Ministries & Groups

AWANA is a Christian club for kids designed to help children grow in Christ, share their faith, and make new friends in a fun, age-appropriate atmosphere. The program is centered on Bible engagement, Scripture learning, and spiritual development, with the goal of helping kids build a deep and lasting faith.

At Friendship, AWANA classes are available for children age 2 through 5th grade. In AWANA, children don't just learn Bible stories—they learn to know and trust God's Word through Bible time, Scripture memorization, and faith-building activities. As kids learn and memorize Scripture, they strengthen their understanding of the Gospel, learn to study God's Word, and grow in confidence in what the Bible says about life. Through these experiences—along with relationships and discipleship—children are encouraged to become disciple-makers in their own right.

What happens at AWANA?

AWANA gatherings typically include three main parts: Large Group, Small Group, and Game Time.

1) Large Group Time

At the start of the night, kids come together in one larger setting for a time of encouragement and teaching. During large group, kids can expect:

• Bible teaching from leaders, staff, or sometimes pastors
• Worship (songs and music that help kids focus on God)
• Announcements and important updates
• Awards or recognition for progress (such as handbook milestones or Bible memory)

This is a key moment of the evening because it gives kids a clear opportunity to hear the gospel and Biblical truth in a fun, kid-friendly way.

2) Small Group Time

After large group, kids break into small groups. This is where AWANA emphasizes belonging and discipleship. In small group, each child connects with a consistent leader from week to week. Together, they:

• Talk through the Bible lesson
• Ask and answer questions
• Work on memory verses
• Pray together
• Continue progressing through handbooks

Because the groups are smaller, leaders are able to build deeper relationships with kids and help them apply Scripture to real-life situations—so learning becomes personal.

3) Game Time

Game time is a high-energy part of AWANA where teams compete in age-appropriate activities. The purpose isn't only fun—it's also intentional discipleship through relationship-building. During game time, kids experience:

• Team-building and friendly competition
• A chance to have fun while building confidence and friendships
• Relational discipleship, because leaders interact with kids in the middle of play

This time helps kids feel connected and keeps the environment exciting and welcoming.

Our desire is to help teens know Jesus, grow in faith, and live out what they believe—together.

Our Focus Verse

Our ministry is rooted in this powerful promise from Scripture:

“I am the Vine, You are the Branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will bear fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

This verse shapes everything we do. We believe that when students stay connected to Christ, their lives will begin to reflect His love, His truth, and His purpose—resulting in real spiritual fruit.

Our Purpose: Jesus First, Growth Always

At The Vine, we focus on:

• Telling teens about Jesus the Christ
• Discipling students so they can grow deeper
• Helping them build and strengthen their personal relationship with God
• Encouraging them to become people who bear fruit in their families, schools, and communities

We don't just want students to attend events—we want them to grow in faith in a way that becomes part of who they are.

What We Do: Three Main Event Types

To support students in their faith journey, we organize our ministry around three key categories:

1) Discipleship

Our discipleship events are designed to help students understand God's Word and grow spiritually. Through teaching, discussion, prayer, and guided conversations, students learn how to:

• Know Christ more personally
• Apply Scripture to real-life situations
• Build habits that strengthen their walk with God

2) Service (To Others)

We believe faith should be seen, not just spoken. Service events give teens hands-on opportunities to love others in practical ways. Students learn what it looks like to:

• Serve with compassion
• Follow Jesus' example
• Make a difference wherever they are

Service helps students grow in humility, teamwork, and Kingdom-minded living.

3) Fellowship

Life with Jesus isn't meant to be lonely—so we create space for connection. Fellowship helps students feel known, encouraged, and supported. These moments help build community through:

• Fun, relationship-building activities
• Encouragement from friends and leaders
• A safe environment where students can be themselves and grow together

We'd Love for You to Join Us

Whether you're new to faith, curious about Jesus, or ready to grow deeper—we hope you will come out and join us.

The Vine Student Ministry is a place where students can: hear the Gospel clearly, learn how to walk with Christ daily, grow in friendship, purpose, and spiritual fruit.

College & Career Bible Study is our ministry for young adults navigating college, trade school, or the early years of their careers. We meet to study God’s Word, build Christ-centered friendships, and encourage one another as we grow in faith through all the transitions of young adulthood.

Whether you’re preparing for exams, starting a new job, or just figuring out what’s next, you’ll find a welcoming group of peers who are walking the same road. Together, we dig into Scripture, discuss how it applies to real life, and support one another in prayer.

When We Meet

• Sunday Mornings at 9:45 AM — Bible study and discussion before morning worship.
• Wednesday Evenings at 6:00 PM — Midweek gathering for fellowship and study.

Come as you are and bring a friend. We’d love to have you join us!