Why make a change?

Three reasons;

1. Combined Services = Momentum—Currently, our teams essentially reproduce the same service two nights in a row during the week. By combining forces, we will be able to super charge this service into one amazing experience for our students.

2. Makes Transitions Easier— One of our biggest drop-out points for students in our ministry is the transition between the middle school service and the high school service. We believe by having The Gathering this summer it will provide the greatest opportunity for new 9th grade students to be with friends and leaders they’re familiar with while meeting new high school friends and leaders that will help get them prepared for their high school careers.

3. Students Unite! - It’s a great way for students of different ages to learn to interact and minister to each other. Let’s face it, we live in a culture that teaches middle school and high school students to alienate themselves from each other. We have found by bringing them together that they bond together well. We teach each age group how to love, support and pray for each other through some of the most turbulent years of their lives.

Will students get connected to their age group?

Absolutely! Both 180 and 180JV leaders will be present on Wednesday night with the full intention of meeting, helping and working with their age specific students. High school Lifegroups are available to join all summer long and because of vacations and busy family schedules we suspend middle school Lifegroups for the summer. But we will fully resume those in the fall with a sign-up period and then plug the students into small groups based on the school they attend.

Are there middle school and high school only services still available?

Yes, middle school only services are on Saturday at 6:30pm with a teaching done by one of our many excellent middle school leaders followed by Dodge Ball or similar game. Also, Sunday mornings at 9am we have acoustic worship followed by a great message for middle school students. And for high school, we have a Sunday morning service available at 10:45am.

What about a brand new 6th Grade student on Wednesday Night?

Sixth Graders will be joining us each Wednesday at The Gathering for worship and then they will be lead to their own classroom for a 6th grade specific series called “Surviving Middle School”. Please pick up  “A Letter to New 6th Grade Parents” for a complete schedule. It is a available at the Zone 45 front desk and the 180JV FYI Booth.