Meetings begin formally at 6:30 and end around 8 but we encourage students to come early and stay after to connect with other leaders and students.

GAME TOGETHER. BUILD COMMUNITY. GROW IN CHRIST.

October 20th | 6:30–9:00 PM | Rooms 302/303

Esports is a new branch of our Grace Sports Ministry. It's a place where gamers can come together, have fun, build friendships, and grow spiritually together.

We believe gaming can be more than just entertainment; it can be an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, practice teamwork, encourage one another, and create a community where people feel welcomed and connected.

Each gathering will include:

30-Minute Devotion
We will take time to open God's Word, discuss faith and life, pray together, and encourage one another in our walk with Christ.

1.5 Hours of Gaming
After our devotion, we'll spend time gaming together through a variety of video games and board games. Whether you're competitive, casual, experienced, or just looking for a place to connect, there's room for you.

Our Goal

Our goal is simple:

Have fun together.
Build community together.
Grow spiritually together.

We want to create a healthy gaming environment where relationships are built beyond the screen and where our love for gaming can become an opportunity to glorify God.

Age Groups

Youth: Ages 13–17
Adults: Adult Gaming Community

Come ready to play, connect, encourage others, and grow together!

Meetings begin formally at 6:30 and end around 8 but we encourage students to come early and stay after to connect with other leaders and students.

Students will gather at church on Saturday, October 10, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM for a lesson, small-group activities, worship, and time with friends.

**T-shirt orders will be placed at 9:00 AM on Thursday, September 27th. Anyone who signs up after October 1st at 11:59 pm will not receive a 2026 Focus T-shirt.**

Week 4: Our Mistakes Don't Define Us

As we conclude our Overlooked Lessons series, we'll look at the story of John Mark, a man who experienced failure but wasn't defined by it. After walking away from an earlier mission journey, John Mark was rejected by Paul for a time. Yet God wasn't finished with his story. Through growth, perseverance, and restoration, John Mark became a trusted ministry partner and was once again used in powerful ways.

Students will be reminded that everyone makes mistakes, but failure is never the end when we place our trust in God. His grace offers forgiveness, restoration, and new opportunities to fulfill His purpose. No matter what has happened in the past, God can redeem our story and use us for His glory.

Big Idea: Our mistakes don't define us.

Primary Scripture: Acts 15:36–41

Supporting Scriptures: 2 Timothy 4:11; 2 Corinthians 4:8–9. Meetings begin formally at 6:30 and end around 8, but we encourage students to come early and stay after to connect with other leaders and students.

Week 3: Our Words Make a Difference

In Week 3 of our Overlooked Lessons series, we'll see how God used the words of an overlooked servant to influence a king's decision. A young servant spoke up and recommended David, setting in motion events that would shape Israel's future. This reminds us that God can use anyone's voice to accomplish His purposes.

Students will discover that their words have the power to encourage, build others up, point people toward truth, and make a lasting impact. Whether at home, school, or church, God calls us to use our words wisely because what we say can make a real difference.

Big Idea: Our words make a difference.

Primary Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:16–18

Supporting Scriptures: James 3:9; Ephesians 4:29

Meetings begin formally at 6:30 and end around 8, but we encourage students to come early and stay after to connect with other leaders and students.

Week 2: Fear Can't Stop God's Plan

This week in our Overlooked Lessons series, we'll discover how God used an ordinary disciple named Ananias to change history. When God called him to visit Saul—a man known for persecuting Christians—Ananias had every reason to be afraid. Yet he chose obedience over fear, and God used his faithfulness to transform Saul's life and incredibly advance the gospel.

Students will learn that fear doesn't have to control their decisions. When God calls us to trust Him, He gives us the courage and strength we need to take the next step. Even when His plans seem intimidating or don't make sense, God's purposes will always prevail.

Big Idea: Fear can't stop God's plan.

Primary Scripture: Acts 9:10–19

Supporting Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:27; Psalm 34:4; Isaiah 41:10

Meetings begin formally at 6:30 and end around 8, but we encourage students to come early and stay after to connect with other leaders and students.

New Series Begins This Week: Overlooked Lessons

This week, we'll begin our four-week series, Overlooked Lessons, where we'll discover powerful truths from people and moments in Scripture that are often overlooked—but have life-changing lessons to teach us.

Our first lesson explores how God's help can come from unlikely places. Through the story of Rahab in Joshua 2 and Joshua 6:25, we'll see that God often works through unexpected people and situations to accomplish His purposes.

Key Scriptures:

Joshua 2; 6:25

Isaiah 55:8

1 Peter 5:5

Come ready to discover that God's plans are often far greater than we can imagine, and that He delights in using the unexpected to display His glory.

Youth begins formally at 6:30 and ends around 8, but we encourage students to come early and stay after to connect with other leaders and students.

Joshua: Week 3 – It’s Time: Choosing Who We Will Serve

For our final week in our three-week journey through Joshua, we’ll look at Joshua 24:11–15, 21–24. Decades after leading Israel into the Promised Land, an aging Joshua gathers the people together to remind them of all that God has done. He calls them to make a decision: “Choose today whom you will serve.”

Through Joshua’s challenge, we’ll learn that:

• God is faithful. From generation to generation, God keeps His promises and remains faithful to His people.

• Faith requires more than words. Israel declared their commitment to God, but the book of Judges reveals that many still held on to idols. True faith is shown through the way we live, not just what we say (James 2:14; Revelation 3:15–16).

• Following God is a daily choice. We are called to fully surrender to Him—not halfway, not when it’s convenient, but with our whole lives.

Big Idea: It’s time to choose—fully, not halfway—and let that choice be reflected in the way we live.

Youth Group Schedule: Meetings begin at 6:30 PM and end around 8:00 PM. Students are encouraged to come early and stay afterward to connect with leaders and other students. Some of the best conversations, encouragement, and relationships happen during those extra moments together!

Joshua: Week 2 – The Battle of Ai: Hidden Sin and Restored Victory

This week we continue our journey through the book of Joshua by looking at Joshua 7:1–13 and 8:1–2, 18–19. After the incredible victory at Jericho, Israel faced a much smaller battle at Ai—but instead of trusting God, they became overconfident and stopped depending on Him. Their defeat revealed that something deeper was wrong: Achan had hidden sin in his life that affected the entire community.

Through this story, we’ll learn that:

• Hidden sin is never just personal. What we choose to hide can impact those around us. Sin affects our relationship with God and our community (James 4:17).

• God invites us to bring sin into the light. Confession and repentance open the way for healing, restoration, and renewed obedience.

• Victory comes through dependence on God. When Israel dealt with their sin and returned to trusting God, He led them to victory at Ai.

Big Idea: Comfort can lead to carelessness, but bringing hidden sin into the light restores our obedience and allows God to lead us toward victory.

Youth Group Schedule: Meetings begin at 6:30 PM and end around 8:00 PM. Students are encouraged to come early and stay afterward to connect with leaders and other students. Some of the best conversations, encouragement, and relationships happen during those extra moments together!

Joshua: Week 1 – Three Reasons to Be Strong and Courageous

This week we're beginning a three-week journey through the book of Joshua by looking at Joshua 1:1–9. After the death of Moses, God calls Joshua to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. Facing an overwhelming task, Joshua hears God's repeated command: "Be strong and courageous."

But God doesn't simply tell Joshua to be courageous—He gives him three reasons why he can be:

• God is with us. We never face life's challenges alone. Just as God promised to be with Joshua, Jesus promises to be with us always (Matthew 28:20b).

• Obedience leads to true success. Real success isn't found in following our own plans but in trusting and obeying God's will (James 4:14–15).

• God's Word builds confidence. Spending time in Scripture gives us wisdom, direction, and the confidence to follow wherever God leads (2 Timothy 3:16).

Big Idea: Our strength and courage don't come from believing in ourselves—they come from knowing God is with us, obeying Him, and trusting His Word.

Youth Group Schedule: Meetings in the Life Center Gym begin at 6:30 PM and conclude around 8:00 PM. Students are encouraged to arrive early and stay afterward to spend time with leaders and friends. Some of the best conversations, encouragement, and relationships happen before and after the official gathering!

Armor Up is a three-week class open to any Middle School or High School Ministry student who wants to explore the harder parts of the Old Testament more deeply.

Why does God seem to do or command things that are difficult to understand? Is there a reasonable explanation, or is the criticism that He's a "moral monster" justified? This class tackles those tough questions head-on.

Join us and come prepared—these issues will continue to surface in our culture, and this class will equip you with the tools to engage with them thoughtfully and confidently.

Make plans to join us for three classes taking place on Sundays, August 9, 16, and 23, in the Conference Room.

Fall Kickoff!

Wednesday, August 19
6:30–8:30 PM

Kick off the new school year with an unforgettable night at Youth! Bring a friend and join us for an evening filled with a Build-Your-Own Ice Cream Sundae Bar, fun games, worship, and a preview of our fall events and retreats. Parents are invited to join us for the entire night! Doors open at 6, and we turn off the lights at 8:30. 

• Build-Your-Own Ice Cream Sundae Bar

• Fun games, activities, great music!

• Meet new friends and reconnect with old ones

• Get a first look at all of our exciting fall events, retreats, and weekly gatherings

• Parents are invited to join us for the entire night!

Come discover how you can grow in your faith, build meaningful friendships, and find your place in our youth family.

We can't wait to welcome you. See you there!

Armor Up is a three-week class open to any Middle School or High School Ministry student who wants to explore the harder parts of the Old Testament more deeply.

Why does God seem to do or command things that are difficult to understand? Is there a reasonable explanation, or is the criticism that He's a "moral monster" justified? This class tackles those tough questions head-on.

Join us and come prepared—these issues will continue to surface in our culture, and this class will equip you with the tools to engage with them thoughtfully and confidently.

Make plans to join us for three classes taking place on Sundays, August 9, 16, and 23, in the Conference Room.

Youth leaders training meeting.

Armor Up is a three-week class open to any Middle School or High School Ministry student who wants to explore the harder parts of the Old Testament more deeply.

Why does God seem to do or command things that are difficult to understand? Is there a reasonable explanation, or is the criticism that He's a "moral monster" justified? This class tackles those tough questions head-on.

Join us and come prepared—these issues will continue to surface in our culture, and this class will equip you with the tools to engage with them thoughtfully and confidently.

Make plans to join us for three classes taking place on Sundays, August 9, 16, and 23, in the Conference Room.

Get ready for an evening of outdoor fun, water games, and friendly competition! Join us for Splash Night on Tuesday, August 5, from 6:00–8:30 PM at the Courtyard Play Area as we cool off, hang out with friends, and enjoy a great summer night together.

We'll have water games, volleyball, free play, and popsicles for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to jump into the action or just relax and connect with friends, there's something for everyone!

What to Bring:

• Clothes you don't mind getting wet

• A towel

• A change of clothes (recommended)

This event is open to all middle and high school students. Invite a friend and come ready for a splashing good time!

As we gear up for the Ministry Fair here at Grace, Samson will be teaching a joint lesson on what it means to live a life of Kingdom ministry. Students will learn from biblical examples as well as modern-day believers who are faithfully serving God and making an impact for His Kingdom.

Together, we'll explore how God has uniquely gifted each of us, how to discover where we can serve, and practical ways students can step into Kingdom ministry right now during their middle school and high school years.

Meetings in the Life Center Gym begin formally at 6:30 PM and end around 8:00 PM, but we encourage students to come early and stay afterward to connect with leaders and other students. Some of the best conversations and relationships are built during these extra moments together!

1 John 3:18, Colossians 3:14, Matthew 5:44 - Love is not a feeling that arrives. It is something you choose, something you put on over and over again for those around you. 

I’d also like a piece of this to cover what happens when you mess up. How do we find forgiveness and restoration when we cross a line or a boundary we shouldn’t have?

Meetings in the Life Center Gym begin formally at 6:30 PM and end around 8:00 PM, but we encourage students to come early and stay afterward to connect with leaders and other students. Some of the best conversations and relationships are built during these extra moments together!

Youth who serve in VBS are invited to an After Party. The cost is free, but we need to know you are coming, so sign up! We will leave from the church at 1:00 pm to arrive at Whirlyball for an amazing time! 

Youth is canceled for VBS.

This is a monthly book club for parents, led by Pastors Jonathan & Samson, that addresses topics helpful to parents of all ages. We want to meet in the Conference Room on July 12 & August 2.

The Book for July is 8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch. Try to read as much of it as you can before attending the parent meeting. 

1 John 3:18, Colossians 3:14, Matthew 5:44 - Love is not a feeling that arrives. It is something you choose, something you put on over and over again for those around you. 

Meetings in the Life Center Gym begin formally at 6:30 PM and end around 8:00 PM, but we encourage students to come early and stay afterward to connect with leaders and other students. Some of the best conversations and relationships are built during these extra moments together!