Children, Youth, and Family Ministry
(CYFM)
FOCUS of this ministry:
Teaching God’s word through stories, readings, activities (drama, music)
Living God’s word through action (prayer, worship, daily life)
Service to self and others (church & community:local and broad)
HOW:
Integrative ministry: Spanish, English services and joint activities
Inclusive ministry: All are God’s children; we are a house of prayer for all people
Intergenerational: combined cross generational events for all ages
Our CYFM TASK as we feel God has directed us:
To reach out to those questioning or emerging in faith
To provide support to those in need
To teach and foster a religious foundation and an open, accepting spirit
You shine like stars in the universe. Philippians 2:15
CYFM Programs at Church of the Ascension:
Children’s Ministry: Godly Play, for ages 4- 10.
9:45 welcome into the Godly Play room; lessons 10-10:45; children will join their families in church following the Sermon.
Youth Ministry: for youth ages 9-18. We meet 3rd Sunday of the month: activities are planned around a central theme / message/ bible verse. We participate in church, community and world service projects and also participate in Diocesan youth events. Check out the Diocesan youth web site! www.diodelyouth.com Mark it as a ‘favorite’!
Family Ministry: We send emails to parents with suggested readings, activities based on monthly theme/ bible verse; arrange speakers; plan outings for parents and families to enjoy together. One of our favoirite activities is to sponsor family movie nights and family dinners.
What's special about youth ministry at COTA?
COTAs children, youth and family mimistry (CYFM) is for all ages; young and old, we are family. We support one another, learn and grow together. It is our hope that this family - focus will bring parishioners together to worship, serve and live God's word.
JOIN US! FRIENDS AND FAMILIES WELCOME!
Peace be with you. Luke 24:36
COTA CYFM CALENDAR 2011-12
DECEMBER 2ND: ANNUAL PRE-PARADE YOUTH LOCKIN
7pm Join us while we listen to loud music; stuff our parade give-away bags, make signs, eat pizza, play games and get ready for tomorrow!
DECEMBER 3RD: CLAYMONT CHRISTMAS PARADE and Blessing of the Claymont Christmas Weed! 9:00 am. Woohoo! Wear those elf hats and sneakers: we’re giving out some candy! Street ministry at it's best: join us while we walk in the parade and meet new friends! Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies at COTA after the parade!
DECEMBER 11TH: FESTIVAL OF THE VIRGIN OF GUADELOUPE
DECEMBER 17TH: CYFM angel cookie baking event and nativity set-up
DECEMBER 18th: Keeping Christ in Christmas Nativity Display
DECEMBER 24TH: Christmas eve Services
DECEMBER 25TH: Celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior
Don't forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13: 26
PICTURE VAULT OF EXCELLENT YOUTH ACTIVITES,
Just hanging out, having fun in the Parish Hall!
How many people can fit on the couch?
2011 Painball in our back woods!
2010 Bear Ascen-shells Lewes Polar Bear Plunge: over $2700 donated to Special Olympics of Delaware. COTA has been participating in the Polar Bear Plunge for over 10 years. Join us the first weekend in February! It may be cold but it is for a good cause and we have FUN!
Province III Youth Event (PYE) 2010, Bishop Clagget Center, Maryland 
2010 BOWLING TOURNAMENT! This is an annual event. each February, we don our ugly bowling shirts and see who can bowl the worst (or is it best?)
Teen contemporary worship band, LEAP OF FAITH CHRISTMAS, 2008
PUMPKIN CHUNKIN, NOVEMBER 2008
Cool Links
PEACE Day http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/
Power Point: Give Peace A Chance
Cool YOU Tube videos: Lifehouse's Everything skit: This was performed at Wintercamp. Very powerful and ultimately joyous message! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdS7RS5lTpU&feature=related AMAZING GRACE (Steven Tyler and Jiliaette Haimilton)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud0kaWLHEd4&feature=related
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD
You Tube - THE HOOTERS - I'm Alive - the video
More photos! See our Youth Photo Page