Ministries for Youth

CHRISTIAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

The Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) is designed to promote Christian faith and growth, outreach and witness, fellowship and stewardship for youth ages 12-18. The CYF offers opportunities for young people to meet together and use their time and talent in positive ways. The organization seeks to assist youth in coping with stresses they face in today's society and empowers them to become Christian leaders. Some activities in which CYF members participate include workshops (which address issues of concern to them), the Annual Youth Day Worship Service, field trips, fundraisers, Annual Christmas Luncheon, preparation and delivery of fruit baskets and cards for sick and shut in members of the church. CYF members also attend and participate in district and annual conference youth retreats.

The Christian Youth Fellowship meets monthly, on the 2nd Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the church annex. All youth between the ages of 12-18 are invited and strongly encouraged to become members of the CYF.

YOUTH USHER BOARD

Members of the Youth Usher Board, ages 12-18, serve each 5th Sunday. They admit worshippers to the sanctuary and distribute worship bulletins. They learn that serving as ushers is a sacred duty as they attend to the needs of worshippers. Youth Usher Board meetings are held in conjunction with monthly CYF meetings. All youth ages 12-18 are welcome and strongly encouraged to join the board.

YOUTH CHURCH

Youth Church is an interactive worship service for youth between the ages of 12-18. In Youth Church, the facilitators teach the youth and the youth teach each other and the facilitators. The facilitators learn from the youth and the youth learn from the facilitators. Youth Church is held parallel to regular Sunday Morning Worship Service. It is held every third and fourth Sunday of the month. Additionally, third and fourth Sundays are "come as you are" and the youth dress casually.

In Youth Church, the youth explore, discuss, and learn Biblical and societal lessons that impact their lives. The youth learn how to apply the Bible to their everyday lives. They learn how Christ is able to help them as they face societal problems. Rev. Valencia T. Jackson and Bro. Anthony M. Alford, II, facilitators.

THE EXCEL PROGRAM

Former Pastor Thomas L. Brown, Sr. conceived the Excel Program as a way to foster learning among our children and youth and to encourage them to pursue academic excellence.

Students in elementary, middle and high school, who achieve a "B" average (3.0 or higher), in their scholastic endeavors will be recognized and placed on The Excel Program Honor Roll. The program also recognizes those students who have achieved distinction in their school for outstanding leadership abilities or for exhibiting good citizenship. Honor Roll students are recognized twice during each school year, during the Black History Month Celebration in February and again in June during Children or Youth Day.

The levels of recognition are as follows:

Pastor's Honor Roll	4.00 and above*
Platinum Honor Roll	3.70 - 3.99
Gold Honor Roll	3.50 - 3.69
Silver Honor Roll	3.0 - 3.49

*Students completing advanced placement courses

The Excel Committee recognizes the following students for their academic achievement and encourages all our children and youth to continue to strive for academic excellence: