The National Youth Department is in an interim transition phase as it moves toward restructuring its officers and program areas. An
Ad-hoc Committee was formed in May of 2000 to examine the officer structure and program areas sponsored by the National Youth Department. This committee submitted a final report to the Presiding Bishop. The report is in its implementation phase between now and next year's convocation. Three major initiatives are now being established during this interim period to better serve the youth of our churches. They are:
1. Education Committee
This committee is being established to plan career fairs, education workshops and other informative secular education seminars and presentations for our youth and their parents. The Education Committee shall coordinate the establishment of National Youth Department scholarships and grants and devise guidelines for awarding such. This committee will also assist with writing Christian Education lessons to be used by local youth departments in local youth training programs as well as assist with the selection of commercially developed curriculum.
2. Program Development Committee
This committee is being established to coordinate and schedule services, training seminars and other programs sponsored by the National Youth Department. This committee shall also coordinate and plan dates and activities for the National Youth Convention. The Program Development Committee shall coordinate and publish the "Progressive Heritage" which is the newsletter of the National Church. This committee shall also assist with establishing program areas such as: "Adopt-a-Senior," "Adopt-a-Disabled Person," witnessing programs, and other program areas created by the National Youth Department.
3. Recreation Activities Committee
This committee is being established to coordinate and schedule wholesome recreational activities. The Recreation Committee shall coordinate the establishment of basketball leagues, volleyball leagues, softball leagues, and other sports leagues deemed appropriate for wholesome recreation. This committee shall work with representatives of the local churches to establish local church sports teams.
The interim chairpersons for the committees will be coordinating their respective functions. All local youth department presidents and vice-presidents are encouraged to attend the National Youth Department Officers Meetings, which will focus on further developing the above named areas as we proceed during this transition period. All meetings will be held at the headquarters church in Columbia, SC.
We look forward to positive results as we work together to help our youth survive and thrive both spiritually and secularly in an
ever-changing world.
Goals
To promote positive self-esteem and self-concept.
To instill pride and self-discipline
To instill a thirst for spiritual knowledge.
To enhance effective decision-making, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
To enhance effective communication skills.
To develop and maintain a stable support system.
To provide wholesome recreation, leisure-time and cultural activities.
To promote a positive mental attitude as a key element in effective daily living.
To enhance goal-setting and attainment skills.
To promote the pursuit and attainment of higher education and/or vocational career goals.
To promote personal evangelism.
To promote a healthy balance between spiritual and secular growth and development.
Roles of the Youth Department in the Church
- To serve as a spokesperson for children and youth issues.
To provide a mechanism whereby youth have a voice in the church and are a vital and active part of the local church.
To coordinate safe, wholesome, and positive social and leisure-time activities for the enjoyment of all youth.
To assist the church in providing spiritual nurturance and personal growth enhancement for all children and youth.
To collaborate with other departments in the church to provide services and programs to meet youth needs.
Closing Statement
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Eccl. 11:9
Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity. Eccl. 11:10
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evils days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. Eccl. 12:1
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Eccl. 12:13
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Eccl. 12:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight,
O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Ps. 19:14
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Cor. 5:7
National Youth Department Motto
Local Youth Department News
The Progressive Church of Mullins was blessed recently to have two (2) of it's youth recognized as finalists in the Pre-Teen Scholarship Competition for girls held in Greenville, SC, on September 1-3, 2001. Their names are Kara Lane Brockington and Amber Nicole James. Kara competed in the junior division, age’s 7-9 and Amber competed in the senior division, age’s 10-12. Both girls did a fantastic job and represented themselves well in the overall competition. They were evaluated on their academic achievements, volunteer service to their church and community as well as the development of personal and communication skills. A major emphasis of the competition was placed on community involvement such as: visiting nursing homes, assisting the homeless and the elderly.
Kara received two (2) awards: a Merit Finalist award for being just under the Top 25 girls as well as an Ad Sales award for getting a full page Ad in their Promotional booklet. Amber received one (1) award: a Special Judges award which means that there was one thing special about her accomplishments that stood out from among her peers. Even though the girls did not obtain titles for the junior and senior divisions, they maintained a positive attitude, a spirit of determination and a thirst for excellence. Most of all, the Girl’s enjoyed the experience of meeting other girls and developing new friendships.
Progressive Church in Atlanta, GA
Youth Honors’ Program – Spring Semester, 2001
On Sunday evening, September 23, 2001, 5:00 p.m., Atlanta’s youths were honored for their academic accomplishments during the Spring Semester, 2001. Sis. Carol Carter was the Program Planner and Presenter. The National Youth President, Bro. Charles Johnson attended the morning service, which was conducted by the Youth Department as well as the evening Honors Program. The Honors program outline and description of youth accomplishments are listed below.
Selection by the Youth Choir conducted by Sis. Dawn Deas:
Bro. Alan Murray, Conductor, leading Prayer
Brothers: Timothy Jackson, Bobby Edwards, II, Tambourines; Emmanuel Deas, Drums; Charles
Johnson, Jr. assisting the Youth Choir with their musical talent
Sis. Carol Carter, Program Planner & Presenter
Sis. Verlene Brown, Honoree, Opening Remarks, "Work hard, you can be what you want to be."
Dec. Al Alford, Speaker, "A Tribute to High Academic Achievers"
Sis. Mary Nkrumah, Response to Speaker, told of how she excelled, and was the only one of 12 children to receive a college education. Sis. Nkrumah is a teacher for K-1st Grade.
Bro. Charles Johnson, gave remarks and a challenge to youth and youth officers
Pastor Earnest Deas gave closing remarks
Bro. Timothy Jackson, accepted the challenge as new Youth President and give closing remarks
The Honorees received their certificates including a group picture.
All of the honorees listed are Sunday school students, some are Youth Choir Members and some work with the Hospitality Committee and in other areas in the church.
Akenjen Mba. Attended Sequoyah Middle School where she successfully completed the 7th grade and maintained a straight "A" average. She received certificates in Science, Language Arts and Algebra I. Akenjen was on the Principal’s list and her goal is to become a doctor.
Kenesha Jackson. Attended Cedar Grove High School and received a G.P.A. of 4.17 for the Spring Semester. Kenesha finished Cedar Grove with an overall G.P.A. of 3.78 and is a Freshman at the State University of West Georgia. She graduated in the top 10 per cent of her class for 2001. Kenesha is currently majoring in Biology/Pre-Med.
Jonathan Jackson. Jonathan is a student at Cedar Grove High School where he successfully completed the 9th Grade with a G.P.A. of 3.3. Jonathan is an Honor Roll student. Jonathan writes and composes music, plays the keyboard and drums. He plans to attend college where he will further develop his music skills.
LaToya Jenkins. LaToya completed the 10th grade with a G.P.A. of 3.0. She received an Academic Achievers Award, and Star Student Improvement Award in Literature. LaToya plans to attend Georgia State University upon completing high school and plans to become a Dentist.
Joi Jackson. Joi currently has a G.P.A. of 3.2 and has completed the 10th grade. She was Student of the Month at Cedar Grove High School in May 2001. Joi plans to attend the State University of West Georgia upon high school graduation and major in Child Psycholoygy. Her interest is to design Web Pages.
Alisha Alford. Alisha is a student at Riverdale High School where she has completed the 10th grade with a G.P.A. of 4.0. She was nominated for the Governor’s Honors Program of Clayton County for High Academic Achievers and was a county finalist. Alisha received a certificate for all A’s from her school and a certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Achievement in Academics. She is the Church Librarian and served as one of the Vice Presidents of the Youth Department. Upon completion of high school Alisha plans to attend Spelman College where she will major in Business Management.
Isaac Ampah-Nkrumah. Isaac completed the 8th grade with a G.P.A. of 3.5 and was a student at North Clayton Middle School. He received the Presidents Education Award for High Academic Standards and Outstanding Academic Achievement, Certificate of Achievement for North Clayton Middle School in May 2001, Good Conduct Award, Math Award for maintaining an "A" average in Algebra I, and Certificate of Completion in Algebra I.
Although it is early to say where he will go to further his education, Isaac does plan to attend college.
Bobby Edwards, II. Bobby completed the 3rd grade with straight "A’s" in all areas. He is a student at Columbia Elementary School and was on the Principal’s List.
Marcus Haynes. Marcus has successfully completed the 4th grade. He has been a "High Stepper" (equivalent of Student of the Month), made the Honor Roll each semester and received a Reading Award.
Emmauel Ampah-Nkrumah. Emmauel graduated from North Clayton High School in June 2001 with a G.P.A. of 3.5. He was a member of the Beta Club, National Honor Society and the Science Club (SECME). Emmanuel received a full tuition scholarship to attend Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida and will enroll during the Winter Semester beginning January 2002. He plans to obtain a double major in Psychology/Biology and a minor in English. Emmanuel also plans to obtain his Masters Degree and attend Medical School.
The Atlanta assembly currently has 4 students attending the State University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia and one student at Morehouse College. The pastor is an advocate of and encourages higher education.
