IHC Youth Ministries

 

IHC  Youth  Ministries   The  Mission  of  the  IHC  Youth  Ministries  Program  is  “Nurturing  a  safe   faith  space  through  relationships  with  each  other  and  with  God.”   Our  vision  is  to  model  for  the  congregation  and  families  just  how   essential  our  youth  are  to  the  church  of  today  and  tomorrow.  Our   hope  to  is  to  be  a  catalyst  for  re-­‐igniting  a  church  that  lives  out  its  faith   together  with  all  generations  working  and  growing  together.  

Youth  Program  Gatherings   Our  youth  programs  provide  and  nurture  a  safe   faith  space  for  youth  in  grades  7-­‐12  through   relationships  with  each  other  and  with  God.   Our  aim  is  to  help  young  people  meet  the   challenges  of  their  lives  in  a  manner  that   promotes  wholeness,  authentic  faith,  and   respect  of  the  self  and  others,  through  a  deeper   understanding  of  God’s  love.   Senior  High  Youth  Group   A  fun-­‐filled  group  meets  Sunday  evenings  from   5-­‐7  pm  in  our  youth  center.  During  this  time,   youth  hang  out  with  youth  director  Michelle   VanOudenallen,  and  other  adult  volunteers  for   fun,  friendship,  safe  discussions  of  teen  issues,   and  spiritual  growth.  

During  the  program  year,  September  through   May,  we  offer  several  different  opportunities   for  teen  to  be  involved  in  the  church   throughout  their  jr.  high  and  high  school  years   and  to  give  our  teens  opportunities  to  deeper   their  understanding  of  the  Christian  faith  as   they  embark  upon  and  continue  in  their   spiritual  journeys.  All  of  our  youth  programs   strive  to  build  community  and  fellowship   through  educational,  spiritual,  social,  and   outreach  activities  and  provide  teens  with  a   safe  place  to  seek  pastoral  care.  In  addition  to   Sunday  gatherings,  we  also  plan  special   activities  for  fun  and  community  service.  

8th  Grade  Confirmation   Our  confirmation  program  is  one  of  the  most  vibrant  and  thriving  programs  in  our  church  and  one  of  the   largest  and  most  successful  Confirmation  programs  in  the  Diocese.    8th  grade  youth  prepare  to  be   confirmed  as  either  an  Episcopal  or  Presbyterian,  and  oftentimes,  in  the  spirit  of  our  unique  duel-­‐ denomination  church,  choose  to  be  confirmed  in  both  denominations.  Students  engage  in  a  both  small   and  large  group  discussions,  interactive  learning  activities  designed  to  awaken  spiritual  curiosity  and  bring   a  deeper  awareness  of  Christian  principles,  and  prepare  to  make  a  statement  of  faith  in  May  that   creatively  articulates  their  personal  and  authentic  faith  experience.   One  of  the  highlights  of  this  program  is  the  deep  commitment  that  the  Confirmation  mentors  make  to   provides  students  with  small  group  and  individual  spiritual  mentorship.    The  popularity  and  success  of  this   program  draws  in  youth  participation  from  both  IHC  youth  as  well  as  youth  from  other  congregations,  or   youth  from  families  who  are  interested  in  exploring  membership  and  participation  at  IHC.  The  class  meets   September-­‐May  on  Wednesday  nights  from  6-­‐8pm  and  includes  dinner  together,  (provided  each  week  by   a  Confirmation  family),  several  service  projects,  and  two  weekend  team-­‐building  retreats.   For  More  Information,  please  contact:   Michelle  VanOudenallen,  Youth  Ministries  Director,  513-­‐561-­‐6805,  ext  306    Fax:  513-­‐561-­‐0894    [email protected]  

   

IHC  Children’s  Ministries   Our  mission  is  to  introduce  children  into  a  life  of  faith.    We   welcome  children  into  our  church  family  as  participating  members;   teaching  them  the  relevance  and  principles  of  faith  as  the  universal   connection  to  a  loving  God.    We  encourage  them  to  grow  in  their   own  faith  and  provide  opportunities  to  serve  church  and  community.     We  provide  a  sacred  space  through  worship,  prayer  and  simple  rituals.  

Sunday  Family  Gathering   10:30  AM  

CHILDREN  IN  WORSHIP   Children  in  Preschool  through  seventh  grade  attend  the  beginning  of  the  main  worship  service  with  their  parents  to   participate  in  the  worship  opening  sentences,  prayers  and  readings.    They  hear  a  Children’s  Sermon  from  one  of  the   ministers  and  then  are  dismissed  to  the  classrooms  for  the  Sunday  Family  Program.   INFANTS  AND  TODDLERS  (0  through  2)   We  provide  “sacred  childcare”  for  our  youngest   children.  We  work  to  create  an  atmosphere  of   warmth,  acceptance,  and  security.    We  have  Bible   stories  available  but  share  them  casually  as  the   children’s  attention  allows.     “Walk  With  Me”  (Preschool  –  Fifth  Grade)   The  Walk  With  Me®  curriculum  gives  children  a   strong  Biblical  foundation  allowing  them  to  grow  in   their  faith.  Activities  and  stories  work  with  each   child’s  unique  learning  style  using  drama,  music,   story  telling  and  hands-­‐on  activities.  Lessons  are   taught  in  four-­‐week  thematic  units.  Children  have   take-­‐home  papers  to  remind  them  of  the  story  of   the  day.  

Choirs  

EXPLORING  OUR  FAITH,  EXPLORING   OURSELVES   (Sixth  and  Seventh  Grade)   How  do  we  express  our  faith  through  worship?  How   do  God  and  the  church  fit  into  our  day-­‐to-­‐day  lives?   The  students  will  learn  about  our  faith  and   traditions  in  the  Episcopal  and  Presbyterian   Churches  and  how  we,  as  children  of  God,  fit  into   those  traditions.  They  will  also  survey  other  means   of  worship  in  the  wider  religious  community  of   Cincinnati  including  the  exploration  of  Catholicism,   Judaism,  and  Islam  through  guest  speakers  and   field  trips.  Students  will  participate  in  community   service  projects.  

Singing  and  playing  instruments  are  important  ways  to  worship  God.  Vocal  and  instrumental  offerings  of   our  young  people  are  a  vital  part  of  worship  at  Indian  Hill  Church.  As  a  member  church  of  Chorister’s  Guild,   IHC  receives  the  Choristers  Guild  Journal  throughout  the  year,  supplying  our  choir  program  with  ideas  and   repertoire.  In  addition,  we  have  the  opportunity  to  take  part  in  Choralfest,  an  ecumenical  choral  experience                                               sponsored  by  the  local  chapter  of  Chorister’s  Guild.  

Junior  Choir   Choristers  in  the  Junior  Choir  rehearse  weekly  in  Room  6  and  include  elementary  age  students  and  older.  This  choir  prepares   hymns  and  anthems  and  sings  at  Sunday  worship  services  and  other  special  events  during  the  year.     Handbell  Choir   IHC’s  Youth  Handbell  Choir  is  open  to  elementary  age  students  and  older,  and  rehearses  weekly.  Music  reading  skills  are   encouraged  but  not  required.  This  group  rings  occasionally  at  worship  services,  and  sometimes  offers  accompaniment  to  Junior   Choir  anthems   For  More  Information,  please  contact:   Ann  Pardue,  Director,  Children’s  Christian  Education   Phone:  513-­‐561-­‐6805,  ext.  307  Fax:  513-­‐561-­‐0894   [email protected]  

For  More  Information  About  Choir,  please  contact:   Bonnie  Spain,  M.M.,  Director  of  Children’s  Music   Phone:  513-­‐561-­‐6805,  ext.  313  Fax:  513-­‐561-­‐0894   [email protected]