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
Each week, Middle & High School students gather together in an authentic, family atmosphere. Students can expect a laid-back experience where we worship, meet in small groups, play games, and discuss life. This is a safe place for honest conversation and questions about faith as we explore what it looks like to follow Jesus as a student and deal with life's ups and downs.
Our goal for the 2025/2026 school 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. Join us as we focus on what it means to love Jesus with our heads, hearts, and hands this year.
Bring your friends and join the family at The Ridge!!
Questions? Contact Amber at ajlangeliers@hotmail.com.
For questions contact amber@ridgenaz.org or call/text 360.552.7794
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.
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.
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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.
❄️ Winter Retreat 2026
“Here I Am. Send Me.” – Isaiah 6:8
📅 January 16–19, 2026
📍 Eagle Fern Camp – Estacada, OR
💲 $190 per student (Scholarships available)
Get ready for an incredible weekend!
Join us for one of the best weekends of the year—a time to get away, connect with friends, and grow deeper in your faith.
This year we’ll dive into Isaiah 6:8 and what it means to say “yes” to God’s call.
We’re excited to welcome Jacob back as our speaker!
Expect:
Worship, powerful messages, small groups, hiking, games, sports in the heated gym, fireside hangouts, and memories you won’t forget.
Families will self-transport to Eagle Fern Camp.
Check-In: Friday, Jan 16 | Pick-Up: Monday, Jan 19
If you are driving yourself to the retreat:
Arrive by 6:30pm on Friday, Jan 16.
Departure will be 11:30am on Monday, Jan 19.
Space is limited—register HERE soon!
📧 amber@ridgenaz.org
The Ridge Student Ministries – Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene
Youth Group Sundays 6-8 pm
Each week, Middle & High School students gather together in an authentic, family atmosphere. Students can expect a laid-back experience where we worship, meet in small groups, play games, and discuss life. This is a safe place for honest conversation and questions about faith as we explore what it looks like to follow Jesus as a student and deal with life's ups and downs.
Our goal for the 2025/2026 school 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. Join us as we focus on what it means to love Jesus with our heads, hearts, and hands this year.
Bring your friends and join the family at The Ridge!!
Questions? Contact Amber at ajlangeliers@hotmail.com.
For questions contact amber@ridgenaz.org or call/text 360.552.7794
FCA
Fellowship of Christian Athletes is sponsoring Mid-Week Huddles at the schools. Ridgefield High School meets on Thursdays during 1st and 2nd lunch in Mr. Biel’s room (Rm 305). La Center High School meets on Wednesdays at 8:45 am. Woodland High School meets on Tuesdays during lunch. Woodland Middle School meets on Wednesdays from 7:30 am - 8:30 am at the Presbyterian Church basement.
🎉 NYC is more than a trip—it's a life-changing experience where students grow in faith, community, and calling. We're excited to see how God will move through NYC 2026, and we want your family to be part of the journey! Click HERE to view the information packet.
D-Group
The Ridge D-Groups start Wednesday, November 12, at 5:30 at Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene.
A D-Group (Discipleship Group) is a 4-week group where students come together to follow Jesus more closely, grow in their understanding of God's Word, and strengthen their faith. You'll learn how to live out your faith and experience a life-changing transformation.
Contact Amber with questions 360.552.7794
The Ridge Student Ministry!
Come to the Singing Christmas Tree watch party on December 7, at 6pm! We will meet in the gym and head up to enjoy the show from our reserved seats in the balcony. Wear your favorite ugly Christmas sweater!
Questions? Contact Amber at amber@ridgefieldnazarene.org or 360.552.7794
Attention The Ridge, grades 7-12!
Join us Friday, Dec 12 | 6-8pm for a cozy night out!
We'll meet at Salt & Straw for some sweet treats 🍦 and then head out together to watch the Christmas Ships starting at 7pm 🚤🎶✨.
Families are welcome! (No transportation provided—please plan to meet us there.)
The Ridge Youth Group Progressive Dinner 🎉
Sunday, December 28 | 6-8 PM
We're closing out the year big—with a Progressive Dinner! Middle School and High School groups will head out for varied locations for appetizers and dinner stops, then we'll all come back together at the gym for dessert, games, and prizes.
Make sure to register for your group (Middle or High School). Save the date and register HERE today!
Questions? Contact Amber at amber@ridgefieldnazarene.org or 360.552.7794
We’re delighted to welcome you to the 4th Annual Winter Market Ridgefield! Come celebrate the season with a cozy weekend full of holiday cheer - discover unique, handcrafted gifts from local makers, savor delicious bites from food trucks, sip warm drinks by the fire, and take in the sounds of Christmas carols as the community gathers for this festive tradition. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
December 5 - 5 - 8 pm
December 6 - 10 am - 3 pm
For questions, contact ridgefieldwintermarket@gmail.com
All proceeds benefit The Ridge Student Ministries for Missions and Camps
❄️ Winter Retreat 2026
“Here I Am. Send Me.” – Isaiah 6:8
📅 January 16–19, 2026
📍 Eagle Fern Camp – Estacada, OR
💲 $190 per student (Scholarships available)
Get ready for an incredible weekend!
Join us for one of the best weekends of the year—a time to get away, connect with friends, and grow deeper in your faith.
This year we’ll dive into Isaiah 6:8 and what it means to say “yes” to God’s call.
We’re excited to welcome Jacob back as our speaker!
Expect:
Worship, powerful messages, small groups, hiking, games, sports in the heated gym, fireside hangouts, and memories you won’t forget.
Families will self-transport to Eagle Fern Camp.
Check-In: Friday, Jan 16 | Pick-Up: Monday, Jan 19
If you are driving yourself to the retreat:
Arrive by 6:30pm on Friday, Jan 16.
Departure will be 11:30am on Monday, Jan 19.
Space is limited—register HERE soon!
📧 amber@ridgenaz.org
The Ridge Student Ministries – Ridgefield Church of the Nazarene
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.
423 Communities are men, women, and young people recovering from the impact of unhealthy sexual choices and addictions. We are radically committed to helping others overcome all forms of unhealthy sexuality, restoring healthy sexuality and intimacy with others through, confessional, recovery communities.
Our goal is not to solely end bad sexual behavior, but to lead others towards a right-centered understanding of themselves, providing for not only sobriety from unhealthy sexual behaviors, but movement towards the abundant life that is available to us.
Inside safe, gender-specific groups in local communities, men, women, and young people can honestly embark on the journey of self-discovery, and find healing from the destructive grip of broken sexuality in a safe, shame-free, and supportive environment.
Since the inception of our recovery program in 2009, thousands of people have experienced progressive sexual restoration and healing by joining a 423 community.
Teenagers are tired of vague, superficial, or nonexistent answers to their tough questions about God, the Bible, and Christianity. Just when they’re capable of diving into the deep end of their faith, all too often the church keeps them splashing around in shallow waters. As eight years of Sticky Faith research has shown, it’s not doubt or hard questions that are toxic to faith. It’s silence.
The trusted voice of the Fuller Youth Institute and proven best practices from churches around the country converge to provide you with tools both to start conversations about hard questions, as well as to lead students toward discovering their own faith convictions.
Designed for use in small groups alongside the Can I Ask That Student Guide, these eight sessions tackle the following tough questions:
What is the Bible, anyway?
Why does the Bible contradict itself?
Can I be a Christian and believe in evolution?
Does God discriminate against women?
Is Jesus really the only way to God?
What does the Bible say about being gay?
Does God endorse violence?
How can I follow a God who would let Christians do such bad things?
We want to partner with you as we navigate this season; if you have any questions or concerns or want to get involved, please contact amber@ridgenaz.org
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.
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.
Serve With The Ridge
Former teen or parent of a teen? Join us at The Ridge! Dive into our vibrant community, where serving is fulfilling and fun. We believe in the power of guiding students toward Jesus with trusted adult mentors. Reach out to amber@ridgenaz.org to learn more.
Sign up HERE to be a part of the team. Or you can call/text us at 360.552.7794
Schedule
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mark your calendars for:
October 9- Serve Night
October 16-19 The Call
October 19- No Youth Group
October 26- Costume Party
November 30- No Youth Group
December 7- Singing Christmas Tree Watch Party
December 12- Christmas Ships
December 14- No Youth Group
Amber
Director of Student Ministries
(360) 513-4713
amber@ridgenaz.org
My name is Amber. My family and I began attending this church when I was just seven years old, and I am proud to raise our family here as well. I have been married to Jason since 1999 and live in La Center. We have five kids (Erika, Noah, Esther, Gideon, and Simon); Erika and Noah are both adults, and we home-school the remaining teens on our little homestead. Previously, I was a doula, educator, and midwife’s assistant, and I still love supporting families when possible. Our family loves adventures, sports, the beach, camping, movies, sunsets, and having fun together.
I have been the Student Ministries Director since 2022 and have the privilege of being the fearless leader to our leaders, 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 reflects 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 that they have Purpose.
