Welcome to A.C.E. Youth Ministries of Alexandria First Baptist Church. The A.C.E. stands for Accepting Christ Everyday *(see youth group theme verse at bottom)* which comes from the idea that loving and living for Jesus should be an every day thing rather than just on Sundays or Easter or Christmas. It is a commitment that we make each day that we live, and a commitment that is more than worth it.
A.C.E. is taught by the interim youth pastor (myself) Amy Etchison. I have been a member of First Baptist Church since October of 2004. I found my faith and love for God at FBC, and this church will always have a huge place in my heart. The people in this church are one of a kind, and it means the world to be part of such a great family. Watching the youth of this church grow in Christ is one of the most rewarding things I will probably ever get to experience in my life. I have a huge passion for this ministry, and I love the youth with everything that God has given me. The youth would probably describe me as crazy, excited, and dedicated. I am clearly crazy, and it doesn't take long to realize this. I am dedicated to this ministry and I strive to be someone the youth can count on to be there all the time I am very excited about everything, even the little things. If you can't be excited as the leader, your group won't be excited. I hope to instill an excitement for God in the youth. If you can't be excited about God, what can you be excited about?
Along with me, right by my side from the start, have been Brenda Hiser and Debbie Garner. Brenda is my cousin, and just an overall amazing woman of God. She is often looked at as a mother figure by many of the youth who attend. Without Brenda, over half of the youth wouldn't even make it to the church. She has been a huge support and has stood by me from the beginning. I appreciate everything that she does, and her huge heart for God and the youth. Debbie makes my life such a better place. She just honestly loves being with the youth, and the youth love her in return. She helps me lead activities such as Goodwill Bowling, and is just an overall great supporter of the youth of our church. I also appreciate her heart for God and her constant reminder that she cares for these youth and believes in this ministry. Both of these women have had a huge impact on my life, and I think on the lives of the youth as well.
We also owe a big thanks to Debbie and David Holmes, who unfortunately haven't been able to join us for quite some time. The youth are continuing to pray for David's health, and we know that God has them both where they need to be right now. Also, a shout out to Vi who gives us random food and drinks for the youth room!
We have a consistent group of about 7 to 8 students, with recent groups being about 10-12. We welcome anyone from 6th grade to 12th grade. Our group is very diverse and each member has something to offer. I think that one of the most important things for people to know is that church is for everyone...even the ones who don't feel worthy. In fact, those are the ones who need it the most. I encourage the youth to reach out and bring friends as much as possible, and we even have a "Pennies For Pals" rewards jar. Each time someone brings a friend, I throw some pennies in there and when they fill it we are going to have a huge party :) I think that middle school and high school can be tough, and it is vital for kids that age to form a foundation of faith that will last through their future.
For any newcomers trying to find where they belong, come see what it is all about. Our youth are some of the most welcoming kids ever, and I make sure of it. Just some information about how things usually go...I prepare my own Biblical-based lessons based on what I feel God wants the youth of today to know. Most of my lessons have a central theme of the simple truth that the world is tough, but that we need God to get through it. If the world wasn't hard, we wouldn't need God, and that is not how it is supposed to be. The youth of today each have so many problems to deal with, and many times it can become overwhelming. I try to focus on how much God loves us, and how that love will never end, even through the hard times. I strive to prepare lessons that are of interest to the students and that they can relate to. About once a month or so, we may play games or something. When the praise band members are in attendance, we usually sing a couple songs of worship. It is my goal to make youth group a place where youth WANT to be rather than just a place they go because they have nothing better to do. We always have some kind of snacks and drinks available. Free of course :) Be prepared though...new people have to say their name, grade, school, and usually their favorite movie :)
We have a youth praise band that has definitely been a positive addition to our youth group. They lead us in worship during youth group and sometimes preform for the church as well. The praise band right now consists of Maddie, Ashley, and Bethani as the singers, Mitchell and newcomer Randi on guitar, Nathaniel on bass guitar, and Joshua on drums. A big thanks to Corey Rockey for his volunteered time to help start the band and keep it going. We would also like to welcome Erynn Ellsworth who will be helping out to coach the praise band as well. Erynn hopes to perfect the singing aspect of the group and help them make worship a great way to express themselves. Youth praise band will now start meeting every Wednesday after youth group (around 7:30) until about 8:00-ish. (Unless stated otherwise).
One thing I really want this youth group to focus on is serving. God calls us all to serve, and He calls each one of us in a different way. Like I said before, each one of the youth have something very unique about them, and something that they can use to serve others. Whether it be musical talent, comedy, strength, or simply just support...there is something for everyone to do. We started our serving at Beauty For Ashes where we did many projects outside. The coordinator of that was very pleased, and our youth were excited to get their hands dirty. One thing that the church should know (and hopefully notice) is that the youth of FBC just honestly love to help out. They are willing to get out there and do what they need to do to get the job done. For Christmas we raised over $100 and went shopping to fill 70 shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, which was a great experience. This year, we plan to participate in the 30 Hour Famine, a fasting experience that helps raise money for third-world countries in need of food and health care. The students will fast and learn about the people they are helping, and hopefully gain a greater appreciation of the things that God has blessed them with. Thank you to all of you who have donated to this wonderful cause. We also hope to have a group of at least 5 or 6 (plus myself) attend the church-wide mission trip to Ohio. When the weather permits, we hope to plant some flowers and do yard work for those in the church/community that can't do it themselves. I hope to arrange some trips to the local nursing home and other places around the community. We will also attend concerts and conferences at different times :)
I guess that is all I can think of for now. Feel free to pop your head in the office or find me at church (front row of course) anytime to just say hi or ask questions if you have them. If you want more contact info for me, let me know. I'm not sure if it is on this site or not (haha).
- Amy
* Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." - Luke 9:23