QUESTIONS, QUESTIONS; we all have questions. Here are some answers to a few that I'm sure you will ask if you aren't already.
Question 1: What grades are involved in the youth ministry?
Our CHOSEN Middle School Ministry brings in the 6th grade in the fall each year. The following year, most of our 7th graders will go through Confirmation, then in July following their 8th grade year, students will switch over into the HSMinistry. Students are encouraged to participate in this ministry through the summer following their senior year.
Question 2: How do I know my child will be with are safe with the adults leaders?
This is probably the most important question a parent could ask. Often people are hesitant to ask because they don't want to appear as if they are mistrusting of the staff and volunteers. I encourage you to ask these tough questions. These are your kids and we are only safeguarding them for you.
To address this concern, we make sure that all our volunteers go through a thorough training outlined in our SAFE SANCTUARIES Policy. You can find the policy here.
All our adult leaders have undergone a thorough background check and application process. We are serious about your child's safety, we welcome your concerns.
Question 3: How can I get involved?
Now this is a question that is music to our ears.
Caring adults are the most important part of our ministry. Students can't be ministered to without you. There are numerous ways for adults to get involved. We have a serious applicaiton and background check process which all volunteers and staff need to proceed through. But as a place to start, why don't you just join us during one of our events around the church or as a chaperone or driver for a trip.
We welcome you to come and check out one of our bible studies, from there you may choose to start teaching or possibly become a small group leader.
If you decide to join us for one of our trips as either a chaperone or a driver, just remember that we will need to complete the background check and application process at least two weeks prior to the trip. This is a great way to really get to know the kids and they can get to know you.
Question 4: How do I contact you?
You can contact the ministry office through email or telephone:
Telephone: 410-643-5361
Email: g3(at)kiumc(dot)org
You can contact Gary (Director)via:
email: gary(at)kiumc(dot)org
or on his cell: 4433362736
You can contact Christy (MS Coordinator) via:
email: christy(at)kiumc(dot)org
or on her cell: 4434960375
We maintain blogs for current information:
HSMinistry: g3hsm.blogspot.com
CHOSEN Ministry: g3chosen.blogspot.com
We also provide text message updates, you can sign up here.
Question 5: Do I have to fill out one of these permissioin slips for each event?
Yes. For all our special events where we are taking your child away from the church, we need some basic information. The permission slip can be printed from the forms page. We also need a medical information form completed each year and kept on file for each child.
The only exception to this is those events which are 'regular' events, or the child's parent is attending as part of the group. For instance, we play Challenger Baseball every Sunday afternoon in May and June. Here it is an established pattern for us, parents know where we are going and when we will be back. This type of event is the only rare exception.
Question 6: My child is hesitant to get involved; how do I get them plugged in?
That is a great question. It is scary for a student to try something new, especially if they are alone in this initial step. We work real hard to make sure that our 'regular' students welcome each and every visitor.
Probably the safest place to join the CHOSEN is either the 'FUN Days' or through confirmation. Both of these are designed to create environments for kids to share memorable experiences.
When joining the HSMinistry, it is probably best to join us on either Wednesday nights or for one of our trips. The trips usually are very low risk for a student and our Wednesday nights are a very relaxed bible study. This fall the HSM will be having a 'study hall/game room on Wednesday nights; this will be very easy for them to feel welcome.
I would suggest that you try to get them to bring someone with them. They will feel much safer when they know someone, and the leaders will make sure they know some other students before they leave.
