Youth activities and information

Youth Baptismal Classes
Each year unbaptized young people from Grade 6 and up are invited to join an intensive, two- or three-session baptismal class. The classes follow an innovative format that includes considerable interaction and a variety of interesting, hands-on activities. For details or to register, phone Pastor Owen Vazquez (407-862-7578).

Working With Children and Youth
Markham Woods Church is blessed with a large number of children and youth, and they come from families who represent the entire disciplinary spectrum. What to some parents is innocuous discipline is seen as cruel and unusual punishment to others. As the church ministers to its children and youth, it's important to maintain order while respecting the disciplinary sensitivities of parents. Thus a set of guidelines has been prepared to help in this area. The guidelines, which will be given to all volunteers who work with children and youth, are available from the church office upon request.

Collegiate/Young Adult Sabbath School
A collegiate/young adult Sabbath School class meets in Room 1 of the Fellowship Hall.

Youth Sabbath School
Grades 9-12 meet in the first room on the left in the upstairs education wing for Sabbath School. Refreshments are usually served for the benefit of those who left home without eating breakfast! School.

Adventist Elementary and Middle School
Markham Woods Church is one of six constituent churches of Forest Lake Education Center (2801 Sand Lake Road, Longwood, FL 32779). However, should members of our church send their children to other Adventist schools in the area, we will pay the same percentage of subsidy they would have received had they attended FLEC. Potential Kindergarten students are invited the visit FLEC in April (watch for details) for the annual ABCs of Kindergarten. Students who are contemplating a transfer to FLEC may arrange a tour at any time. FLEC provides a preschool program. For further information, call the school directly (407-862-7688) or call the church office (407-862-7578).

Adventist High School
Forest Lake Academy (3909 Semoran Blvd, Apopka, FL 32703) offers Grades 9 to 12. Local Adventist churches, including Markham Woods, do not pay subsidy for young people to attend the academy. However, the academy has an excellent program of job procurement, ensuring that any young person can substantially reduce his or her fees by working on or off campus while studying. Eighth-graders who would like to look over the school have a chance to do so during the annual Academy Days. Phone the school directly for more details (407-862-8411).

Worthy Student Assistance.
In cases in which parents can't afford the full cost of an Adventist education for their children, they may apply to the Markham Woods Church Finance Committee for additional assistance from the church. The Worthy Student Fund is not part of the Church Budget but is provided by people who have a burden to see that all young people have access to an SDA education. Contributions to this fund should be marked accordingly on a tithe envelope and placed in the offering plate. Applications for assistance are available at the church office and should be returned no later than the third Monday of July.

Care-Package Ministry
Young people from Markham Woods Church who happen to be away at a boarding school, in the military, serving as a student missionary or even working away for a short time aren't ignored by their home church. Each semester high-school or middle-school students take time during a Sabbath School or vesper program to prepare care packages for, and write letters to, those who are away. Typically the packages include a lot of individually packaged food, purchased in bulk from Costco. There may also be post-it notes, pens and pencils, writing pads, highlighters and such other office supplies as would be of use to anyone. The main purpose is to let the youth know that their home church supports them and cares. If you have a child who will be away at school or for any other reason, please contact the church office (407-862-7578) and give us your child's address.