|
Phase 1 is officially up and running, and now the question on everyone’s mind is: How’s it going? Phase 1 construction began in May of 2004, and the first youth services were held September 1. Currently, the new wing is being used for two junior high Sunday services and also a senior high Wednesday night service. Phase 1 aims to provide an atmosphere that is both fun and educational. “One night we held a college funding class for youth and their parents who want to plan ahead financially,” said Associate Pastor Jordan Schroeder.
 This new building features a colorful worship center with a stage and a rock-concert-like layout. A loft complete with tables and chairs gives the area a “coffee house” atmosphere. “Phase 1 is really servicing our youth already in church right now,” said Schroeder. The plan is to let the kids at Woodland Hills get used to their new digs so they feel comfortable inviting others. But this is only the beginning.
“We would eventually like to have a Friday night outreach where the kids can bring their friends,” said Schroeder. The youth leaders will invite youth bands to “rock out” on stage and open up the game room so students can run around. Although the Worship Center’s main function is to meet the needs of youth, other groups can also use the facility. For example, Focus (a singles ministry) will be using the Worship Center to watch the Packers vs. Vikings football game later this month.
In Phase 1’s brand new computer lab are twelve Dell computers, which are meant (like the Worship Center) to serve a dual purpose: to entertain and educate. All are equipped with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, high-speed Internet access, and high-end video cards. “These computers have everything a computer gamers kid would want,” said Youth Pastor Dennis Luce. Each room in Phase 1 also has wireless access so kids can bring their laptops from home if they prefer.
At this point the youth pastors are in the process of recruiting and training volunteers. “We are looking for volunteers to tutor and also to supervise in the hallways, game room, and computer room,” said Luce. Training sessions are held on a regular basis for those interested in volunteering their time. Luce would like to see Phase 1 open every day of the week as a safe place for kids to hangout, play games, and get help with homework. “The plan is to open in stages as we have qualified volunteers and adequate supervision,” he said.
 The game room is currently open before and after services on Wednesday nights only. The room includes foosball, air-hockey, ping-pong, pool, and couches for lounging. Looking ahead, eventually the game room will be re-located to a 65,000 square-foot area during Phase 2. Luce envisions a skateboard park as part of the future Phase 2, as well as basketball and volleyball courts. “This area is so huge that basketball, volleyball, and skateboarding could all happen at the same time,” said Luce.
But right now the focus is on Phase 1, a key concept of which is literally and figuratively “breaking down walls.” Keeping doors open between rooms allows kids to “flow from one place to another,” said Schroeder. After all, the main goal of Woodland Hills’ Youth Ministry is to bring kids together and share the love of Christ. And that’s exactly what’s happening through Phase 1.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Phase 1, please contact Kris via email at kkraut@whchurch.org or give her a call at 651-287-2070.
article by Mary McKeague
email her at mckmart@bethel.edu
| 
