Bethel Church of the Nazarene Student Ministries’ purpose statement is “teaching students to live as Jesus lived.” This is done in a variety of ways.
Teen Extreme
Teen Extreme is our Thursday night youth program for teens in 6th-12th grade, held at 41 Empire Street from 6:00-8:00 PM. We gather together to support one another in community, play together, learn about what it means to be a Jesus-follower, and grow in our faith walks.
Each Thursday night is a bit unique, but what you can expect is a night filled with games, sharing, and silliness.
All are welcome, beloved, and included in this space, and — much like the early Jesus followers — we embrace the beautiful differences and unique giftings that each human brings as we share in gratitude for our shared identity as children of God.
Teen Extreme tends to be a higher-energy environment, so if your teen has unique needs (sensory or otherwise), please do not hesitate to reach out to Pastor Al to share a bit more. We are always in the process of growing and learning how to become a more hospitable place for all teens to be welcome, and we would love to be a part of that conversation!
Sunday School
Sunday school helps students claim this faith as their own. Through catechism, Bible studies, and book studies, we seek to help our students put spiritual practices into their lives that nourish their spiritual lives.
Justice
Our students are invited to participate in several opportunities to learn more about justice issues and practice living out this important element of faith. They support Father Bill’s shelter through fundraising and practical projects (check out our most recent work).
We had a really meaningful time recently during our intercultural pilgrimage, Walking with Prophets: A Justice Pilgrimage Through Boston. We’re looking forward to more of these kinds of opportunities in the future.
In addition, we also participate in the various service opportunities that are available throughout the life of the entire congregation.
New England District
Bethel’s teens not only join an awesome student ministry, but they also join one of the many groups that are part of our greater New England District. The idea is that Bethel teens are invited to spend time at district events such as bible quizzing or camp with people from New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The awesome network of friends does not stop there. We also have regional events as well as Nazarene Youth Conference, which is held every 4 years! Our district also has its own youth website for its teens.
Bible Quizzing
Monthly quiz meets help our students engage with the Bible in-depth through quizzes and participation with the entire New England District NYI. The cost is $60 per teen to participate in the quizzing season.
Camps and Retreats
Both of these opportunities provide students with the experiential element of claiming this faith as their own. Camps and retreats also function as a time to get away from the noise of life. In addition, camps and retreats integrate our students within the New England District NYI.