Jr. Goya "Club 678" Calendar 2010-11

For 6th , 7th & 8th Grades

Parents, we will have more opportunities for the group to get together throughout the year. As each event approaches more detailed information will be passed along to you through email and your child's Sunday school class. For questions or concerns please email Mary Deffigos at or call 480-991-3009.

YOUTH MINISTRY FOUNDATION

The foundation of all youth ministry is the cultivation and education of our young people in order to become viable members of the Body of Christ. GOYA is but one means to this end. GOYA must not stand alone, but be incorporated into the entire sphere of the Church's mission. The adolescent world is constantly changing - it is virtually impossible to keep up with every new trend and movement of youth culture. Growing up in today's society is a much more difficult task than it was in previous Times. Our young people are being shaped by negative and destructive influences, ones that can and will define who they are and who they will become. For this reason, the positive teachings and traditions of the Orthodox Church must become a living presence in their lives. This makes youth ministry not an option -- but a necessity.

MISSION AND GOAL OF GOYA MINISTRY

The Assumption Church School ministry (Sunday School) lays the foundation for children to learn their Orthodox Faith. The youth group ministry provides opportunties for the children to live their faith through experiences and activities that actively teach through practice.

The mission and goal of the JOY ministry is to lead our young people into experiencing the Holy Orthodox Faith. By developing a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and becoming active sacramental members of the living church, our young people will be equipped with tools necessary to assist them in their journey toward salvation. By laying a foundation of faith at this age, the young people will have something that will guide and strengthen them as they progress into junior high and high school.

THE FOUR CHARACTERISTICS OF ORTHODOX YOUTH PROGRAMS

Worship: Spiritual development begins with a relationship with God. As Orthodox Christians, we believe that God reveals Himself through Holy Tradition and Scripture. Worship is the sacramental expression of these, and is thus a very important element in ministering to our Young people. It is important for JOYers to be active PARTICIPANTS in the Sunday liturgy of the Church.

Fellowship (community): Spiritual growth is taught through relationship with others, it is how Orthodox Christians integrate their faith with daily life. It is sacred when Orthodox Christians gather together in the Lord's name. The relationship of the Holy Trinity is the perfect model of Fellowship. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit share perfect communion and exist in perfect love. By gathering together in fellowship, and by experiencing this love, we emulate the relationship of the Trinity, and develop our life in Christ.

Service: Christ set the foundation for those who would follow Him and become His disciples, they are to offer their time, talents and treasures in service to one another. Therefore, we can honor and glorify God by loving and serving one another in His name. Young people should use their God-given gifts to deny themselves, take up their cross and follow Him.

Witness: In order to be true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to the Orthodox Christian Faith, young people should be given opportunities to share their faith with others. They must be a witness to their faith, offering a convincing word and to be able to speak about their personal faith to those they come in contact with.