What is SYA?: Saturday Youth Alive (SYA) is a ministry designed to reach children ages 3 - 12. Every Saturday, children gather to experience church in a way that appeals to them physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Music, games, prizes, and creative lessons capture the hearts and imaginations of the children. The SYA team shares Bible verses and lessons using common objects (object lessons), drama, dance, & rap (human videos), and plenty of action!
Prizes: Every week, the kids get a chance to win prizes based on their knowledge of the previous week's lessons and the games that they win. In addition, special prizes are given on a regular basis. These prizes include things that most children enjoy such as: electronic devices (Gameboys, Playstation units, personal CD players), bicycles, scooters, money, and gift certifications (ToysRUs, Wal-Mart, Modells, and various fast food restarurants). Each child who attends SYA receives a ticket. The winning numbers are called according to one color ticket for the boys and a different color for the girls, giving child an equal chances to win. At Christmas, every child who attends receives a new toy or game.
Weekly Snack: Every Saturday, a snack is given to every, single child at the end of SYA.
Is it Free: Yes, SYA is free for the children because of the generous donations of individuals and organizations.
How did SYA get started?: SYA is patterned after Metro Ministries of Brooklyn, NY. Metro's world-renowned Sidewalk Sunday School & Children's Church touches 20,000 children a week. Annual training at Metro's NY headquarters prepared Pastor Chuck and his team to conduct a similar ministry. Saturday Youth Alive has been an ongoing ministry since 1997 when Pastors Chuck & Pam bused children into Ivy Leaf Middle School. Their church, New Covenant Community Church, connected with children from the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia. In 1999, the Coleman's began a non-profit organization, Inner City Youth Alive Ministries. SYA is one of the ministries that falls under the umbrella of Inner City Youth Alive Ministries. In April of 2004, SYA began in the Germantown area, drawing children from area schools who were close enough to walk to the Morton Playground at Baynton and Haines Street.
What makes SYA so successful?: Every week, the SYA team visits the homes of the children who attend SYA . The children and their families receive a flyer telling them the promotion for the week. The flyers are the children's weekly invitation to come and bring their friends. Flyers are also distributed in local schools. New children constantly show up to SYA because their friends, classmates, and neighbors are excited about it.
When does SYA take place? SYA takes place on Saturdays from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. 2006 Spring Session: Saturday, April 15th – Saturday, June 17th Location: To Be Announced
Where will SYA take place? SYA is privileged to work in partnership with the Germantown Beacon School Program located in Germantown High School.
Who Funds SYA?: Funds come from various sources. Churches such as New Covenant Church of Philadelphia and Metro Ministries of Brooklyn, NY have supported SYA through providing funding for buses, prizes, and snacks. Businesses such as GMAC Residential, Verizon, Wal-Mart, Toys R Us, Acme, Pathmark, Modell's, and others have made donations. But donations are also given by individuals like you who want to invest in children's lives. Click here if you are interested in making a tax-deductible donation.
Can I volunteer to help?: Volunteers are always welcome, but we expect a commitment from our volunteers. We meet on a weekly basis to pray, plan, and prepare for the Sat. ministry. Although the ministry lasts for 1 1/2 hours each Saturday, approximately 8 hours of preparation per week takes place before the children ever step foot in the door. Click here for more information about coming a volunteer.
How can I start Saturday Youth Alive at my church?: If you are interested in starting a similar ministry at your church, please contact us at (215) 848-9924 or email us at touchingyourworld@verizon.net.