Next Generation

Our Next Gen ministry includes two groups, TRAILBLAZERS (kids age 0 to Grade 6) and JR. & SR. HIGH COMMUNITIES (students grades 6 to 12).

Each age-group within these groups has their own unique SUNDAY RHYTHM for gatherings (listed below) and their own PHASE EVENTS.

Phase Events are age-specific experiences and gatherings throughout the year that help students and families establish traditions and routines that integrate their spiritual journeys into their everyday life and seasonal rhythms. They also help create a sense of community. Examples of Phase Events include the Blessing of the Backpacks at the start of the school year, Family meet-ups, Advent wreath-making, and Family Serve Days.

If you’re a parent or student, join the appropriate group on Church Center to stay tuned to upcoming events: https://greatroad.churchcenter.com/groups.

SUNDAY RHYTHMS 

TRAILBLAZERS (Kids ministry)

Nursery & Preschool

• • Every Sunday we have volunteers ready to receive our youngest ones for fun, play-based activities in a nurturing and caring environment.

Elementary (K to Grade 3)

• • 1st Sundays: We celebrate FEAST SUNDAYS where children participate in worship with their families. This is an opportunity to teach kids about how to participate in Sunday morning worship.
  • 2nd Sundays: After the opening worship, kids head to Trailblazers for COMMUNITY BUILDING with large group teaching followed by games and activities to get to know each other.
  • 3rd Sundays: After the opening worship, kids head to Trailbazers for CURIOSITY ACTIVATING through small group time, Bible challenge, and activities based on the Large Group theme of the month.
  • 4th Sundays: After the opening worship, kids head to Trailblazers for COMMISSIONING where they will work together for a particular mission or purpose, whether it’s a clean-up project around church or sorting food items for the pantry. We desire for kids to experience faith and love in action.

Tweens (Grades 4 to 6)

• • 1st Sundays: We celebrate FEAST SUNDAYS where children participate in worship with their families. This is an opportunity to teach kids about how to participate in Sunday morning worship.
  • 2nd-4th Sundays: After the opening worship, tweens head to the Ministry Center for their own small group. Twice a month they will focus on Bible Exploration, working through the entire Bible over a 3-year cycle. Once a month they will focus on community building.

Questions about Trailblazers? Email Pastor Phyllis (phyllis@greatroadchurch.org) 

STUDENT COMMUNITIES (Jr. & Sr. High)

This year our pastors are creating student core teams for our Jr. High and Sr. High communities who will play a key role in developing community, selecting dicussion topics, and shaping service events and other phase events.

Jr. High (Grades 6 to 8)

• • 1st Sundays: We celebrate FEAST SUNDAYS where sstudents participate in worship with their families. This is an opportunity to teach students about how to participate in Sunday morning worship.
  • 2nd Sundays: DONUTS’N’DEVOTIONS: After the opening worship, Jr. High students head to the Ministry Center for their own small group where they discuss spiritual topics and enjoy some donuts!

Sr. High (Grades 9 to 12)

• • 1st Sundays: We celebrate FEAST SUNDAYS where sstudents participate in worship with their families. This is an opportunity to teach students about how to participate in Sunday morning worship.
  • 4th Sundays: DONUTS’N’DEVOTIONS: After the opening worship, Sr. High students head to the Ministry Center for their own small group where they discuss spiritual topics and enjoy some donuts!

Confirmation (for all interested students Grades 6 to 12)

• • Every Sunday at 6pm: A one year program (September to May) that allows students to be curious about their faith, engage the scriptures, and come to their own convictions. 

Questions about our Jr. & Sr. High Student Communities? Email Pastor Helen (helen@greatroadchurch.org)