Student Ministries
12-12-24
Middle and high school students are invited to a Christmas party on Sunday, December 15 from 6-8 PM in the lobby. A meal is provided and friends are welcome!
11-26-24
The sign-up for the high school mission trip for all current 8th-12th grade students is now open! The trip will be to Pease, MN from July 5-12. Register here and contact Sam with any questions.
December Activities
December 1 – off
December 6 – Open Gym Night
December 8 – Large Group
December 15 – Christmas Party
11-19-24
Middle and high school students are invited to a Friendsgiving meal from 4:30-6:00 PM on Sunday, November 24 upstairs in room 201. Friends are encouraged to come. This event will take the place of regular large group. Please register for Sam to know how much food to provide.
11-7-24
Middle and high school students are invited to a Friendsgiving meal from 4:30-6:00 PM on Sunday, November 24 upstairs in room 201. Friends are encouraged to come. This event will take the place of regular large group. Please register for Sam to know how much food to provide.
November Activities
November 3 – Large Group
November 10- Large Group
November 15-16 – Fall Retreat @ CranHill Ranch
November 17 – No Large Group (Fall Retreat)
November 24 – Friendsgiving
10-16-24
A couple student events are coming with a sign-up link included:
On Friday, October 25, students are invited to the Deep Roots Produce corn maze.
On Friday, November 15 – Saturday, November 16, students are invited to the fall retreat at CranHill Ranch.
Connect with Sam for questions or more details.
October Activities
October 6 – Large Group
October 13 – Large Group
October 20 – Large Group
October 25 – Corn Maze
October 27 – Dinner Host Night
9-18-24
Student ministries are off to a great start! The first large group on September 15 was a blast. The winning team of the amazing race challenge had the prize of “pieing” a couple of leaders in the face with shaving cream. Since you probably can’t tell, the leaders shown are Sam and Seth.
Student ministries will be doing a service day in the afternoon in late September/early October. Is there anything around your house that you need help with? Is there yard work that needs to be done? Furniture that needs to be moved? Connect with Sam if anything comes to mind.
8-27-24
Fall schedule:
September 15 – Fall Kickoff – Amazing Race
September 22 – Large Group
September 29 – Small Group Night
October 6 – Large Group
October 13 – Large Group
October 20 – Large Group
October 25 – Corn Maze
October 27 – Dinner Host Night
November 3 – Large Group
November 10- Raking Service Event
November 15-16 – Fall Retreat @ CranHill Ranch
November 17 – No Large Group (Fall Retreat)
November 24 – Friendsgiving
December 1 – off
December 6 – Open Gym Night
December 8 – Large Group
December 15 – Christmas Party
8-1-24
August –
Bonfire Hang Out – Monday, August 12, 6:00-8:30 PM
Bible study – Wednesday, August 14, 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Hot Dog Wednesday – Wednesday, August 14, 5:00-6:30 PM
7-1-24
July –
Bible study – Wednesdays (10:30 – 11:30 AM) July 10, July 17, 31
Kid’s Food Basket Farm Project (Tuesday, July 2), 8:30-10:30 AM – middle and high school students are invited to serve at the Kid’s Food Basket Farm in the morning. We’ll take some time to harvest produce that will go directly to families in Grand Rapids. We’ll meet in the parking lot at Fifth at 8:15 AM and will return by 10:45 AM. Please sign up here.
Michigan’s Adventure (Monday, July 8) – middle and high school students are invited to spend the day at Michigan’s Adventure. More information and the sign-up can be found here.
Hot Dog Wednesday (Wednesday, July 10), 5:00-6:30 PM at Fifth
Lazy River Tubing (Thursday, July 18)
ICCF House Clean Up (Wednesday, July 31), 1:00-4:00 PM
6-20-24
High school students and leaders are backpacking and whitewater rafting in Buena Vista, CO from June 21-29. Be praying for a wonderful trip full of powerful encounters with the Lord.
On Tuesday, July 2, middle and high school students are invited to serve at the Kid’s Food Basket Farm in the morning. We’ll take some time to harvest produce that will go directly to families in Grand Rapids. We’ll meet in the parking lot at Fifth at 8:15am and will return by 10:45am. Please sign up here.
On Monday, July 8, middle and high school students are invited to spend the day at Michigan’s Adventure. More information and the sign-up can be found here.
June –
Bible study – Wednesdays (10:30 – 11:30 am) June 12, June 19
Kid’s Food Basket Supper Packing (Wednesday, June 5) 10:00am-12:00pm, sign up here.
Hot Dog Wednesday (Wednesday, June 12), 5:00-6:30pm at Fifth
Whitecaps Game (Tuesday, June 18), Game starts at 6:30pm
Student Trip to Colorado (June 21-29)
Post on 5-30-24:
2024 SUMMER SCHEDULE
Bible study – Wednesdays (10:30 – 11:30 am)
June 12, June 19, July 10, July 17, July 31, August 14
June –
Kid’s Food Basket Supper Packing (Wednesday, June 5) 10:00am-12:00pm, sign up here.
Hot Dog Wednesday (Wednesday, June 12), 5:00-6:30pm at Fifth
Whitecaps Game (Tuesday, June 18), Game starts at 6:30pm
Student Trip to Colorado (June 21-29)
July –
Kid’s Food Basket Farm Project (Tuesday, July 2), 8:30-10:30am
Michigan’s Adventure (Monday, July 8)
Hot Dog Wednesday (Wednesday, July 10), 5:00-6:30pm at Fifth
Lazy River Tubing (Thursday, July 18)
ICCF House Clean Up (Wednesday, July 31), 1:00-4:00pm
August –
Bonfire Hang Out (Monday, August 12), 6:00-8:30pm
Hot Dog Wednesday (Wednesday, August 14), 5:00-6:30pm
5-21-24
Stay tuned for the summer schedule of events.
5-7-24
Summer events will start in June.
4-30-24
Middle and high school students are invited to Mini Glow golf on Sunday, May 5 to celebrate the end of the year! Please meet at 5:30 PM at Fifth and the group will return by 8:00 PM. Please eat a meal prior to the event if you’re not planning on purchasing food at Mini Glow Golf. There is no cost to the event, unless you’re purchasing food or a drink.
4-16-24
Middle and high school students are invited to large group on Sunday, April 21 from 6-8 PM in the lobby. 5th graders are also invited this night to check out what a large group experience is like.
On Sunday, April 28 students will be participating in a video road rally within the normal time frame of 6-8 PM.
Also, the student leaders had a fun hang-out recently to celebrate a wonderful ministry year. Here is the group after successfully completing an escape room!
4-9-24
Student Ministries Coupon Book
Thank you so much to those who have donated towards the Colorado trip in June! These gifts allow many students to afford a trip that they normally wouldn’t be able to attend.
The Colorado team is still fundraising, and you’re invited to consider purchasing a coupon book! Coupon books cost $25 and contain great deals for Grand Rapids-based businesses. Half the cost of the books goes directly towards the cost of the trip. If you’d like to buy a book from a specific student, write their name under “seller” and a parent email under “seller email”. Otherwise, you can put, Sam Eldersveld, and seldersveld@fifthrc.org and I will disperse the funds to the whole group if purchasing online. Click this link to purchase the book online or to flip through the pages before purchasing a book by clicking ‘flip through the pages of the book’.
Books can also be purchased via cash or check and there is a box of coupon books in Sam’s office if you want to look through one.
3-26-24
There will be no meetings on 3/31 or 4/7 due to Easter and Spring Break. The next meeting will be on 4/14. Enjoy the break.
3-19-24
Middle and high school students are invited to join in the watching of “Following the Footsteps.”
March 24 @ 6:00 PM in Room 201. Pizza and popcorn will be provided. Invite your friends.
3-12-24
Middle and high school students are invited to participate in dinner host night from 6:00-8:00 PM on Sunday, March 17. Each small group will head to a different Fifth member’s household to connect while sharing a meal. Please arrive a few minutes before 6:00 PM to arrive at the host home on time.
3-5-24
Large group will meet on Sunday, March 10 in Fifth’s Lobby from 6-8 PM.
2-27-24
The last Profession of Faith Class will be on Sunday, March 3 at 9:00 AM.
2-20-24
Students will be at Winter Camp this weekend. Please be in prayer for God to move in and through those who attend.
There will be no large group on Sunday due to Winter Camp.
2-13-24
Fundraiser Lunch on Sunday, March 17
Current 8th-12th grade students from Fifth will be going to Buena Vista, CO from June 22-29 for a backpacking and whitewater rafting trip. The students and leaders are offering lunch after the service on Sunday, March 17 in Community rooms 2 and 3 for anybody interested in donating toward the trip. The lunch will be a buffet of different items with some tasty desserts.
Here is the fundraiser lunch sign up. Connect with Sam Eldersveld with any questions.
If you’d prefer to donate online, you can click here and select ‘student ministries donation’.
2-6-24
Middle and high school students are welcome to come watch the first half of the Super Bowl from 6-8 PM at Pastor Sam’s house on Sunday, February 11. Please connect with Pastor Sam if you plan on attending. Large group will resume on Sunday, February 18.
1-30-24
Upcoming Profession of Faith Classes – Feb. 4, 11, 18, and Mar. 3 at 9:00 AM
Throughout February, middle and high school students will be immersed in teachings surrounding love, dating, and sex. Romance and finding a spouse are not the end all be all in our world as God’s people, yet it’s a desire for most, so we’re talking about it within student ministries.
Paired with teachings from scripture will be real-life conversations and testimonies, which is where students need your help. Come and share your wisdom on love, dating, and sex. Being real about this topic will open a door for young people to break down walls in their walk with Jesus. What are some positives and negatives about love, sex, and dating in your journey as you have walked with Jesus?
This is a hush-hush topic, yet it’s something that God created, and students are always wondering about.
Would you be willing to be vulnerable and pour into the next generation of disciples? Sharing with students can happen in a small group, on a panel, with boys/girls only, or individually in a large group setting. Please pray about this and connect with Sam Eldersveld if you feel a desire to speak to students about this topic.
1-23-24
On Sunday, January 28, middle and high school students are invited to go tubing at Cannonsburg from 1:00-3:30 PM. This event will replace the regular gathering on Sunday night. Sign up here for tubing. Spots are taken quickly, so the sooner the better when signing up!
Upcoming Profession of Faith Classes – Feb. 4, 11, 18, and Mar. 3 at 9:00 AM
Throughout February, middle and high school students will be immersed in teachings surrounding love, dating, and sex. Romance and finding a spouse are not the end all be all in our world as God’s people, yet it’s a desire for most, so we’re talking about it within student ministries.
Paired with teachings from scripture will be real-life conversations and testimonies, which is where students need your help. Come and share your wisdom on love, dating, and sex. Being real about this topic will open a door for young people to break down walls in their walk with Jesus. What are some positives and negatives about love, sex, and dating in your journey as you have walked with Jesus?
This is a hush-hush topic, yet it’s something that God created, and students are always wondering about.
Would you be willing to be vulnerable and pour into the next generation of disciples? Sharing with students can happen in a small group, on a panel, with boys/girls only, or individually in a large group setting. Please pray about this and connect with Sam Eldersveld if you feel a desire to speak to students about this topic.
1-16-24
All middle and high school students are invited to come to Sam’s house on Sunday, January 21 at 3:00 pm for some food, fellowship, and football. After having the winter retreat canceled, let’s have some quality time together! Board games are available to play as well. Students can be picked up following the game around 6:30 pm. There will be a meal provided. Connect with Sam if you need his address. This event will replace the regular large group gathering.
On Sunday, January 28, middle and high school students are invited to go tubing at Cannonsburg from 1:00-3:30 PM. This event will replace the regular gathering on Sunday night. Sign up here for tubing. Spots are taken quickly, so the sooner the better when signing up!
1-9-24
Middle and high school students will be at winter camp the weekend of January 12-14, so there will be no large group on Sunday, January 14. Large group will resume on Sunday, January 21.
Throughout February, middle and high school students will be immersed in teachings surrounding love, dating, and sex. Romance and finding a spouse are not the end all be all in our world as God’s people, yet it’s a desire for most, so we’re talking about it within student ministries.
Paired with teachings from scripture will be real-life conversations and testimonies, which is where students need your help. Come and share your wisdom on love, dating, and sex. Being real about this topic will open a door for young people to break down walls in their walk with Jesus. What are some positives and negatives about love, sex, and dating in your journey as you have walked with Jesus?
This is a hush-hush topic, yet it’s something that God created, and students are always wondering about.
Would you be willing to be vulnerable and pour into the next generation of disciples? Sharing with students can happen in a small group, on a panel, with boys/girls only, or individually in a large group setting. Please pray about this and connect with Sam Eldersveld if you feel a desire to speak to students about this topic.
1-4-24
12-27-23
The next student ministries gathering will be at winter camp at Grace Adventures from January 12-14. There will be no large group on the night of January 14 due to winter camp. Happy New Year!
12-19-23
Student Ministries will be on hiatus until January 8. Enjoy the holidays!
12-12-23
Middle and high school students are invited to the end-of-the-semester Christmas party from 6-8 PM on Sunday, December 17. The group will collect Christmas gifts for a refugee family and will enjoy some hot chocolate and dessert afterward.
Also, there is a waitlist for winter camp from January 12-14 at Grace Adventures, but if you get your name on the list now there is a good chance you can make it to camp. Sign up here.
12-1-23
Middle and high school students are invited to come and see the Christian musical, Pilgrim, at Cornerstone University on Sunday, December 10. The group will leave the Fifth parking lot at 6:30 and will return by 9:30 PM. This event replaces the normal large group gathering. Check out the musical here. Anybody outside of student ministries is welcome to join! The event is free but let Sam Eldersveld know since tickets are required.
The last gathering of the semester will be on Sunday, December 17 for the Christmas party from 6-8 PM at Fifth.
Lastly, winter camp sign-ups are still open! Winter Camp is from January 12-14 at Grace Adventures. Sign up now since there is currently a waitlist.
11-28-23
Large group will meet at 6 PM on Sunday. Friends are always welcome.
Two big events are coming up within student ministries after the New Year:
- Winter camp for middle and high school students at Grace Adventures Camp from January 12-14. Information and the sign-up is found here.
- Current 8th-12th grade students are invited on a week-long summer trip to Colorado for backpacking and whitewater rafting. The trip is from June 21-28 and friends are welcome to join. Information and the sign-up for the Colorado trip is found here.
11-21-23
There is no student gathering on Sunday, November 26. Happy Thanksgiving!
If you haven’t signed up for winter camp from January 12-14, do it now right here! There will be a waitlist for camp, so your chances are better if you sign up sooner rather than later.
11-14-23
Friendsgiving is happening this Sunday, November 19 from 4:30-5:45 PM! This is a nice Thanksgiving meal that the students and leaders enjoy in room 201. All students and leaders are encouraged to join and bring a friend.
Two big events are coming up within student ministries after the New Year:
- Winter camp for middle and high school students at Grace Adventures Camp from January 12-14. Information and the sign-up is found here.
- Current 8th-12th grade students are invited on a week-long summer trip to Colorado for backpacking and whitewater rafting. The trip is from June 21-28 and friends are welcome to join. Information and the sign-up for the Colorado trip is found here.
11-7-23
Middle and high school students have regular large group on Sunday, November 12 from 6-8 PM in the Fifth lobby.
Friendsgiving is happening on Sunday, November 19 from 4:30-5:45 PM! This is a nice Thanksgiving meal that the students and leaders enjoy in room 201. All students and leaders are encouraged to join and bring a friend.
Two big events are coming up within student ministries after the New Year:
- Winter camp for middle and high school students at Grace Adventures Camp from January 12-14. Information and the sign-up is found here.
- Current 8th-12th grade students are invited on a week-long summer trip to Colorado for backpacking and whitewater rafting. The trip is from June 21-28 and friends are welcome to join. Information and the sign-up for the Colorado trip is found here.
Here are a couple of pictures from the small groups from Sunday, November 5.
11-01-23
Middle and high school students are invited to participate in dinner host night on Sunday, November 5. Each small group will head to a different household from the Fifth family to share a meal together. The goal is for students to connect with the broader church and experience Christian community outside of the church walls. Students are encouraged to arrive at church prior to 6pm and will head to their host’s house as a small group. Connect with Sam Eldersveld with any questions.
10-24-23
There is a corn maze event at Deep Roots Produce Farm for all middle and high school students on Friday, October 22. More information and the sign-up is found here.
Large group on Sunday, October 29 is from 6-8 PM for middle and high school students. The lesson will be from James 2:1-7 and a meal will be provided.
10-18-23
On Sunday, October 22 students will be participating in a small group night, where each small group does an activity together. Students will meet at church at 6 PM and head off as a small group afterward. There is no meal provided this evening.
Also, there is a corn maze event at Deep Roots Produce Farm for all middle and high school students on Friday, October 22. More information and the sign-up is found here.
10-5-23
Calling all Fifth people! The start of Psalm 107:2 says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so”….a great way to tell of God’s redemption is through sharing your personal faith journey or a recent movement of God in your life. Young people, especially middle and high school students, are constantly wondering about God’s activity in our world today. They wonder about why people gather on a Sunday morning, sing songs, and listen to a teaching on scripture.
You’re invited to a large group gathering to share your faith journey! Come in and encourage young people that God is actively involved in our lives and that his mercies are new every morning. Share the impact of a church family on your life and why in the world you follow Jesus when it seems like he’s not there. If you’re feeling a tugging on your heart to share your story, please connect with Sam Eldersveld.
10-3-23
The fall retreat will be this weekend, October 6 & 7 at Cranhill Ranch. Please be in prayer for those attending.
There will be a bonfire on Sunday, October 8 at 6:00 PM.
9-21-23
The fall kickoff on September 17 went really well! There was great energy and plenty of laughter. Check out highlights of student ministry gatherings on the Instagram page.
The sign-up for the fall retreat at Cranhill Ranch from October 6-7 is still available. Here is the sign-up with more information.
9-12-23
Fall kickoff is this week Sunday, September 17 from 6-8 PM at Fifth. Come and bring your friends!
8-22-23
The fall kickoff for students in 6-12 grade is on Sunday, September 17 from 6-8 PM at Fifth. Each Sunday night this semester, students will gather to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This growth happens through mentoring, scripture lessons, large group activities, and serving the community. Students do not have to be members at Fifth to participate in student ministry activities.
Adults at Fifth, if you have a God story you would like to share with students or are willing to host a small group of students at your house for dinner, please connect with Sam Eldersveld.
8-8-23
Student Ministries is still looking for one more female leader to help lead middle school girls starting this fall. If you or anybody you know may be interested, please connect with Pastor Sam.
7-21-23
There are two student events happening on Tuesday, August 1. In the morning, we’ll serve at the Kid’s Food Basket Farm, and in the evening, we are headed to the Whitecaps game. All students from 6th-12th grade are invited. Connect with Sam Eldersveld to sign up!
7-12-23
Student Ministries is looking for one more female leader to help lead middle school girls starting this fall. If you or anybody you know may be interested, please connect with Pastor Sam.
7-7-23
There is one student Bible study left on Friday, July 14. We’ll read through John 5 in the lobby at Fifth at 10 AM. Come join! There will be snacks and drinks provided.
On Tuesday, July 11, students have an opportunity to help serve with Kid’s Food Basket. KFB has a wonderful farm, where they grow crops to give to Grand Rapids families who are struggling with hunger. They need the help of volunteers to keep the farm in good shape, so that’s where we come in. From 9-11 AM on the 11th, we’ll be doing some weeding and gardening at the farm (1300 Plymouth Ave NE). Students can meet at church at 8:45 AM. Please sign up here.
The following Tuesday, July 18, students are invited to serve with ICCF. ICCF helps provide affordable housing for families in need in Grand Rapids. They purchase homes, remodel them, and sell them at a lower cost so that lower-income families can afford a home. Our group will help clean up a home from 1-4 PM. Please sign up here.
On Saturday, July 22, there is a student ministries beach day! The group will head out to the Holland area and enjoy a day soaking up the sun. A family from Fifth is hosting the group, so we’ll spend time at their cottage. Plan on around 10 AM-6 PM for that day. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Lastly, vacation Bible school is coming up! The dates are July 24-27 and if students are interested in helping set up, that will take place on Friday, July 22 at church. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
6-30-23
Student ministries have great opportunities to connect and serve in the month of July. First, only two Bible studies are left (July 7, and July 14) and anybody of middle or high school age is invited. Bible study happens at 10 AM in the Fifth lobby and the group reads through John’s gospel. Goodies are provided.
On Tuesday, July 11, students have an opportunity to help serve with Kid’s Food Basket. KFB has a wonderful farm, where they grow crops to give to Grand Rapids families who are struggling with hunger. They need the help of volunteers to keep the farm in good shape, so that’s where we come in. From 9-11 AM on July 11, we’ll be doing some weeding and gardening at the farm (1300 Plymouth Ave NE). Students can meet at church at 8:45 AM. Please sign up here.
The following Tuesday, July 18, students are invited to serve with ICCF. ICCF helps provide affordable housing for families in need in Grand Rapids. They purchase homes, remodel them, and sell them at a lower cost so that lower-income families can afford a home. Our group will help clean up a home from 1-4 PM. Sam will send out a sign-up for this after the fourth of July.
On Saturday, July 22, there is a student ministries beach day! The group will head out to Holland and enjoy a day soaking up the sun. A family from Fifth is hosting the group, so we’ll spend time at their cottage. Plan on around 10 AM-6 PM for that day. Lunch and snacks will be provided.
Lastly, vacation Bible school is coming up! The dates are July 24-27 and if students are interested in helping set up, that will take place on Friday, July 22 at church. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
6-27-23
Students are invited to Bible study at 10 AM this Friday, June 30 in the Fifth Lobby. There will be donuts and other snacks provided.
6-20-23
Last call for Cedar Point tickets. RSVP to seldersveld@fifthrc.org.
Continue to pray for those serving in Valladolid this week.
6-13-23
Our trip to Cedar Point is coming on Wednesday, June 28! Call Sam Eldersveld in the church office to sign up. Tickets will be purchased prior to the 28th.
6-6-23
Cedar Point Event: Wednesday, June 28. The group will be headed out at 6 AM from the Fifth parking lot and returning between 9-10 PM. To sign-up and for more information click Cedar Point 2023. Sign-ups are due ASAP or by June 25 since tickets will be purchased a few days in advance.
Check out the summer schedule of events for students below.
Lastly, be praying for the trip to Valladolid coming up from June 17-24! There is a group of 14 wonderful people going and we look forward to seeing what God is doing through Pastor Eduardo and other church plants in the area.
5-30-23
All incoming 6th-12th grade students are invited to the Student Ministries gatherings over the course of the summer. There are events happening in June, July, and August. Friends are welcome to join and sign-ups will be sent out to parents prior to the events. There is no need to sign up for the morning Bible studies in the Fifth lobby. I will see you this summer! – Sam
Our first summer event will be a bonfire at church on Wednesday, June 7. If you’d like to stay updated and don’t have a schedule, reach out to Sam at seldersveld@fifthrc.org.
Be praying for the trip to Valladolid coming up from June 17-24! There is a group of 14 wonderful people going and we look forward to seeing what God is doing through Pastor Eduardo and other church plants in the area.
