the walls (or in the parking lot!) of our Wednesday night program that excites us here at FCC. It’s the fact that these 6-12 grade students are reaching out to their communities beyond the normal “church time.”
Honestly, the limit to the ways our young people are getting involved around our community is more than we could ever delve into with just words from one blogpost. However, we did want to take an opportunity to share just some of the highlights of things our teens are doing around Greeneville for Jesus!
Project 7
(P7)
P7 is a free online resource that helps students start Bible Clubs on their campuses. The organization helps equip student leaders to incorporate Jesus into students’ lives for the seven years that they are in middle and high school. During the Wednesday club hour at Greeneville High School (GHS), approximately 50-70 students are joining in for devotionals and student worship lead by seniors Mylee Doty and Madison Metcalf.
P7 is a free online resource that helps students start Bible Clubs on their campuses. The organization helps equip student leaders to incorporate Jesus into students’ lives for the seven years that they are in middle and high school. During the Wednesday club hour at Greeneville High School (GHS), approximately 50-70 students are joining in for devotionals and student worship lead by seniors Mylee Doty and Madison Metcalf.
“We basically organize games, the message, and songs that we do during the club time. I think the club is very beneficial for many kids because it gets them to learn about Jesus and how much He loves them, and helps them establish a Christ-like community.”
—Mylee Doty, GHS Senior
—Mylee Doty, GHS Senior
Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) began in 1956 in Estes, Colorado. Today, there are over 20,000 Certified “Huddles” (certified small local groups or chapters) throughout the world. The “huddle” at GHS is a student/teacher led club where athletes come together to talk and worship God as they hang out together as followers of Christ. This is the first year that students have been involved with FCA leadership, and both Hannah Staggs and Jackson Radank are leaders.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) began in 1956 in Estes, Colorado. Today, there are over 20,000 Certified “Huddles” (certified small local groups or chapters) throughout the world. The “huddle” at GHS is a student/teacher led club where athletes come together to talk and worship God as they hang out together as followers of Christ. This is the first year that students have been involved with FCA leadership, and both Hannah Staggs and Jackson Radank are leaders.
See You at The Pole
In 1990, “See You at the Pole” began as a grass roots movement with 10 students praying at their school’s flag pole. From there it grew, and now, every year, students gather on the fourth Wednesday of every September to pray together. This year, the event will be held on the Sept 28 at GHS and Faith Schubert, Mylee Doty, Madison Metcalf, and Alden Wakefield will be coordinating the event.
In 1990, “See You at the Pole” began as a grass roots movement with 10 students praying at their school’s flag pole. From there it grew, and now, every year, students gather on the fourth Wednesday of every September to pray together. This year, the event will be held on the Sept 28 at GHS and Faith Schubert, Mylee Doty, Madison Metcalf, and Alden Wakefield will be coordinating the event.
“We’ll have a worship time and then we’ll organize into groups and help lead people through specific prayers for different people, places, and things. We’ll also be the ones advertising and encouraging people to join us. I’m really excited to get to lead my peers in this way and help them in their prayer life! It’s a great opportunity to reach out to our community and peers.”
—Faith Schubert, GHS Senior
—Faith Schubert, GHS Senior
At South Greene High School, Benji Morgan, along with some other students, is organizing the event. Rance Tipton, Max Hinkle, and Ava Englehardt are planning and organizing the event at Chuckey Doak High School.
Powerful Runners
Powerful Runners is a running group for youth that combines Bible studies and athletics for kids in grades 4-12. Any experience level is welcome. However, aside from just running, they are also doing some great things in the community, and many of our FCC students are involved. Headed up by community member Lisa Ballast, the runners have specifically focused on raising money to help the Hope Center. They have been able to clean the Center and Honeysuckle Studios (apartments for homeless unwed mothers next to the Hope Center). They have also helped with the Center's “Baby Bottle Fundraiser” by preparing the bottles that are placed around town to collect spare change donations. This was followed up by counting and rolling the coins collected. In addition, runners did a Run-a-thon which raised $2,389 to support the Hope Center.
Powerful Runners is a running group for youth that combines Bible studies and athletics for kids in grades 4-12. Any experience level is welcome. However, aside from just running, they are also doing some great things in the community, and many of our FCC students are involved. Headed up by community member Lisa Ballast, the runners have specifically focused on raising money to help the Hope Center. They have been able to clean the Center and Honeysuckle Studios (apartments for homeless unwed mothers next to the Hope Center). They have also helped with the Center's “Baby Bottle Fundraiser” by preparing the bottles that are placed around town to collect spare change donations. This was followed up by counting and rolling the coins collected. In addition, runners did a Run-a-thon which raised $2,389 to support the Hope Center.
“Powerful Runners is a great opportunity that helps me grow as a Christian. The people there are encouraging and want you to succeed at building endurance.”
—Sara McCoy, going on 3 seasons of running
—Sara McCoy, going on 3 seasons of running
Heritage Home Scholars Leadership
Heritage Home Scholars (HHS) is a homeschool group for families in Greeneville and surrounding areas. Many middle and high schoolers who are involved in HHS also attend ONEEIGHTY. In fact, some of the kids on the Leadership Team for HHS are also on the the FCC’s Leadership Team. Heritage Leadership is comprised of many faces familiar to FCC including Marshall Bales, Jonathan Bowlin, Micah Jenkins, Amelia Larsen, and Seth Tipton. These young people volunteer at the Soup Kitchen for the homeless in Greeneville one day a month.
Heritage Home Scholars (HHS) is a homeschool group for families in Greeneville and surrounding areas. Many middle and high schoolers who are involved in HHS also attend ONEEIGHTY. In fact, some of the kids on the Leadership Team for HHS are also on the the FCC’s Leadership Team. Heritage Leadership is comprised of many faces familiar to FCC including Marshall Bales, Jonathan Bowlin, Micah Jenkins, Amelia Larsen, and Seth Tipton. These young people volunteer at the Soup Kitchen for the homeless in Greeneville one day a month.
180 Student Leadership Team
The Student Leadership Team is made up of High School students who have a desire to grow in their walk with Christ by learning to be a servant leader through helping their peers Find and Follow Jesus. How exciting to see each of the 180 Student Leaders doing just that!
The Student Leadership Team is made up of High School students who have a desire to grow in their walk with Christ by learning to be a servant leader through helping their peers Find and Follow Jesus. How exciting to see each of the 180 Student Leaders doing just that!
Posted in Tell the Story