This September, Middle School LifeGroup youth will explore their foundational identity in Christ through a five-week series in the book of Ephesians.

Beginning September 2nd, youth will discover that they are chosen by Christ, adopted into God’s family, and deeply loved.

Over the following weeks, the lessons will guide youth to realize they are included in Christ and marked by the Holy Spirit (September 9th), saved by grace through Jesus rather than their own performance (September 16th), and uniquely designed as God's handiwork to carry out the good works He prepared for them (September 23rd). The series concludes with a dedicated Review Week, giving youth the opportunity to reflect on how being chosen, included, saved, and purpose-driven changes the way they live their lives every single day.

September 2nd: I am chosen by Christ. (Ephesians 1:4–5)
Main Idea: God chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless. Key Takeaway: God loves you deeply and adopted you as His own child.

September 9th: I am included in Christ. (Ephesians 1:13–14)
Main Idea: God marks us with the Holy Spirit when we believe in Christ.
Key Takeaway: You belong to God's family, as a family member you have the Holy Spirit.

September 16th: I am saved by grace. (Ephesians 2:1-8)
Main Idea: God brings grace to us through His Son, Jesus. Key
Takeaway: You do not have to earn God's approval; He fully accepts you because of Jesus.

September 23rd: I am God's Handiwork (Ephesians 2:10)
Main Idea: God creates us to do good works, which God prepared in advance.
Key Takeaway: You are God’s handiwork.

September 30th: Review Week
Main Idea: Looking back at identity in Christ.
Key Takeaway: Youth reflect on how knowing they are chosen, loved, accepted, and designed by God changes how they live every day.

For the month of September we are studying the book of James. The book of James challenges High School youth to live out what they believe. James teaches that following Jesus is more than knowing Bible verses, attending church, or calling yourself a Christian. Genuine faith changes how you respond to struggles, treat people, speak, make decisions, resist temptation, serve others, and pray. James encourages students to remain faithful when life is difficult, ask God for wisdom, listen before speaking, control their words, avoid favoritism, care for people in need, and humbly submit every part of life to God. Its central challenge is clear: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). A follower of Christ does not obey to earn God’s love; they obey because they trust Jesus and have been changed by His grace.
For high school youth, James asks a direct question: Does the way you live at school, at home, online, with friends, and when no one is watching show that you follow Jesus? Faith becomes visible through everyday obedience—loving others, choosing integrity, serving people, speaking with kindness, depending on prayer, and helping others follow Christ.

High School LifeGroup is on Sunday nights from 6pm-8pm at the youth building of Village Chapel Church unless noted.

• September 6 — Bible Study & Murder in the Dark

Join us from 7:00–8:00 p.m. as we study James 1. After Bible study, youth are welcome to stay from 8:00–9:30 p.m. for Murder in the Dark, a fun group mystery game. Or they can leave if youth need to.

• September 13 — Family Meal night

Come hungry for a fun night of food & friendship! We will enjoy dino nuggets and mac and cheese, games, James 2 with small groups.  

• September 20 — Bible Study & Murder in the Dark

Join us from 7:00–8:00 p.m. as we study James 3. After Bible study, youth are welcome to stay from 8:00–9:30 p.m. for Murder in the Dark, a fun group mystery game. Or they can leave if youth need to.

• September 27 — Worship & Guest Speaker

Join us for a meaningful night of worship and a message from a guest speaker. We will focus on James 4 & 5.