We’re excited that we’ll be launching high school small groups this fall!

What is a small group?
A small group is a group of 4-6 high school students of the same gender who get together in order to OWN their faith. Each group has an adult leader who invests in the students, leads a discussion through the Bible, and holds students accountable to grow in their walk with God. Depending on the location, we may have a guys group and a girls group meet in the same house. They would start out together for snacks and then break into the smaller groups for the bulk of the evening.

When & where do small groups meet?
Most groups will launch the week of September 5th. Small groups meet Monday-Thursday in homes in different parts of Riverside. Most groups will meet from 6:30pm-8pm, although if a slightly different time works better for the whole group then that may be adjusted.

What will we do in small groups?
Part of each week will be a discussion-based lesson that dives further into a different aspect of what was talked about in Bible Study groups on the previous Sunday. Time will also be spent in prayer for one another and talking through what God is doing in each others’ lives.

How do I sign up for a small group?
Great question, glad you asked! First, talk to your parents about what night or nights work best for your schedule. Then, fill out the form below and click “submit.”

Is this going to permanently replace Wednesday nights at the church?
We don’t really know! We’re going to try this as an experiment from September-November and then evaluate and see where we go from there!

Mystery Rail Trip is still happening on Wednesday, July 20th, but we’ve had to change the times due to a required schedule for group tickets. The plan now is to meet at Mag at 8:30am and be back at Mag at 11:30pm. We could use one more parent to help drive students from Mag to the San Bernardino Metrolink Station.

We’re all full on $40 spots, but we can still take more students at $50 per person. Turn in payment to Mike Lovato this Sunday if you’d like to add.

Students did awesome today! Today was the first day in teams. Sports Camp had 10 kids there, 5-7 of whom don’t attend our partnering church. Labor team got going on painting and is ready to hit the ground running tomorrow. Evangelism team spent time blessing the homeless with some hygiene kits and then having spiritual conversations.

In the evening, the youth choir performed for a Celebrate Recovery ministry at the Salvation Army. It was a blast and was in a REALLY nice theater with an incredible sound and lighting system. The people there were encouraged and blessed by our presence.

Pray for our last full day tomorrow. We’ll be back in ministry teams, hanging gospel materials on doors, and singing at a retirement home.

The trip has gotten off to a great start! I’ll try to put a more complete update up on Monday when I can get some wireless access for my computer. Students have been awesome and have really done a great job of engaging people in conversation after each performance. They had a long day Sunday – some got up as early as 4am so we could make a church service at Camp Pendleton at 7am. We have heard that around 12 recruits accepted Christ in classes following one service this morning. Pray for us as we start ministry teams Monday morning and as the choir sings at a Celebrate Recovery ministry that night.

You can see some pictures and updates over at Facebook.com/journeyhsm

Summer is almost here! Don’t forget that Promotion Sunday is just a few weeks away on June 5th. Current 8th graders, we can’t wait to have you join us in high school ministry! Graduating Seniors, you’re welcome to be a part of all our summer events!

For your enjoyment and pleasure:

Don’t forget that Going Public applications are due this Sunday, April 17th along with a $50 deposit!

Going Public is June 25-29 and the total cost is $165 (includes all meals).