Metropolitan has almost 200 young people under the age of 20. If you have children, or if you are a young person, here are some of the ministries you can get involved in.
These clubs are similar to the Girl and Boy Scout troops. The Adventurer club is for children between the ages of five and ten, and the Pathfinder club for those between the ages of eleven and sixteen. Children are enrolled in classes based on their age, and they follow a detailed curriculum which includes bible study and practical learning, and of course - fun activities like camping, hiking, kite flying, roller skating, and more.
Ursula Roberts-Allen is the director of the Adventurer Club. Carmen Browne is the director of the Pathfinder Club.
Meeting times: Both clubs meet at 9:00 a.m. on the first and third Sundays of each month.
These are our young women's and young men's ministries. Both provide opportunities for young people ages 12 to 20 to receive mentoring. The young people are also encouraged to take part in various educational, social, and cultural activities. The goal of both programs is to assist parents in enabling their young people to become stable, functional adults.
Cynthia Allsop is the director of Sister-to-Sister. Jermey Matthews and Joel Sam are co-directors of M.O.T.iV
Meeting times: Both groups have their own detailed calendar of events. Please see the leaders for more information.
If your child loves to sing and clap, and shows even the slightest indication that she or he might have some rhythm, you'll have to let him or her join the children's choir. This choir is well-loved by the entire church and even travels to sing at other churches on occasion. The children's choir also forms the nucleus for our bi-annual Children's Day programs.
Earl McLaren is the choir's director.
Meeting times: Rehearsals are scheduled as needed, but are generally held on Sabbath afternoons or Friday evenings.
Puppets for Christ is one of our newest ministries. The puppets present a story on the second Sabbath of each month, and are a favorite with Metropolitan's children. The goal of the ministry is to teach children important moral and spiritual values, through the puppets' often humorous exploits and antics.
The puppets will soon be featured in a series of professional DVDs that will be shared with members of our church and also used as an evangelistic tool to reach non-members.
If you love children, and are interested in drama (acting) or scriptwriting, but don't necessarily like being in the spotlight, this ministry might be just the thing for you. The ministry is always looking for additional actors, and is especially interested in finding good scriptwriters.
Charis Granger, Niki Newry, Uchechi Jahi, and Kimeeka Valentine lead this unique ministry.
This is our rollicking, hand-clapping, foot-stomping gospel choir. While it is open to all members of the church, the majority of the members are between the ages of 16 and 30. They are a well-traveled group, having toured England, the Caribbean, and several east coast states. You can hear them every second Sabbath during our Youth Service. Visit their choir's website for additional information.
Meeting times: The choir rehearses at 8:00 p.m. on Friday nights.
The George E. Peters Elementary School, located on the church's campus, provides parents with an opportunity to have the spiritual truths that they teach at home reinforced in their child's school life. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through the eighth grade. Graduates of G.E. Peters have gone on to have successful careers, and more importantly, have remained in the faith. Detailed information can be obtained by calling the school at 301-559-6710.
Evelyn Savory is the school's principal.
The Metropolitan Usher Ministry strives to make visitors and members feel welcome and comfortable as they enter God's house. They serve on Sabbaths and at other church events. If you like making others feel welcome, or have a warm, welcoming smile, this might be the ministry for you! Please visit the Usher Ministry's web page for additional details.
Monique Riviere leads this dymanic team of indiviuals.
The Cavaliers are our church basketball teams. Each year, Metropolitan plays in an Adventist church basketball league. Players as young as age six can take part. The league starts in the fall and goes through early spring. There are playoffs and a championship game for each age group. Our adult team was league champion for the 2004-05 season.
These games provide an opportunity for our young people to engage in fun, competitive activity. It also provides an opportunity for members to fellowship with each other in an environment outside of church. Once you attend one game, we're sure you'll be hooked and keep coming back for more!
Our teams are Pee-Wee (ages 6 to 8), Pony (ages 9 to 11), Junior Varsity (ages 12 to 15), Varsity (ages 16 to 18), and Adult (18+).
If you're interested in playing or coaching (we're always looking for coaches), contact the Cavaliers' general managers - Haisha Thompson and Casia Thompson.
Meeting times: Practices take place on Sunday mornings. Games take place on Saturday nights at various Montgomery County Public School gyms. Please check the church calendar for times and directions.