Harvest Youth Ministries
We exist to help teenagers understand what it means to follow Jesus
We are about teenagers encountering God, making friends, growing together and making a difference. It’s about the abundant life that is found in a personal relationship with Christ. It is our belief that teenagers are not the church of tomorrow, but they are part of the church of today. We strive to encourage and equip students to bring glory to God in their schools, in their homes, in the church and in their communities. A teenager’s world is constantly changing, but we desire them to experience that God doesn’t change. This is the stability they need to live out the life God has in store for them.
What We Value
• We will be a group where prayer is foundational
• We will be a safe place for students to build lasting relationships
• What we say will be biblically sound with practical use for today
• We will use our gifts and passions for ministry
• We will have fun
• We will be a group that worships God together
• We will be a place where people can be who God has created them to be
Water Night
Weekly Events
Monthly Fun and Relationship-Building Activities- held on the last Sunday of the month
These activities will be designed to be fun and engaging, providing students with opportunities to build strong friendships within the Youth Ministry. The goal is to bring students together to have fun and then plug them into small groups and “Youth Group- Sunday School” where they can continue to grow in their discipleship journey.
Small Groups – Wednesday Nights- 6:00PM- 8:30PM
located at Harvest or small group leader’s homes
Our small groups are designed to foster deep relationships and discipleship, centered around the Word of God. Our goal is to help students grow in their faith through meaningful conversations, Bible study and serving our local community.
Youth Group- formerly “Sunday School” – Sunday Mornings 9:15AM-10:15AM during the school year
Sunday mornings are now our “Youth Group” time, dedicated to learning more about the Bible and understanding how it applies to students’ lives.
Our goal is to help them develop a strong biblical foundation.
Youth Conferences
Harvest is a part of the EFCA Central District. The youth ministry participates in the different winter retreats that the district put together for students.
Impact (High School)
This is the EFCA Central District’s winter conference for high school students. This year it will be help at Hidden Acres, and it is always a highlight of the year. There is a great speaker and awesome worship. IMPACT usually takes place the first weekend of January.
Winter Blast (Jr. High)
Winter Blast is the Central District’s winter retreat for middle school students, and is held at Hidden Acres. It’s a fun packed weekend where students are challenged to grow closer to God. Winter Blast ussualy is held the first weekend of February. We would love for you to join us!
Missions & Service Projects
Missions
During Spring Break (March) and Dead Week (July) are when we take our students on missions. Our mission trips are incredible opportunities for students to see God at work beyond our local community. These weeklong trips will challenge them to step out of their comfort zone, serve others, and grow in their understanding of God.
Local Outreach
Once a month, our small groups will have the opportunity to serve others in our community through various outreach activities, including:
Visiting the elderly: Spending time with residents at nursing homes, engaging in conversations, playing games & sharing stories to brighten their day.
Evangelism-Care/Cheer Packages: Go out and share – prepare and deliver packages with snacks and encouraging notes
Seasonal Service: Help widows, single mothers, and others in need by raking leaves in fall or shoveling snow
Prayer Walks: Conduct prayer walks or drives in the community, visiting hospitals, parks, schools, and other key locations
Volunteering at Food at First: Serve and Cleanup 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Volunteer in Ames to serve and clean up at community meal events for the people in need.
