-Jesus 2015-2016 FUMC YOUTH HANDBOOKstorage.cloversites.com... · 2 First United Methodist Church Graham - Youth Handbook 2015-2016 Table Of Contents Our Community 3 Transportation

First United Methodist Church Graham - Youth Handbook 2015-2016 1

“A new command I give to you: Love one

another. As I have loved you, so you must love

one another.” -Jesus

2015-2016 FUMC YOUTH HANDBOOK

First United Methodist Church

303 North Main Street

Graham, NC 27253

(336) 226-4343

Youth Email: [email protected]

Youth Text #: (336) 525-1007

Website: www.fumcgraham-nc.org

2 First United Methodist Church Graham - Youth Handbook 2015-2016

Table Of Contents

Our Community 3 Transportation Policy 11

Snack Meals 4 Medication Use 12

Communication 4 Offenses & Consequences 13

Inclement Weather Policy 5 Forgiveness & Repentance 16

Youth Planning Team 5 Our Prayer 19

Pilgrimage 5 APPENDIX FORM EXAMPLES

NCCUMC Events 6

Corridor District Events 7

FUMC Graham Events 7

Fundraisers 7

Registration & Code of Conduct Forms 8

Permission Slips / Waivers 8

Youth Code of Conduct 9

Appropriate Dress Policy 9

Entertainment & Cell Phone Policy 10


The Hope for our Ministry with Youth

“To walk with youth in their journey to know Christ by creating an environment

in which youth can experience Christian communion to hear the gospel to know

God’s love and to respond in faith by loving and serving others…for in all of this

we are making disciples of Jesus Christ.”

-Youth Ministry Mission Statement NCCUMC

Our Community

Our youth community is made up of a middle school (grades 6-8 and high school students (grades 9-12). We meet weekly at FUMC for fun & games, service, sharing a simple meal and engaging scripture partnered with reflective, thoughtful conversation. We aspire to adopt a rhythm of celebration, embracing the challenges and joys of life together and participating in outward service aimed at growing in the love of God in Christ Jesus.

We meet weekly during 2015/16 on Sundays from 5-7 p.m. from September 13-June 5. Our hope is for middle school and high school students to have an opportunity to:

Grow in faith of Jesus Christ expressed in practical ways.

Share the joys and sorrows of life in the company of Christ centered community.

Experience life-changing service with others.

Enjoy creative expressions of faithfulness that challenge us all to become the people God made us to be.


Snack Meals

A light meal is often served during our Sunday night gatherings for youth and adult leaders. This meal is provided and served by church groups & parents which can consist of foods youth love such as nachos, hotdogs, burgers, pizza, tacos, or DIY (do it yourself) sandwiches. We ask that parents commit to contribute to youth meals and snacks throughout our year together. Normal time of serving is 5:15pm and we average approximately 25-30 youth and adult leaders each Sunday. Please let Maggie or another adult leader know if your child has any special dietary needs ahead of time so special consideration can be made.

Communication

You may keep up with FUMC Youth activity through following media outlets

Website - www.fumcgraham-nc.org

Weekly E-news - via email

Facebook - FUMC Public Facebook page

FUMC Youth’s Private Facebook Group page

Instagram - FUMCGRAHAM_YOUTH

Church Newsletter - “The Methogram”

Notification of special programs and changes in our regular schedule will be communicated through email. If you have a specific questions please contact Maggie Mraz, Youth Director at [email protected] OR through our general youth email address at [email protected].

Youth and parents may join the private Facebook group by simply requesting to join the group. An adult administrator will add new members. Parents not wanting his/her child joining the Facebook group are asked to inform the Youth Director.

http://fumcgraham-nc.org/

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Inclement Weather Policy

If morning worship is canceled due to inclement weather, the youth gathering or event will also be canceled. If inclement weather occurs after church has met, then the youth director or adult leader will contact youth & parents about a change of plans. Youth events meeting during the week: If school is canceled due to inclement weather, then the youth meeting or event will also be canceled. If inclement weather occurs after school has let out, then the youth director or adult leadership will contact youth & parents about whether the youth meeting or event will take place.

Youth Planning Team

Representatives from both middle and high school will be identified and invited to serve on the Youth Planning Team. The team will meet to plan and schedule the activity of the youth group.

Pilgrimage

NCCUMC (North Carolina Conference UMC) 2015/16 Youth Event for all FUMC youth to attend.

Pilgrimage 2015 (for youth in grades 6-12) is a weekend event for youth to be challenged to a new and deeper faith in Jesus Christ. The content of the event will focus on worship, faith sharing and discipleship for the youth and adult leaders. Pilgrimage will be held on Nov 13-15 at the Crown Coliseum in Fayetteville.

Registration fee is $100.00 per youth.


NCCUMC 2016 Events

Global Vision: March 8-13 – Washington DC & NYC

K-Scope: April 8-10 – Don Lee Center, Arapahoe

Summer Breakaway: June 20-25 – Louisburg College, Louisburg

Appalachian Trail Hike: TBA (leave from Cary)

ACS (Annual Conference Session for Youth) July 18-23 ~ Methodist University, Fayetteville

CYC Retreat: TBA ~ Camp Chestnut Ridge, Efland

Pilgrimage 2016 ~ November 11-13 ~ Crown Coliseum, Fayetteville

Co+Mission provides mission opportunities for youth to work with financially struggling people in Rocky Mount and the surrounding counties.

Duke Youth Academy provides opportunity for a class through worship, study, play, and service with Duke Divinity School faculty.

Footprints offers short-term mission trips through Camp Rockfish with four different schedules of activity.

Leader-in-Training at Camp Don Lee offers a four-week intensive leadership development program for older youth.

For questions about any of these youth events, please contact NCCUMC’s Robin Harry at 800.849.4433 or 919.779.6115.


NCCUMC Corridor District Events

FUMC youth attend events held by the United Methodist Corridor District (UMCs in Alamance, Orange, Durham, and Caswell counties). These gatherings are great opportunities to connect with other UMC youth from our area.

Fall Rally is October 4th from 2:00-6:00 at Camp Chestnut Ridge, Efland, NC.

Canned Food Drive does not have a date set yet as we are still in the process of planning that event, but I will be sure to let you know ASAP.

Chicken Pickin' May 1st most likely be at Camp Chestnut Ridge from 2:00 to 6:00.

Special FUMC Youth Events

Wesley Wares is a children’s mission project planned for Sunday, November 29. FUMC members donate gift items for children to purchase at $5 or less for friends and family members. All money collected is donated to a mission organization. FUMC youth volunteer to be shopper buddies and gift wrappers as children buy presents for their family members.

Mission Trips: Middle School and High School youth (rising 7th graders – completed 12 grade) have an opportunity to travel during summer break to join people in need with compassion.

FUMC youth partner with local community workers to join in mission work according to the needs presented. In the past youth have had the opportunity to build wheelchair ramps, deliver care packages and perform light home repairs, clean up and yard work for senior adults and those living with sickness.

Fundraisers

To offset costs the youth engage in creative ways for funds to be raised in support of joining God’s mission to fund special trips. We ask the FUMC congregation at large to support group by participating raising funds.


Registration & Code of Conduct Forms

FUMC’s youth registration form expresses blanket permission for ALL youth trips from September 1, 2015 - September 1, 2016. A notarized registration form with emergency medical information is required for each member of our youth program. Copies of these forms are provided families at the beginning of the year and are taken to each event. We ask that parents and youth fill out these forms in their entirety to ensure the safety of all youth. Copies of the front and back of medical insurance cards are a new requirement this year to have on file with the medical form. (See Maggie or

Justin Brumble for assistance if needed.) No youth is allowed to attend a trip unless we have the proper emergency medical information. If a parent does

not want their child to participate in a specific activity or event, then please notate on the form or inform the youth director or an adult leader.

A completed Code of Conduct form is also needed to insure that youth & their parents understand our church’s standards of conduct for the gatherings.

We ask parents to please ensure that an adult leader is present when dropping off youth. Our Safe Sanctuary policy prohibits any child or youth under the age of 18 from being on church property without proper adult supervision.

Permission Slips / Waivers

Friends may attend day trips or special off campus outings with completed permission slip forms— valid only for that specific trip. If they anticipate attending more than once during the school year, the Registration form would be more beneficial to have on file to prevent having to fill out a new permission slip each time. (These form can be downloaded from our church website or obtained from an adult leader prior to departure of event).

Overnight trips are for youth that have joined the youth group. A member of the group is defined as someone who has completed the registration forms and committed to the code of conduct and has made a commitment to support the group by their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

Occasionally a waiver form is required to participate and those are provided from the facility we will be attending. They will be provided in advance of the activity.


Youth Code of Conduct

As leadership of our youth group, our mission is to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all youth, youth leaders, and parents. As a part of this goal, it is necessary that we have clear disciplinary procedures in place in order to maintain this safe environment, as well as to model “Christ-like” behavior for all members, including leaders.

Students are expected to demonstrate respect for themselves and others, as reflected in their dress, decorum, and interactions with adults and other students. They are further expected to demonstrate responsible citizenship by working cooperatively with leaders to promote a positive climate in the church.

Appropriate Dress Policy

The Youth of First United Methodist Church, when participating in youth ministry events, should at all times remember that they are representing the church and their Christian beliefs. It is important that we present ourselves in a respectful manner. To ensure we do this through our dress we are initiating an appropriate dress policy for our ministry.

Females: NO halter tops, half shirts, backless shirts or dresses, or shirts that tie in the back or at the neck will be allowed. Tank tops may be worn if the straps are at least an inch wide. Under garments must be worn but must not show. Shorts must be an appropriate length – finger tip rule applies. On trips where swimming is available, we will allow modest (as defined by the adult leaders) two piece bathing suits unless the ministry we are serving or joining requires a one piece. Appropriate cover must be worn to and from the pool or beach.

Males: Shorts must be worn on the hips. No under garments should show. If shirts are worn outside of the pants, males are still expected to follow this rule. When swimming is available, shirts must be worn to and from the pool or beach. On trips where showers are not located in the room, clothes must be worn to and from the showers. Towels are not adequate.


For all: No shirts or hats with offensive or inappropriate sayings, slogans, or pictures will be allowed (no references to alcohol or tobacco, profanity or suggestive language). Footwear is required at all events and activities unless youth are told in advance that being barefoot is acceptable. There will be times when closed-toed shoes will be needed and youth will be unable to participate if they do not have appropriate footwear.

**This policy applies to adult volunteers as well as youth. This policy is in line with the North Carolina Conference Community Standards for youth and adults as passed by the Conference Council on Youth Ministry. At the conference level youth who do not abide by these standards are asked to change their clothes. If the problem continues, the youth are asked to leave the event. We will follow this format as well. Oversized t-shirts and belts will be provided by the youth ministry staff if needed. Mission Teams will have a modified dress code according to the work required and the expectations of the mission organization.

Entertainment and Cell Phone Policy

Personal Entertainment: Youth may bring personal CD players, IPods, or MP3 players on trips with prior permission. Certain trips will be designated as no personal entertainment trips. Boom boxes, hand-held televisions, or DVD players will not be allowed on any trip. Video cameras will not be allowed unless prior approval has been given. No cameras of any kind, including cell phone cameras, will be allowed in the sleeping quarters.

Cell Phones: On most trips, youth will be allowed to take cell phones to events with them but they may not be used during the event without permission from an adult volunteer. Youth who do not follow this policy may have their phone taken from them by the adult volunteers. It will be returned at the end of the event. There may be trips where youth are asked to leave their cell phones at home.


Transportation Policy

Church Van/Bus and Rented Vehicles: Eating and drinking while in these vehicles is prohibited with bottled water being the exception. Packaged food may be packed to be consumed off the vehicle but no open food or beverages are to be on any vehicles. If there is not a trash receptacle at the location you are at, please use a trash bag to dispose of all waste so as not to have food litter or sticky beverages spill. All persons must remain seated and seat belted while the vehicles are in motion. Writing on the windows or posting something to the windows of the vehicles will not be permitted. Obey all rules posted in the vehicle.

Personal Automobiles: Under special circumstances youth may be allowed to drive their own vehicles with written permission from their parents. Youth will not be allowed to transport other youth, with exception of siblings, under any circumstances. Youth may not drive personal automobiles to out of town youth ministry-sponsored events. Any exceptions to this would need to be approved by the Youth Director. When it is necessary for the youth ministry staff to ask adult volunteers or parents to drive their own vehicles for events or activities parents will be notified in advance. A list of drivers will be provided for each event.

ALL Automobiles: All passengers must use seatbelts where seatbelts have been provided. All charges for rentals and for gasoline will be figured into the total cost of an event and divided equally into the payment required by each youth. (When possible, the youth budget will pay a portion of the fee.) All trash and other articles must be removed from the vehicles upon return. All youth are expected to help clean out the vehicles and stay until the vehicle they were riding in has been checked by the driver. Any personal belongings found on the vehicles will be placed in “Lost and Found”.


Notes to Drivers: When driving for FUMC Youth Ministry, drivers must obey all traffic laws. Please be reminded that when driving you are transporting youth who are not your own. Use caution and good sense. When driving vehicles rented by FUMC Youth Ministry, please use every caution necessary. If an accident occurs and is the fault of the driver, the church insurance as well as the driver’s insurance may receive a claim.

Drivers who receive speeding tickets or cause an accident during an event may be asked not to drive for the youth ministry again. The Board of Directors will have the final decision on each driver. All drivers must have their driver’s license number on file with the church office. A driver’s check will be run along with the Safe Sanctuary background check before any adult may drive for youth ministry. Rental companies require that drivers must be 24 years or older. Drivers who are 21 years old and have a clean driving record may drive for local events.

Policy for Medication Use

Youth and adults may find that they will need to take prescription medication or over the counter medication while participating in events, programs, and trips with the First United Methodist Church Youth Ministry. When medication is required, youth and adults must be certain that the medication is listed accurately on their medical form, even over the counter medications or herbal supplements. Prescription medication should be brought on the trip or to the event in the original prescription package with just enough medication as is required for the time away. Youth may only self-medicate if the Director of Youth Ministries has received written permission stating they may do so and they are well informed of the medication instructions. If permission has not been given, medications will be turned over to the adult leader accompanying the youth.

Over the counter medication required for any youth on any trip may be kept by the youth if written permission and instructions for the medication have been turned in to the Director of Youth Ministries. The Registration form for FUMC Youth Ministries requires that parents indicate what over the counter medications may be given to youth by leaders accompanying our activities. No medication will be given to any youth with out permission from the parents, if nothing has been checked on the Medical form.


If youth self-medicate, they are responsible for their medication for the entire event or activity. Medications may not, under any circumstance, be given to another youth. If youth are found sharing medications or herbal supplements, both youth will be sent home as soon as parents can be contacted and arrangements made.

Adults taking medication on trips may self-medicate. As mentioned above, the medical form must be up to date with the names of all medications being taken even if they are only taken occasionally. It is requested that adults not take sleep aids if at all possible when participating on a FUMC Youth Ministry trip. If sleep aids are taken, adults should let another volunteer know what is being taken and when. Adults serving as volunteers on a trip or event may be needed for emergencies over night.

Consequences

Level of Offense Description of Behavior

Consequences (the numbers are for the first, second, third…

time that the offense occurs)

1 Disruptive behavior in a meeting such as horseplay, distracting jokes, moving of furniture, or throwing items.

Brief verbal reminder to cease the behavior and engage in the meeting.

Speaking with youth after the meeting.

2 Disrespectful behavior toward adults in the group such as disobedience or refusal to comply with reasonable requests.

This may include: Not following directions in meetings. Refusal to participate in activities that are

planned. Excessive Public Display of Affection This may include: Prolonged periods of embracing, (“hanging

all over each other”) kissing of any kind, cuddling, and snuggling.

Brief verbal reminder in the meeting.

Asking the youth out into the hallway to speak about the behavior and why it is not appropriate.

Speaking with parent and youth after the meeting about the behavior and plans to cease the behavior.

Meeting with parent, youth, and Youth Director to make a behavior contract before continued participation in the group.



Consequences (the numbers are for the first, second, third… time that the

offense occurs)

3 Inappropriate (Sexual, expletive, profane, degrading, derogatory, or disrespectful) comments or statements about others or in general in a meeting. These comments may be made in the general meeting or in side conversations with others.

Destruction of property of the

Church, other members of the group, or of any facility, home, or vehicle that is used by the group. (This includes taking of property that does not belong to you)

Immediate removal from the room to speak with an adult about why the behavior is inappropriate. Parent will be contacted. (Destruction of property will involve replacement of the property or replacement costs.)

Contact parent immediately following meeting

Removal from the room and a meeting with parents, youth, youth leader, and pastor or Youth Director.

Suspension from the group for a period of 14 days with mentoring from adult.

Suspension from the group for a period of 30 days with mentoring from an adult.

4 Tobacco, Alcohol, or illegal drug use or possession at a youth function, meeting, or trip.

Threatening behavior Threatening physical or mental

injury to any other member of the group.

Weapons or any item that can cause bodily harm being brought to church sponsored events

Sexual Misconduct at a youth meeting, function or event.

Parents must understand that in some cases legal action must be taken. In certain severe cases, recommendations for professional help will be given and possible counseling will be required before the youth is allowed at youth functions.

Suspension of youth for the period of 30 days with mentoring from an adult.

During this time, the youth, parent, youth leader, and Senior pastor will meet to discuss incident.



Consequences (the numbers are for the first, second, third… time that the

offense occurs)

4 Bullying or abuse of other members including:

Intentional physical or mental abuse of others with the purpose of demeaning the person. This may be done through

In person communication or contact

Text message or phone call Online posts on Twitter,

Facebook, or other social media Email Hazing behavior that would

make any member feel as if they are having to endure a treatment or physical abuse in order to “earn a place.”

Fighting or physical aggression toward another member or adult leader.

Parent will be called to immediately pick up the youth from the meeting or event. (in the case of parents not being available to pick up the youth, parents will incur any costs of keeping the youth separated from other group members, including but not limited to gas reimbursement or separate lodging until the parent is able to pick the youth up.) Additionally, suspension of youth for the period of 14 days with mentoring from an adult. During this time, the youth, parent, youth leader, and Senior pastor will meet to discuss incident.

Any offenses toward another

member require that an apology be made to the member who has been hurt with a sincere promise to strive to not hurt another member of the group again. Apologies require a sense of remorse or sorrow for what has been done against another person.


This code of conduct is in no way exhaustive of all behaviors that may happen in the youth group and each instance will be handled on an individual basis. It is our goal that the disciplinary procedures are fair and are matched to the offense.

Following is a list of offenses that may require disciplinary action within the youth group. They are in levels, not to categorize behaviors and to say that one is a greater offense than another, but in order to provide disciplinary action in a measure that is appropriate.

It is possible in some cases; alternative methods of disciplining may be recommended such as service to the church or community. This is especially true in cases of destruction of property.

We, as Christians, are held to a higher standard of behavior by ourselves and by others. It is expected that all members are to behave as the “hands and feet” of Jesus whenever possible. Our behavior, while not always indicative of our character, is what the world sees of Jesus’ light. We all make mistakes and none of us are perfect, so we acknowledge that we make mistakes that may require discipline.

Forgiveness and Repentance

It is also vitally important that we understand as a group the concept of forgiveness and repentance. When a youth or leader is in violation of this code of conduct, the discipline will be carried out in as sensitive a way as possible. It is also important that the youth know that we continue to love and forgive them through the process.

While each rule in the code has a series of consequences, it is our hope that we never need to use them and if we do we only need to use them once. We will keep a record of each disciplinary action, not in order to keep a “record of wrongs,” but in order to keep the leaders consistent in our discipline so that we are fair to each member.

We also acknowledge that with forgiveness must come repentance, or a “turning away” or a commitment to not repeat the offense. Forgiveness and repentance come as a pair and without repentance, forgiveness is not possible. Christ holds us to that standard. Christianity is not a “free pass” to sin without regard due to unending forgiveness. Forgiveness is a gift that requires an effort to strive to do better in the future.




Our Prayer…

“May the Lord Bless you and keep you,

May the Lord make His face to shine upon you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and be

gracious unto you, and give you peace.”


Documents

-Jesus 2015-2016 FUMC YOUTH HANDBOOKstorage.cloversites.com... · 2 First United Methodist Church Graham - Youth Handbook 2015-2016 Table Of Contents Our Community 3 Transportation