NEwsletter

Fathers & Son’s Top Golf (by: Santana Grady)

On June 30th, The NextGen boys and their fathers went to TopGolf by the National Harbor to bond and hangout. At this event, boys bonded with their fathers and we hit golf balls at a driving range. There was also a variety of food to eat there. It was a fun experience to have with my dad and friends. I enjoyed hanging out with my dad and friends the most. I have been to a driving range before but nothing to this caliber with food and drinks and games and I would definitely go again with some other friends.

Avengers Movie Night (by: Kindu Okoko)

On April 27th 2019 in Downtown Silver Spring MD, our NextGen family group presented movie tickets to our friends and family members to watch one of the most anticipated movies of the year, Marvel’s Avengers Endgame. This event was very enjoyable and my church friends and I had an amazing time. Personally to who ever didn't see Endgame SEE IT. I had some family members visiting who attended this event with me. You’re missing out on so much and besides you can't watch the future marvel movies without it. Trust me it's a ten out of ten!

Girl's Lunch @ Erin's (by Cierrah Mensah)

On April 14th, 2019, some of the NextGen girls including my high school sister and I all met at Ms. Erin’s home for lunch. This event was held after church on Sunday and it was really fun. My highlights were singing Karaoke music and making pizza which tasted really good. We all had lots of fun and would love to do it again.

Memorial Day Cookout (by: Camille Lyons)

On May 26th 2019, our church held its annual Memorial Day cookout. Although it was VERY hot outside, we all had fun. NextGen helped with the set up. The food was good, and we enjoyed playing the games. It was also very fun. The relay races and obstacle course were very fun, and we enjoyed playing with the water balloons.

Father & Daughter Paint Night (by: Cierrah & Cietta Mensah)

The father-daughter paint night was a lot of fun. We got to hang out and know more about each other. We also asked a lot of questions and got funny surprising answers. Some people painted a princess, some people painted a guitar and some people painted bowls. Overall it was a lot of fun to hang out with our fathers. It was really good bonding time.

The Great Debate (by: Erin Moore)

The NextGen teens participated in a debate about different Biblical topics based on randomly selected letters. Some of the topics included courage, Christ, and faith, based on the letters “C” and “F” respectively. Their arguments were very interesting, convincing, and convicting, and we were all impressed by their ability to use the Bible to support their points. This is an event that we may include at our next family game night where the NextGen debates their parents.

A Time to Serve (by: Amanda Druid)

In March, some of us went out of our way to serve our community. We stood side by side, in the cold, and trust me it was cold, and handed out food, drinks, and clothing to keep the homeless warm. I was in charge of pictures and handing out...nope wrong word...guarding the drinks. I had to make sure there was enough for everyone and not just for the lady with a suitcase full of them! While I was taking pictures, I saw smiles on people’s faces, as they got handed Emmett's world famous chilli, actually right now it’s just Amanda's famous chilli, but you get the point. It's amazing. After guarding and serving, in the end, everyone ended up with food, clothing, and lots to drink.

Super Bowl (by: Kimani Sams)

Leaders Training (by: Adrian Smallwood)

As a follow up to the training led by Adrian Smallwood, the NextGen staff received a phenomenal training led by Sah Brown. Sah brought his experience as an educator and principal to the NextGen staff; we engaged in activities and had a chance to collaborate on topics that help us as Teen Ministry leaders and as individual followers of Christ.

Family Game Night (by: Lia Djaouga)

On Saturday January 26, the members and parents of Next Gen Youth Ministry came together for a night of food, fellowship, and games. We enjoyed different activities and played games like “A What?!”, Pictionary, and “Unlock the Box” created by our very own Next Gen leader, Adrian Smallwood. It was a fun time that allowed us to work together and get to know people we don’t usually engage with and creates stronger relationships with those that we do while creating memories we’ll always remember Although the Henderson family came out on top as the winners of the night, let’s all get ready for a rematch this summer...

Meet the Volunteers (by: Abou Djaouga)

The shepherd volunteers provide a role of support and encouragement into the NexGen ministry, parents, and leadership. They assist with Sunday morning gatherings, NexGen events and outings, and provide a liaison of connectivity with parents. The Andersons and Lungi Okoko support NextGen High and the Evans and Laura Steward support NextGen Middle.

Ask the Minister (by: NextGen Youth)

Baptism (by: Keaton Anderson)

Being baptized while in high school is very hard. You have to make sure your faith is in tip top shape all the time. Being baptized while in high school can be good though. You get to teach your friends about God and have fun while doing it. It’s a struggle but it’s worth it in the end. As a high school students, I try to fit in while still being a Christian. I respond to the challenges by communicating to my peers that I don’t do the things that they want me to do and they leave me alone. It shows that I’m standing my ground.

DC Central Kitchen (by: Candra Jalloh)

We were able to end 2018 serving at D.C. Central Kitchen with NextGen family and friends. The morning started out bright and early and it was so encouraging to see all the smiling faces of our teens and parents ready to serve. During our time together, we chopped, peeled, and mixed food that would be served to those in need throughout D.C. It was a great time of fellowship and an opportunity to continue to build and strengthen relationships. Looking forward to what 2019 will bring for our NextGen Ministry.

Girls Night (by: Candra Jalloh)

The Girls Game night was a great success, we were able to all meet at Brittani’s house. We ate pizza, talked, laughed and played games through the night. During our time we played games like Family Feud, Pictionary, and Heads Up! This was a fun gathering for all the ladies had bonding time for the middle school, high school and NextGen leaders. Looking forward to our next game night!

Thanksgiving Baskets for Suitland Elementary School (by: Amalie Carr)

Boys Game Night (by: Jordan Druid)

The boys night at church was fun. Besides spending quality time together, we played games that strengthened our bond even more. Also we spent a majority of the time singing along to songs and free styling to beats. So we were all 'beat' afterwards. I can call that night many things, but it sure wasn't a waste of time.

Dave & Busters (by: Erin Moore)

In October, the NextGen ministry enjoyed time together at Dave and Busters in Prince George’s County. There were about 15 teens present from both the middle and high school ministries. Despite having to wait for an over an hour for our table, everyone enjoyed fun, food, and fellowship. It was a great first event for the NextGen ministry.

Holiday Party (by: Haley Coleman)

The NextGen holiday party was a very fun experience and a great time to bond with friends and family. We played lots of games, played music, had dinner and exchanged gifts! My personal favorite game was when you have to try and guess what your teammates are saying while you’re wearing beats that are blasting music in your ears. The holiday party was definitely one of the highlights of my Christmas this year. I would definitely recommend doing this again next year.

Alumni's-Straight Outta College (by: Kai Anderson)