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Youth Ministry

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

Colossians 3:1-2

Rooted Youth
In a day when teens are constantly challenged to know why they believe what they believe, and are bombarded with never-ending temptations and distractions, it is our goal to return the focus of today’s generation of teenagers to the one thing that will allow them to answer those questions and overcome temptation; a close relationship with Jesus Christ.
 
In Colossians 3, Paul calls the believer to prioritize heavenly things, because that is where our supreme, sufficient Christ is. We desire that each one of our teens would “seek those things which are above” and have their hearts wrapped up in Jesus Christ. It is only then that true inward change, not just simple outward conformity, will take place.

Yearly Highlights
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Winter Retreat

Every January or February we combine with a youth group from Pennsylvania to hold a teen winter retreat. This retreat is two days of exciting games, delicious food, refreshing fellowship, and encouraging challenges from the Word of God. This retreat has become one of the highlights of the year for the youth at Wayside.

Summer camp

Our youth group travels to Brevard, NC each summer to join around 600 other teenagers from around the country for summer camp at the Wilds Christian Camp. Every day is packed with “funtastic” things to do, such as hiking, swimming, zipline, basketball, and much more. In addition to all the fun activities, there is a focus on Biblical guidance and direction. A daily personal devotional time called God & I Time gives practical instruction in Godly habits. Special services and chapels help campers personalize God’s Word in their everyday lives. The mission of the Wilds is to share the truth of God, with the love of God, so lives can be changed to the glory of God.

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Ohio Teen Youth Rally

Each September as our teens begin to head back to school, our youth group is challenged and encouraged by taking part in the Buckeye Teen Harvest Rally hosted at Mansfield Baptist Temple. This rally is a single day filled with games, competitions, powerful preaching, and fun!