General Information

MSYG shares a journey of faith, hope and commitment throughout each year.  During 2006-2007 there were over 100 MSYG Fish registered with approximately 50 participating on a weekly basis.  The MSYG program now includes more than 35 regular weekly meetings, service projects, fundraising events and the May Mission Trip.

Youth Program Goals
To provide meaningful experiences in a safe place in which to learn the joys and challenges of working, playing, and learning together in a community of Christian fellowship and love.
To foster the knowledge and love of God through discussions, activities, friendships & service projects.
To offer youth an environment in which to discover they are not alone, a forum to discuss and deal with issues in their lives, and people to support and love them through times of happiness, grief, fear, and change.

Service Projects/Mission Trip
During 2006-2007, MSYG delivered 450 service mission hours via monthly service projects and the May Mission Trip to the Mountainside.

Weekly Events
We aim to achieve each of the Beacons at least once during each month.  Some events are geared towards furthering Christian experience, some are geared towards service and some are simply for fun and fellowship.  Examples of these type of activities are Fall Super Day, Lock-In, Vespers, and Team Building Day.

Staffing
This program takes the effort of many dedicated individuals.  Our staff includes 2 full-time Youth Ministers, 2 part-time adult Advisors, 8 Junior team Advisors, members of the Middle School Ministries Committee along with church staff support.

Parent Support
Encourage: We ask you to acknowledge your child’s decision to make MSYG a part of their life and we ask that you support and encourage his/her journey. 
Volunteer: We ask parents to help with at least two MSYG activities per year such as fund raising, special events, kick-off pool party, service projects, driving, food preparation, donations and end of year pool party.  Sign-ups are available at the annual Parent’s Meeting in the fall.

Participation Guidelines
All are welcome to come to regular Sunday events held at church, but new participants or friends must be introduced to the MSYG leaders.  Special events away from church require permission slips and/or sign ups and must be in by deadline.  The omnibus health and permission form covers all events.  MSYG members who would like to participate in the annual Mission Trip to Mountainside are required to attend Teambuilding Day, Commissioning Sunday and 3 of the other 6 covenant events on the MSYG calendar.  The purpose of this policy is to help build a sense of community, fellowship and teamwork among the Mission Fish, which is critical to the success of the Mission Trip.