YOUTH GROUPS


EMERGE YOUTH GROUP
High School Students
8th-12TH GRADES

HELPING STUDENTS COME OUT OF THE SHADOWS AND GROW IN THE
LIGHT OF JESUS CHRIST

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
(The Holy Bible, 2 Corinthians 5:17)

Helping Students Emerge in Faith, Leadership, and Love

EMERGE is the youth ministry for students in 8th–12th grade. Our mission is to help teenagers discover their identity in Christ, develop deep faith, and emerge as leaders who serve God and others with courage and compassion.

At Emerge, students experience a community where faith comes alive through:
Relevant Bible Teaching and Open Discussion
Friendship and Fellowship that Lasts a Lifetime
Goofy Games, Service Projects, and Special Events

Memorable Trips and Outrageous Outings
Worship and Prayer that Strengthen the Soul

WHEN WE MEET: All High School Students (8th-12th Grades) are welcome! Bring a friend and see what Emerge is all about!
📅 WEDNESDAY NIGHTS @ 5:30 PM: A FREE SUPPER is served (5:30-6:00 PM) followed by BIBLE STUDY and GAMES.

📅 SUNDAY MORNINGS @ 9:00 AM: Students gather with gifted teachers and leaders to study the Bible on Sunday mornings at 9:15 am. A free breakfast is served weekly!

WHERE DO WE MEET? 📍 Youth Room – West Side Baptist Church, 1008 SW 4th St., Topeka, KS 66606

CATALYST MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
6th-7th Grade Students

Welcome to CATALYST, the middle school ministry for 6th and 7th graders at West Side Baptist Church. CATALYST is a safe, fun, and faith-filled place where early adolescents connect with God, grow in community, and discover how their gifts can spark change in the world.

Who We Are: CATALYST is for students in 6th and 7th grade. We’re a group of curious, energetic middle schoolers who meet to worship, play games, study Scripture in age-appropriate ways, and serve our community together. OUR FOCUS: relationship with Jesus, healthy friendships, spiritual formation, and practical faith in action.

SPECIAL EVENTS: Lock-ins, service projects, seasonal outings (skating, camping, local mission days), and joint events with our high school group. Note: Check the church calendar for exact dates and any schedule changes.

Whether you’re exploring faith for the first time or looking to grow deeper,
Emerge is a place to belong, believe, and become who God created you to be.
YOUTH LEADERS: Tera “Mama T” Triggs and Jennifer E.
Trip Coordinator: Jessamine G.


THIS MONTH AT EMERGE: OCTOBER 2025

Every month, EMERGE brings fun, faith, and fellowship together for students and their families! Here’s what’s coming up this month for our Senior High Youth:

SHIVELY FAMILY PUMPKIN PATCH
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5
1:00 – 4:00 PM

Kids & Youth of All Ages (EMERGE and Catalyst) are invited on this Fall Trip to Shively’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch – all ages welcome! -FUN TRIP TO THE PUMPKIN PATCH – Kids and Youth are invited on a fun outing to Shively Farms on Sunday, October 5, 1-3 PM. Ride the Church Van (departing WSBC at 1:00 PM) or meet us around 1:30 PM at the Shively Pumpkin Patch, 5840 SE Croco Rd, Berryton, KS 66409 –

https://www.shivelyfarmspumpkinpatch.com

The Church will pay the $10.00 admission fee for all children and youth from the Church; friends welcome! Families may purchase pumpkins, drinks, and other items. SIGN UP at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E49AFA82EAAF94-59091878-pumpkin. We will return to the Church by 3:00 pm.

WEATHER: If inclement weather occurs, the Fun Trip will be rescheduled for Sunday, October 19, at 1:00 PM.

BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER

Our talented EMERGE Youth are back in the kitchen, and they’re baking up a storm to raise funds for upcoming youth activities and mission projects! Don’t miss this sweet opportunity to support our youth while enjoying some delicious treats. Available for Preorder (by the dozen): Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies, Chocolate Brownies, Pumpkin Cupcakes, and Apple Muffins.

ORDER ONLINE

  • PREORDER DEADLINE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
  • PICKUP/DELIVERY: Sun., October 26 (or we can porch-drop in the city limits)
  • COST: Free-will donation – give as your heart leads.

OCTOBER
FUNDRAISERS

“Kansas Maid” Butter Braid Frozen Pastries – Youth Holiday Fundraiser (Order by October 31 for Thanksgiving Delivery)

ORDER DEADLINE: October 31, 2025

All proceeds go directly to supporting youth programs, trips, and activities. It’s a win-win: you get homemade goodies, and our youth get to grow in faith, teamwork, and service! To place your preorder: Contact the Church Office or Tera with your order and quantity. Don’t wait—these treats are going fast! Let’s show our youth some love while enjoying some sweet rewards!


📅 Check the YOUTH CALENDAR bulletin or our website for specific dates and details!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

CHILDREN & YOUTH SABBATH
SKATING PARTY

Sunday, November 16 | 1:00 – 4:00 PM |
Sk8away (sk8away.net).

Get ready to roll! All children and youth (EMERGE and Catalyst) are invited to a fun-filled afternoon of skating, laughter, and fellowship at Sk8away, located at 815 SW Fairlawn Rd. Join us during the Sunday Public Session from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

See Details at https://wsbctopeka.org/skating/

🎄CHRISTMAS PARTY🎄
WEDNESDAY @ 5:30-7:00 PM
17 DECEMBER 2025

EMERGE students are invited to celebrate the season at our Youth Group Christmas Party! Bring your favorite snacks to share and a White Elephant gift for some festive fun and gift exchange. Don’t miss out on the laughter, games, and holiday cheer!


⛸️ Ice Skating at the Kansas City
Crown Center Ice Terrace
18 January 2026
(Weather Permitting)

Experience the magic of outdoor ice skating at the Crown Center Ice Terrace, Kansas City’s original public outdoor rink. Located in the heart of downtown at 2425 Grand Blvd, this festive rink is open daily from November 7, 2025, through early March 2026. EMERGE will go in JANUARY 2026.

ADMISSION: Adults & Youth $10.00 (Church Pays)
Skate Rental: $6.00 per pair (Students/Adults Pay)
**EMERGE Students and Adults**

https://www.crowncenter.com/iceterrace

SNOW TUBING SPECTACULAR
FEBRUARY 2026

Catalyst and EMERGE Students and Friends (6th-12th Grades) will go snow tubing at Snow Creek Mountain, 1 Snow Creek Dr, Weston, MO 64098. Parents are welcome too!

*Date may change based on snow and weather.

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING CHARITY FUNDRAISER
SUPER BOWL SUNDAY
8 FEBRUARY 2026

By participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring, we can make a tangible impact in your community, ensuring that no one goes without a bowl of soup to eat.

🌟 Youth Lock-In!

Friday, March 6 | 6:00 PM – Midnight

EMERGE students are invited to an all-night Youth Lock-In filled with games, snacks, fellowship, and fun activities! Come for a night of laughter, challenges, and memories with your friends in a safe and exciting environment. Bring: Your energy, a snack to share, and a willingness to have a great time! Don’t miss out—this is one night your youth group won’t forget!

YOUNG CHRISTIANS WEEKEND
@ SILVER DOLLAR CITY

March 27 – 29, 2026
www.silverdollarcity.com/ycw

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of faith, fun, and fellowship! Our Youth Group is hitting the road to Young Christians Weekend at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. This annual event brings together youth groups from across the region for a powerful blend of worship, workshops, and thrilling theme park adventures.

🏕️ Camping Trip: Indian Cave State Park

Dates: May 2026 (Exact dates to be announced)
Location: Indian Cave State Park, Shubert, Nebraska

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as our Youth Group heads to Indian Cave State Park for a weekend of camping, fellowship, and outdoor fun! Nestled along the Missouri River, this 3,400-acre park offers a perfect blend of nature, history, and recreation.

🌄 Youth Road Trip to MPYC 2026
YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, CO
Theme: “Rooted in the Word”
June 6–10, 2024

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as our youth group heads to the Mountain and Prairie Youth Conference (MPYC)! This high school youth conference, sponsored by the American Baptist Churches of the Rocky Mountains and ABC of Nebraska, offers a unique opportunity for spiritual growth, fellowship, and adventure in the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.

Cost: $375 per individual (youth and sponsors) before March 15, 2026; $400 after March 15, 2026.

Parents are welcome too! https://www.mpyc-abc.org/

YOUTH QUEST CAMP 2026
Let the Countdown Begin!
Green Lake, Wisconsin
21-26 June 2026

Hello friends! We’re already getting excited about Quest 2026! Here are a few early updates as we begin preparing for another incredible summer…

A transformative experience for youth and youth leaders at the Green Lake Conference Center. Parents are welcome too!
https://www.questglcc.org.

Sign up for West Side Baptist Church of Topeka, Kansas

UPDATED 16 OCTOBER 2025