Our Ultimate Purpose.
As the youth and college & careers aged people in our church, we exist to glorify God by enjoying Him. What this looks like in practical terms varies! However, one of the main ways we do this is by meeting as a group each week to spend time studying the Bible, praying, praising God, and building each other up in the faith. We also encourage involvement in the Church Family, with those of all ages, with the goal that as a Church we might together become increasingly like Christ and be used by His Spirit to do His life-giving work in the world. We welcome anyone between 13 and 30 to join our meeting. Although this is a meeting that is meant to encourage and equip us in our relationship with the Living God, those who do not follow Christ are more than welcome to come, ask questions and study God's Word with us.
Bible study and discussion...
We meet together weekly to study and discuss the Bible: understanding what God is saying to us through it and exploring practical ways to apply God's truth to our lives. This is also meant to be a time for training ourselves to lead others in worship; thus, there are opportunities for individuals or pairs to take a week preparing (and working alongside someone with experience) and facilitating a Bible study, singing or prayer time.
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Fellowshipping with our Church Family...
We are a part of Christ's body at Renfrew, and although we are a distinct age group, do not view ourselves as separate from the rest of the church. We enjoy spending time with the entire church family through Sunday services, weekly small groups and other church events. We desire to build into those of all ages, and to be built into by them, participating in the life of the church as a whole. We want to learn how to walk in love and forgive each other.
"Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people." (Acts 2:46)
"Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people." (Acts 2:46)
Corporate worship...
We want to grow in having attitudes and actions that worship God. Part of this involves singing together at weekly meetings, telling each other about what God is doing in our lives and around the world, enjoying God's beauty in nature, and learning how to rejoice in Him in difficult and otherwise depressing situations.
"...but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:18b-20).
"...but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:18b-20).
The pews...
We sit on the right side of the Church sanctuary, in pews 3 through 6. Kidding!! Although that certainly seems to be where most of us sit, you are welcome to sit wherever you want. Maybe one day we'll switch it up and sit on the left side!
Corporate prayer...
During our weekly meetings, we spend time together in prayer. We encourage each other to share praise and prayer requests, to praise God and intercede for each other aloud and silently, and to grow in learning how to pray (traditional head-dress not required).
"With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints..." (Ephesians 6:18)
"With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints..." (Ephesians 6:18)
Serving the Church Family and Community...
We believe that God gifts each of us to serve and build up the Church Family, as well as believers worldwide and the community at large. We encourage each other to use our gifts, whether that involve shoveling snow, singing on a worship team, holding babies during the fellowship lunch, or exhorting a friend.
"As each one has recieved a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10)
"As each one has recieved a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10)
Good food (and friends)...
We seriously enjoy eating together and unless we're fasting as a group, take every opportunity to practice Paul's command, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians.10:31) By spending time together and becoming friends, we also hope to foster discipleship relationships with each other so that through our friendships we will draw closer to Christ, and be encouraged and held accountable to carry out His work in this world.
Events...
We like to do stuff together! Guys' hang-outs, girls' hang-outs, camping, sports (although it doesn't appear that our 'Kickball Team' will be materializing any time soon!), craft night, 'Pride and Prejuice' 6 hour marathon (ladies only), movie/video-game night, laser tag, picnics...etc. 'Nuff said.
Fellowship with other local churches...
We are involved in organizing a monthly worship and prayer meeting with the young adult groups at other Vancouver Fellowship Baptist churches, with the goal of praising God together, supporting each other through prayer, fostering community and gaining a greater vision of how God is building His kingdom in the lower mainland.
