Over the course of the year, there will be activities specifically geared towards individual age groups as well as activities geared towards all of the Youth Ministry Program.
Throughout the year, we offer many activities that are both of a fun and Spiritual nature. Jesus grew in multiple ways (Luke 2:52), and it is our goal to allow the young people to grow wiser, physically, and socially with God and man. Here are several things that you can expect from the Waverly church of Christ Youth Group and a description of each:
Vacation Bible School- Every year, our congregation makes the Bible come to life before your very eyes as our facility is transformed into our annual Vacation Bible School. Past themes include "H20" (2004), Destination: Promised Land!" (2005), "At Jesus' Feet" (2006), "Go Tell John" (2007)., "Daniel" (2008), and "You are There" (2009). Since 2006 our VBS has averaged over 1,000 young people and adults combined over the four nights per year.
Summer Mission Trip- The Waverly church of Christ Youth Ministry program takes an annual Mission Trip every summer. Over the years, the Youth Ministry Program has taken trips to Holland, Michigan, Lincoln, Nebraska, Waverly, Tennessee. In 2005, 2006 and 2007, we went to the Inner City Youth and Development Camp at Booker T. Washington State Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This effort was in association with the Chattanooga Inner City church of Christ. In the summer of 2008 the Waverly Youth Group started a series of service projects in Humphreys County entitled "Waverly Work Crews". For 2010 mission trips will be offered to help the people of Waverly, Chattanooga and a trip outside the United States to El Salvador.
G.A.P. (Guys/Girls Applying Prayer)- G.A.P. is our prayer group which stands for Guys/Girls Applying Prayer. When G.A.P. is in session, we all meet in a host home for a time of fun, fellowship and prayer. The young men and women are in seperate rooms. While in their respected area, each group gives their prayer requests and is prayed for by another young person in attendance. It truly is a great time of growing closer to one another while growing closer to God.
Retreats- Our Retreats are just that, a retreat. it is a retreat from society, a retreat from the outside world. It is a time of rededication Spiritually. For our retreats, we leave on a Friday evening and return Sunday afternoon. It is a great opportunity to spend in fellowship with one another and in reflection and Bible Study.
Devotionals- The Youth Ministry Program offers Devotionals throughout the year. At our Devotionals, we will either meet in our Enrichment Center, Basement, or in a host home. At our Devotionals, we will have refreshments, and then have our Devotional period, consisting of songs, a Bible lesson, and prayers. All young people and adults are invited and encouraged to attend.
Bible Bowl- The Waverly church of Christ Youth Group is a part of the area Bowl. The Bible Bowl Season runs from September-February. At each Bible Bowl, teams are given a test over an assigned text of Scripture. There is a Junior Division (up through 6th Grade) and a Senior Division (7th-12th Grade)
Summer Youth Series- During the summer, we participate in the Summer Youth Series. The Summer Youth Series is a weekly series which meets at area congregations. The Summer Youth Series involves Devotional and fellowship time.
Lock-ins- Lock-ins are activities that literally go all night. Our lock-ins begin in the evening and continue until the next morning. At our lock-ins, we have set devotional times, planned activities, and lots of fun!
Service Projects- Over the course of the year, we offer service projects for the young people of the congregation. Our largest project of the year, Waverly Work Crews, took place in June of 2008. However, additional service projects are scheduled throughout the year as needs arise.
I.B.W. (In-Between Wednesday)- I.B.W.'s take place during the school year. The activity takes place between school and our Wednesday evening Bible Study. I.B.W. begins immediately after school, with everyone meeting at the building. After completing homework we will do a recreational activity before getting dinner. We return in time for the Wednesday Evening Bible Study.
Game Nights- On selected Friday nights, young people are invited to the building for Game Night. At Game Night, young people play games, eat snacks and have a great time of fellowship.
5th Quarters- During the High School football season, there will be 5th quarters following selected Waverly High School football games. 5th Quarter provides young people with a positive enviroment to fellowship with one another. 5th Quarter includes refreshments, games and other activities.
Pewpackers- Pewpackers is for our youngest children at the Waverly church of Christ. Pewpackers incorporates puppets, VBS songs and learning. It is very interactive and lots of fun! Pewpackers meets on selected Sunday afternoons before the evening Worship service in Puppet Village!
Chili Bowl Youth Rally- In the fall of 2004, the Waverly church of Christ looked for ideas to pull all of the young people from the Humphreys County area for a day of fellowship and Spiritual development. After much consideration, it was decided to pattern a youth rally after a concept created by the Rosemark church of Christ, a youth rally which consisted of a youth rally and a flag football tournament. This youth rally was brought back in 2005 with Eric Lyons from Apologetics Press as the guest speaker. The theme for 2005 was "What's the Big deal About Dinosaurs?". The 2006 Chili Bowl met on September 9th & 10th with "Devoted" as the theme. Speakers for the weekend included Lonnie Jones, Jeff Keele and Mike Tanaro. The 2007 Chili Bowl, entitled "The Greatest Need" included Joe Rhodes and Lonnie Jones. The 2007 Chili Bowl, entitled "My Place in God's Space" included Kenneth Dupree, Jeremy McFarlin and Lonnie Jones. The 2009 Chili Bowl, entitled "Recycled" included Jeremy McFarlin and Lonnie Jones. The 2009 Chili Bowl included a series of Q & A sessions where young people in attendance could ask Bible questions and receive Bible answers. 2010 will mark the 7th annual Chili Bowl in Waverly.
This list is just a small sample of what you will be a part of with the Waverly church of Christ Youth and Family Ministry Program! Want to know more? If so, please e-mail Chris at waverlyyouthgroup@hotmail.com
We would love to have you as our honored guest here at the Waverly church of Christ, and would be more than thrilled to be honored with your presence! We are a warm, loving, and friendly congregation. We would love for you to be a part of it! If you are in need of our church van to come and pick you up, please contact our office and let us know (296-3213). Our Worship and Bible Study times are as follows:
Sunday Morning Bible Study- 9:00 a.m.
Sunday Morning Worship- 10:00 a.m.
Sunday Evening Worship- 6:30 p.m.
Wenesday Evening Bible Study- 7:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us! May God bless you and keep you in His care always!