YOU BELONG + YOU ARE LOVED + YOU HAVE PURPOSE
It’s our goal to create an environment to help middle school and high school students take ownership of their faith. Students who own their faith have an intimate relationship with God, a deep love for others, and a heart of service for the world around them. This happens when students see God’s activity in and around their lives, and they decide to join Him in His work.
Youth group is for all students 7-12 grade. No matter what, you will find a place where you belong and can connect with people who care about you.
We can't wait to see you and your friends soon!
If you have any questions, call or text 360-513-4713.
Amber
Director of Student Ministries
amber@ridgefieldnazarene.org
Grades 7-12
Connecting to God and Living to our full potential
Youth Group Sundays 6-8 pm
Every week, we come together in a welcoming and authentic atmosphere where we hope students feel a sense of belonging. At our gatherings, students can expect a meaningful time of worship and teaching, engaging in open and honest discussions about life. There is a time of games, art, snacks, and fun together, too. This is a safe space where they can ask questions and have honest conversations about faith as we explore what it means to know their purpose and follow Jesus.
Our goal for the 2024 year is for God to be the main focus in all that we do. From the decisions we make to the connections we establish and anything in between.
SUNDAY EVENINGS
We believe in intentional discipleship and helping students take ownership of their faith. We desire them to worship alongside their families and church body and serve the church with the gifts God has given them on Sunday mornings. We believe this is the best way to help prepare students to follow Jesus as adults.
Between services, students are invited to grab a donut and chat in-between services at 10:15 AM. If you see a new teen face in service, invite them in, too! Meeting in the donut room is a quick way to say hi and connect about the day and how you’re doing. We want every person in youth ministry to know they have a place to belong and that they matter.
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WHAT GRADES QUALIFY AS YOUTH?
Youth @ the Ridge are students in 7th-12th grade.
WHAT IS YOUTH GATHERING?
Youth Group is a Sunday night gathering for all students 7th-12th grade. Youth group is designed to be an engaging atmosphere, a compelling time of worship and teaching, and a space for students to bring friends. While Youth Group typically happens on Sunday evenings at Ridgefield Nazarene, occasionally we will meet at a different location with other Youth Groups from around the area.
WHY DON’T WE HAVE YOUTH ON SUNDAY MORNINGS?
We believe in intentional discipleship and helping students take ownership of their faith. Our desire is for them to worship alongside their families and church body and serve the church with the gifts God has given them on Sunday mornings. We believe this is the best way to help prepare students to follow Jesus as adults.
DO YOU HAVE ANY WAYS FOR STUDENTS TO CONNECT ON SUNDAY MORNINGS?
Yes. Between services, students are invited to grab a donut and chat in-between services at 10:15 AM. If you see a new teen face in service, invite them in, too! Meeting in the donut room is a quick way to say hi and connect about the day and how you’re doing. We want every person in youth ministry to know they have a place to belong and that they matter.
HOW CAN I SERVE IN YOUTH?
We are so grateful you would take the time to consider serving in our student ministries. We believe our students are better with more trusted adults surrounding them who point them to Jesus! Contact amber@ridgefieldnazarene.org for more information and to begin the process of serving in youth ministry.
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE FOR YOUTH TO SERVE?
Youth can serve in a number of ways including in our RidgeKids and RidgeKids Jr ministry, The Ridge worship and creative team, Compassion360, hospitality, and our care ministry.
Throughout the year we love to support what you're involved in. What activities are you doing? Are you playing a sport (basketball, wrestling, cheer), in band, choir or a play? Send us your schedule! Every Monday we post the weeks event on social media for the church family to come out and support. We'd love to include you! Submit your schedules via email or text to Maria at 812-569-4670 or swingerkeep@hotmail.com.
Juniors and Seniors!
Join us for a special 4-week Bible Study starting Wednesday, May 8th in the Café. Together we will dig deeper with great conversation. No need to register, just show up.
Hope to see you there!
Are you a part of, or do you want to be a part of The Ridge Worship, creative team, and tech team? Join us on the 4th Sunday of the month, lunch is provided. These workshops are designed to provide training, mentoring, and inspiration for music and tech positions within the church. Our goal is to foster grown team dynamics, both musical and technical proficiency all while growing closer to Jesus.
Contact Nate for more details and to RSVP. (360) 286-4516
Come celebrate our graduates!
Everyone in our church family is invited to join us on Sunday, June 2 for a graduation parade to celebrate our students who have worked so hard to complete their education!
Students will be celebrated at both services on Sunday and then families are welcome to decorate their cars, bring balloons, signs, gifts, and cards, or just purely join the parade to encourage honor, and congratulate students. We will be meeting at 6 pm in the back parking lot of the church and lining up. Once we are assembled, we will distribute the parade map, turn on our flashers, and depart on our planned route.
You're invited to meet at FROYO in Salmon Creek for treats!
This will be an all-church event and will take the place of youth
group.
(NOTE) If you are a senior and want to be part of the celebration, fill out the form HERE or contact Amber with questions.
Calling all Ridgefield Community!
The Ridge students are hosting a car wash fundraiser to support their service trip to Appalachia this July 2024. They’re dedicated to giving back and making a difference, and they need your help! Get your car sparkling clean while contributing to a worthy cause.
This is a fantastic opportunity to support our local youth and give back to those in need. Let’s show The Ridge students some community love and get your car looking its best!
We accept cash, Venmo, and credit card donations. Spread the word and join us!
May 4th, 9 am-1 pm at 747 Pioneer St. Ridgefield, WA (both parking lots).
You can use this link if you cannot make it to the carwash but would like to donate.
Experience the ultimate adventure this summer at our age-specific Summer Camps! Dive into a world of faith, friendship, and fun as we embark on a journey of discovery and growth. Our camps offer a safe and nurturing environment where kids and teens can explore their faith, build lasting relationships, and create unforgettable memories. From exciting outdoor activities to inspiring worship sessions and meaningful Bible studies, every moment is designed to inspire and empower young hearts. See below for age-specific camp information.
Meet us at the Movies!
What: Movie Night featuring "Unsung Hero"
When: Tuesday, April 30th at 7:00 PM
Where: Vancouver Mall 8700 Northeast Vancouver Mall Drive.
Who: You, your friends, and your family!
Why: Based on a remarkable true story, Unsung Hero follows David Smallbone as he moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future after his successful music company collapses. With nothing more than their seven children, suitcases, and their love of music, David (for KING + COUNTRY’s Joel Smallbone) and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives.
Tip: We recommend pre-purchasing your tickets to secure your spot Select Seats (amctheatres.com)
(Standard theater - NOT over 21 seating
Spread the Word! Invite your friends and family to join the fun!
See you there!
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2024
10 - Middle School Bible Study 6-7:30 pm
14 - Movie Night
17 - Middle School Bible Study 6-7:30 pm
21 - YG 6-8 pm
24 - Middle School Bible Study 6-7:30 pm
28 - YG 6-8 pm
PARENT RESOURCES
Our teens experience a lot in their lives today. Anxiety. Depression. Identity. Dating. No matter how much we prepare for these conversations, we can all use a little more support. One of our goals at The Ridge is to partner with parents as they navigate their students' challenges. Below are some great topical resources to help you navigate walking alongside your student.
A two-hour read to build a stronger relationship with a kid or teenager.
Whether you're a parent, youth leader, teacher, or caring adult, not knowing how to help those dealing with difficult emotions can leave you feeling intimidated, powerless, and discouraged. It can feel scary.
But we want you to know there is hope.
In this book, Will and Dr. Chinwé will help you...
Understand how the brain works when someone is in despair
Learn why some of the things you'd think would help sometimes make matters worse
Discover simple yet powerful tools you can use every day to connect with a kid or teenager to help them heal
A beautiful convergence of faith and psychology, Seen is a quick read that uses both clinical research and real life stories to give you--and the kids you love--hope.
Teenagers and young adults already have a lot on their minds, with the pressures of keeping up grades, navigating their future, and keeping their social life intact. Anxiety can make life even more difficult.
They need to discover that anxiety doesn’t have to own or define them and that they can move beyond the spiral of anxiety. If you are a teenager or young adult looking for help to manage your anxiety (or you know someone who is), and you're discouraged by dismissive answers like, "you should just pray more and worry less," this book is for you.
In Beyond the Spiral, Will Hutcherson and Dr. Chinwé Williams (authors of Seen: Despair and Anxiety in Kids and Teenagers and the Power of Connection) will help you discover six lies that can keep us spiraling in anxiety:
I am not safe.
I should just ignore it.
It's all in my head.
I have no control.
I'm going to miss out.
I can do it alone.
Beyond the Spiral seamlessly combines both faith and psychology to give a teen or young adult everything they need to stop believing the lies of anxiety and to thrive instead of just surviving life.
I want to take a minute to properly introduce myself. My name is Amber Langeliers.
I grew up in this church since I was 6 years old and am proud to be raising my family here as well. I have been married to Jason since 1999 and live in Battle Ground. We have 5 kids (Erika, Noah, Esther, Gideon, and Simon), Erika and Noah are both adults and the remaining kiddos we home-school on our little homestead. In my previous life, I was a doula, educator, and midwife’s assistant. We love adventures, sports, the beach, camping, sunsets, we just being together.
I have been the Student Ministries Director for about 4 years and have the privilege of being the fearless leader of leaders and to our students and families. I get to walk through life with them and find ways for Jesus to use us and our ministry for the kingdom. We try to be bold and fearless in how we approach our ministry and aren’t afraid to tackle the hard questions and topics to pursue our faith. I get so much joy in walking alongside students and their families as they navigate each season.
Our ministry is a reflection of the deep history of family and community connections at this church. We love deeply and want everyone to know they are Loved, that they Belong and they have Purpose.
Amber
Director of Student Ministries
amber@ridgefieldnazarene.org