"We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only
the Gospel of God but our lives as well (I Thess. 2:8). . ."

Starting in 5^th Grade at Calvin Church we provide classes after the morning service from 11:30 until 12:15, September through May. These classes offer our young people the opportunity to grow in their relationship with Christ as they learn about the Bible, church history, and of the teachings of the Christian Reformed Church. High schoolers get introduced to the Heidelberg Catechism (a key confession of the Christian Reformed Church) in the 9^th grade and continue through the 12^th grade to study its "Questions and Answers" on Reformed interpretations of the Bible and its teachings on sin, salvation, and service. These classes are taught by Calvin Church members and the pastors in supportive and nurturing environments.

High School Youth Group is a place young people can come to be accepted as they are, to develop relationships with other young people, to be discipled by caring adults, and to be challenged to activities for recreation, service, fundraising, or devotion. These activities are scheduled to occur no less than twice a month and are open to visitors. Special activities such as the Winter retreat, Spring Break Service Project, and Summer Cedar Point Trip are also staples of the Youth Group.

New in 2001 was the formation of SALT (Student Adult Leadership Team) which is a group of highly committeed high schoolers dedicated to leadership and personal growth throughout the year. Applications are accepted in September. Also new in 2001 was the development of Calvin Coffee Grounds, a service-fundraiser which promotes congregational fellowship by offering cappuccino prepared and served by high school youth following the morning service. Serving teams form in September, but are always open to new faces!"

MNB (Monday Night Basketball) is a program designed for high school youth to fellowhip with adult members of Calvin Church. The Fellowhsip Hall is open from 7:00-8:30s pm on Monday nights from September to May for open basketball.

If you are interested in learning more or receiving the monthly "CYM (Calvin Youth Ministry) Connection,", e-mail Char Bulthuis, Pastor of Youth and Education at cymconnection@hotmail.com.

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The 78ers is made up of Calvin Church's 7th and 8th youth and meets monthly for times of fun, fellowship, or service. Like the High School Youth Group, the Middle School Youth Group is directed by Char Bulthuis through the leadership of caring adult Calvin Church members and is open to visitors and friends. To sign up to receive the monthly "CYM (Calvin Youth Ministry) Connection" with 78er activity dates, e-mail Char at cymconnection@hotmail.com.

The GEMS program of Calvin church is for girls in grades 2-6, both from the church and neighborhood. It meets on the 1^st and 3^rd Wednesday's of the month during the school year, from 7:00-8:30pm The purpose of the GEMS ministry is to bring girls into a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Through interaction in both small, age-appropriate groups, or together as a large group, the girls discover and study what God's Word says to us. They learn about God's world, how to use their gifts for being God's servants, and grow both personally and spiritually. There is one large Christian service project each year, which the girls always enjoy. It is a "hands on" experience, which helps the girls show God's love to others, and also teaches the importance of serving God and imitating his love. There are also many merit badges the girls work on throughout the year, along with enjoyable crafts at the meeting, too. Several special meetings are planned each year, along with one field trip just for fun! Girls are encouraged to bring friends to any meeting. New members or visitors are always welcomed!

The Cadets is a ministry to boys in grades 2-6 and is open to youth in our church and our neighborhood. It meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month from September through May from 7:00-8:30 pm. The purpose of Cadets is to challenge boys to "live for Jesus" in service to the Kingdom of God. Special activities for Cadets include a Fall Campout, Winter Pine Wood Derby Races, and Spring Rockets. Boys are encouraged to work toward Merit Badges which are sewn onto their uniforms. For more information, call Paul Bulthuis at 942-0069.