Ministries 4 U

1. Scouts & Citizenship

Boy Scouts

The Ebenezer Boy Scouts ministry prepares young men to make ethical choices over their lifetimes through spiritual and cultural teachings.

Who: Boys ages 12 to 18
When: Saturdays
Where: Varies
Contact: Sis. Kathy Murphy

Girl Scouts

The Ebenezer Girl Scout Ministry views its programs as a means of outreach to youth in the community. Girl scouting is one way to help girls learn and grow into responsible young women. The Ministry’s mission is: to help girls and young ladies develop strong values reflecting respect of God, county, humankind, and self, in order to make ethical choices over their lifetime and build character and skills for success in the real world. Activities include: trip to Six Flags Amusement Park, the Kennedy Center, ice skating, Hershey Park, health and fitness workshops and exercises and camping. The Ministry recruits Christian women with a strong belief in God to lead our girls to Christ.

Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way she should go: and when she is old, she will not turn from it. (NIV)

Who: Girls and Young Women ages 5 to 18
When: Fridays – 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays – 10:30 a.m.
Where: Varies
Contact: Sis. Earnestine McNair

Back To Top

2. Bible Education

Children’s Bible Study (CBS)

Children’s Bible Study is an interactive praise service with teaching, praise and crafts for children beginning at age four. Children come together weekly to lead in prayer, learn about worship and study the word of God. The worship service includes “Praise Breaks” during which the children go “berserk” for God; games including “Bible Holy Man,” a spin on the traditional Hangman game; an Offering Time, during which children give talent and financial offerings, ranging from five cents to five flips; and, of course, a bathroom break.

Following the interactive lesson during which children pretend to be Bible characters and engage props and costumes in bringing the Bible to life, each child participates in a craft project. On Friday nights, children are trained in the way they should go so that they will have a firm foundation and will not depart from the Lord when trials and questions arise in their lives. The Bible Study group takes periodic field trips on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons.

Who: Children ages 4 to 11 (parents are encouraged to join us)
When: Every Friday – 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Main Sanctuary (7707 – 2nd Floor)
Contact: Rev. Kanika Magee – 301-265-8313

Youth Bible Study (YBS)

Youth Bible Study adds a special “flavor” to praise and worship as teens learn to praise God in their own way. Each generation does things a little differently, and praise and worship is no different. Young people help to lead a praise and worship service filled with gospel hip-hop, rap and go-go. Someone may even be found “beating his/her feet” for Jesus. Youth are led in an interactive lesson with relevant illustrations that address the issues commonly found in area schools, communities and homes.

Teens learn to cope with depression, sexuality, growing up, family changes, death and loss, violence and other issues that confront them daily through the power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. These Bible Studies are designed by and for youth, to encourage them to speak to and hear from God in their own ways.

Who: Youth ages 12 to 18
When: Every Friday – 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Main Sanctuary (7707)
Contact: Min. Akil Dickens – 301-265-8312

Back To Top

3. Mentoring

Daughters of Esther and Exodus Generation

These two complementary ministries provide support in youth programming and one-on-one or small group mentoring for youth ages 12 to 18.

Who: Youth ages 12 to 18
When: Saturdays (varies)
Where: Varies
Contact: Bro. Jay Searles (Exodus)

RITES OF PASSAGE MINISTRIES (ROP)

Manhood Rites of Passage

The Rites of Passage Ministry has over 10 years of experience providing mentoring and training for young men. Young men emerge from the ministry prepared for responsible adulthood and empowered with the principles taught by Jesus Christ. The program also focuses heavily on cultural education, drawing from the rich African tradition to provide both cultural and spiritual growth for young men. This program has been featured at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art.

Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when she is old, she will not turn from it. (NIV)

Who: Young Men ages 12 to 16
When: Saturdays – January through May (Registration Required)
Where: Varies
Contact: Bro. Moses Griffin

Womanhood Rites of Passage

This mentoring program uses Biblical principles through Bible studies and workshops. The curriculum is designed to spiritually empower young women to lift up the name of Jesus in their actions and thoughts, in school, home, church and social outings. The program is built on the foundation of Biblical teachings and the seven principles of Nguzu Saba, which are known through Kwanzaa celebrations: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity), Imani (Faith). This program has been featured at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art.

Titus 2:7-8 – In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.

Who: Young Ladies ages 11 to 17
When: Saturdays – January through May (Registration Required)
Where: Varies
Contact: Sis. Tera Reed

Back To Top

4. Education & Tutoring

Tutorial

A walk-in tutoring program for youth who may be struggling in one or more subjects and require extra assistance. Youth are encouraged to bring their homework and school books with them to either complete or finish their homework with assistance or to receive supplementary work to mathematics, science, reading, social studies and certain languages.

Who: Elementary, Middle and High School Students
When: Mondays and Tuesdays, October – June – 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where: Original Sanctuary, Parsonage building
Contact: Sis. Geraldine Frederick

SAT Preparation

A tutoring program to aid high school students in preparing for their SATs. Additional support and studies are designed to improve the student’s test-taking skills and chances of success on the SAT. Practice tests are included in the curriculum.

Who: High School Juniors and Seniors
When: Saturdays (varies)
Where: Original Sanctuary, Lower Level
Contact: Bro. Edwards

Entrepreneurship Project – Cartoons and Clothing Design

Cartoons – Children ages 7 to 12 are led in drawing instruction as they design their images of popular Bible stories. Their works are combined into small pamphlets for distribution as Bible lessons to youth in the church and community.

Who: Youth with an interest in drawing cartoons
When: Alternating Thursdays – 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Original Sanctuary, Room Three
Contact: Sis. Sonja Thomas

Clothing Design

Youth ages 10 to 18 with an interest in graphics design and clothing design are led in business development, computer graphics, and clothing design training. Professionals in the fashion and computer graphics industries provide seminars and training to youth participants. Some ideas are developed and sold throughout the community.

Who: Youth with an interest in clothing design and graphics
When: Varies
Where: Original Sanctuary, Room Three
Contact: 301-248-8833

Youth Leadership Training

Youth with an interest in developing leadership skills and exploring their gifts participate in workshops and discussion forums with Rev. Kanika and Min. Akil every two weeks. For information, please call 301-265-8312.

College Tour

The church hosts an annual college tour to historically black colleges and universities south of Washington, DC. The tour is open to all high school students and freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to come so that they can begin to tailor their high school curriculums and focus their efforts early. Colleges visited include: Hampton University, Virginia State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Bennett College, Clark-Atlanta State University, Morehouse College and Spelman College.
Representatives from each site are available to speak with students about the opportunities and admission process/requirements for their school. In addition, students tour each campus and often have opportunities to speak with current college students. The tour includes historical visits to Martin Luther King sites in Atlanta, GA.

Who: All High School Students
When: Corresponds to Prince George’s County Public School System Spring Break (normally the week before Easter)
Where: Departs from Ebenezer, visiting Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia
Contact: 301-265-8326


Back To Top

5. Special Gifts & Abilities

Exceptional Persons Ministry

Activities include weekly Sunday morning spiritual development activities, a monthly Respite Saturday and monthly meetings with parents, helpers and workers. Meeting topics have included: The Individual Education Plan, Physical Therapy and Your Child, How to Access Speech Therapy for Your Child. During Sunday services and Respite Saturdays, personal computers with developmentally appropriate software, crafts and physical illustrations are used to engage ministry members in learning and fun.

Who: Children, Youth & Young Adults with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families
When: Sundays – 7:45 a.m. and Fourth Saturdays
Where: Main Sanctuary, Third Floor
Contact: 301-248-8833

Back To Top

6. Performance Arts

Children’s Choir

Who: Children ages 3 to 7
When: Rehearsals – Saturdays – 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Ministry – Fifth Sundays – 11:15 a.m. worship service & as announced
Where: Main Sanctuary
Contact: Sis. Iris Fisher

Youth Choir

Who: Youth ages 8 to 18
When: Rehearsals – Mondays – 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Ministry: Fourth and Fifth Sundays – 11:15 a.m. worship service & as announced
Where: Main Sanctuary or Original Sanctuary
Contact: 301-248-2205 (hotline)

Orchestra

Who: All who play musical instruments
When: Saturdays
Where: Main Sanctuary, Rehearsal Rooms Three and Four
Contact: 301-248-8833

Liturgical Dance

This ministry glorifies God in praise and worship through dance. It also teaches youth that God is able and willing to use anyone and any means to reach out to people. The ministry is divided into six groups: Praise Angels (Girls ages 4 to 8), Apostles (Boys ages 4 to 12), JWHG – Juniors With the Holy Ghost (Girls ages 9 to 12), Miriam’s Prophets (Young Ladies ages 13 to 17), Gideon’s Army (Young Men ages 13 to 17) and the Royal Priesthood – African Dancers and Drummers (Youth ages 4 to 12). This ministry supports many of the ministries of the church and the community. New registration is conducted in August each year.

Who: Youth ages 4 to 17
When: Rehearsals – Saturdays (times based on age)
Where: Varies
Contact: the ministry accepts new members every August. Please check your bulletin or contact the church office.

Step Team

Who: Youth ages 5 to 18
When: Rehearsals – Tuesdays and Thursdays (based on gender and age)
Where: Original Sanctuary, Room One
Contact: Sis. Sharita Dunn – 301-248-8833

Back To Top

7. Recreation

Sports - Basketball, Track, Tennis, Golf

Sporting ministries vary by season, age and ministry. Please contact the church for further information (301-248-8833).

Back To Top

8. Support

Support Department - Youth Ushers, Computer Ministry, Scholarship Committee

Youth Ushers – Minister on Third Sundays – 11:15 a.m. Worship Service. For further details, contact 301-248-8833.
Computer Ministry – Offers classes periodically throughout the year in Microsoft Suites, web surfing and design, graphics and other areas. For further details, contact 301-248-8833.
Scholarship Committee – Offers scholarships to graduating high school students for college attendance. Scholarship applications are available March – May. Check your bulletins or contact the church office.

Connectional - Young People's Department (YPD), Sunday School, AME Scouts

YPD – A part of the Women’s Missionary Society, this group trains youth to be leaders in the A.M.E. Church. Participants interact with youth throughout the connection (i.e. at other A.M.E. churches in the area) to develop policy, learn about the A.M.E. Church and implement programs. For further details, please contact Sis. Mason (301-248-8833).
Sunday School – Provides Bible instruction to children, youth (and adults) ages 2 and up each Sunday. Classes are led by skilled instructors with a heart for teaching children in Bible instruction, church etiquette and A.M.E./Methodist order of worship. Children and youth are engaged in activities and discussions which cover foundational Biblical teachings. On first Sundays, youth lead a traditional worship service with standard Methodist liturgies and communion.

Who: Children and Youth ages 2 to 18
When: Sundays – 7:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. (excluding Fifth Sundays)
Where: Original Sanctuary
Contact: Sis. Janice Mason (301-248-8833)

AME Scouts – a connectional scouting ministry that interacts with scouts throughout the A.M.E. connection. For further information, please call the church office.

Back To Top