Who We Are
FirstCovGR Student Ministry is a community of teens being transformed. We want them to know God and become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ to bring glory and honor with their lives. We hope and expect to raise up spiritual leaders to impact the world for Jesus Christ.
We are a community of students from 7th grade - 12th grade. It’s a place for fun! It’s a place for students to connect in small groups with peers and leaders. It’s a place to explore the story of God and to find a place within it. It’s a place to experience the life-changing power of Jesus through acts of service. It’s a place to express real faith in the real world. It’s an experience not to be missed.
Events
Blaze 78 (Middle school)
SUNDAY MORNINGS: Middle School (7th - 8th Grade) Students are invited to join our Discipleship and Confirmation class between 10:30-11:45am. This year we are looking at the New Testament and our foundations for faith – our building blocks. We will be answering questions like; Who is God? What do we believe about the Bible? What is God’s relationship to the world? Who is Jesus Christ? How does one become a Christian?
We answer these questions and explore God’s word together through large and small group discussions and activities.
WEDNESDAY EVENINGS: Blaze 78 students meet every Wednesday night during the school year for youth group at church. Youth group starts at 6:30pm and ends at 8:00pm. Our night involves high energy games, interactive lessons, small group break outs, and crazy, memorable moments!
RADIATE (HIGH SCHOOL)
JOIN US
RADIATE:YOUTH GROUP |We gather to seek God and to be changed by him. Our gatherings include a central focus on the Word of God, high intentionality of prayer and worship, games, life groups and continual growth through community. The gatherings take place every other Sunday evening (usually 1st & 3rd Sunday) at FirstCov (1933 Tremont Blvd NW Grand Rapids, 49504) from 6:00 - 8:00p in the youth room/gym.
RADIATE:LIFE GROUPS & DNA |We believe that becoming a disciple of Jesus happens best by doing life together in smaller groups. LIFE GROUPS happen during youth group. DNA groups are 3-4 students/leaders connecting & diving deeper in faith together beyond youth group. See Josh is you want to join/help make a DNA group.
RADIATE:FUN |We aim to offer 3-5 CONNECT EVENTS throughout the semesters. These events will vary with different degrees of purpose within the year. Look to communication platforms as events will be posted!
RADIATE:SERVE |We offer serve nights throughout the year. We also acknowledge that the act of service encourages the focus off of one’s self and directs us towards Christ. These events usually happen 2-3 per semester. These opportunities will typically be between 6:00 - 8:00p (times and locations may vary depending on the event).
PRAISE BAND |We are called to live a life of worship to God and serve God with our gifts and talents. We are looking for musicians and vocal leaders to join us! We practice on RADIATE nights at FirstCov on Sundays at 4:45p in the youth room. See Josh for more information!
STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM |This is a place for students to explore their spiritual gifts, leadership skills, and empower them serve. We will focus on encouraging their peers through prayer and mentorship. They will have the opportunity to plan our hangout/service nights and other events! Meetings are usually 3-4 per semester on Sunday at 4:30-5:45p (location varies).
WINTER RETREAT & MISSION TRIP
Winter Retreat: February 17-19
Mission Trip to Guatemala: July 6-13
ADULT LEADERSHIP TEAM |This is a place for adult leader to connect, vision, and plan for the year. Want to be apart of our team? See Josh Hinken. Meetings are usually 2-3 per semester on Sundays.
COMMUNICATION |We will do our best in keeping you update with all the information we know! We do this through, High School Happenings E-mail, Texting, Facebook (FirstCovGR Youth Group), Instagram (firstcovgr_sh) & our Website/Calendar.
High School Happenings Update E-mail |E-mail Josh to get signed up or to unsubscribe.
Txt Messaging |Sign up via our Link Tree.
Facebook |Check out our Facebook group (FirstCovGR Youth Group -
https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstcovgr.youth) for information & pictures.
Instagram | instagram.com/firstcovgr_sh/ for updates.
Website/Calendar |Check out our website for our calendar and more info at firstcovgr.org/students.
Sign Ups & Links to Everything: Visit our Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/firstcovgr_hs
REGISTRATION/WAIVER 2022-2023 |Please fill out our registration/waiver for 2022-2023 ASAP via our Link Tree.
YOUTH GROUP DINNERS |We are looking for anyone to make a dinner on a Sunday night for youth group @ 6p. We will have about 30 people this year for dinners. Give Josh the receipt(s) & you will be reimbursed. Interested? Visit our Link Tree.
PARENT CUE APP |We’re here to help you parent smarter, not harder. Because raising kids with faith and character doesn’t have to be difficult. You already know everything you need to win at parenting, you just occasionally need the right cue to keep going. Check out this resource and app by Orange: https://theparentcue.org.
FirstCov Students
Staff
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are interested in being a Ignite 56 or middle school leader, contact Michelle Ludge
If you are interested in being a high school leader, contact Josh Hinken
Our youth leaders are active participants in the life of FirstCovGR. Some were born and raised at FirstCov, some have students in the ministry, and some are local college students and young adults.
We do background checks on all of our leaders and continually train and equip them for serving in their roles.