1)   Willing to do what is right

      No inappropriate Behaviors:

      climbing on things in the church/rough housing inside

      damaging property

      violence behavior

      abusive language

           cursing

           dirty jokes

 

2)  Haven is first about Jesus Christ, and second the group. 

     (We realize that all of us have a rough day or week from time to time.  That doesn't

     mean that we should be exclusive of others.  Cliques tend to discourage and divide.

     At the same time, the point of the youth group is to participate in the group activities.

     Therefore we ask that everyone be part of what we're doing!)

 

3)  Challenges to authority

     ("If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."  Romans 12: 18.

     We feel that those who continually want to test and challenge authority are abusing the

     privilege of being part of our group and should look for another outlet for this behavior.

     However, we will reconsider their rejoining the group if they demonstrate a willingness

     to abide by the leadership of the group.)

 

4)  Don't hate.  Appreciate.  Seriously.

     (no put downs, cut downs, insults, rude jokes, or sarcasm that tears a person down.  We

     are here to build one another up in love.  Haven is a positive, encouraging, uplifting

     place at all times)

 

5)  Respect for those talking--1 conversation in the group at a time

      (we cannot allow disruptive behavior to detract from our time together and our focus

      on Christ.  We believe everyone should get a turn to talk, if they have something to say.

     We feel that the rest of us should be silent so all can hear.  Also, that we treat everyone

     who shares their thoughts with respect.)

 

6)  We will talk about all issues (and we mean all issues!) redemptively.

     (In other words, it will be as if Jesus Christ is in the room in person.  We are not going to

     shy away from serious issues and at the same time we are not going to talk about them

     in a negative or obscene way.  We aren't going to make jokes about sex, drugs, abuse,

     or other serious life issues.)

 

7)   No illegal stuff

     (this would include drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.  Also, we do not feel that it is appro-

     praite to joke about these things) 

 

8)  Modesty

     (respect for yourself and others in how you dress)

 

9)  Boundaries for couples

     (dating couples should not be alone.  Also, no public displays of affection as this detracts

     from the purpose of us meeting together)

 

10)  The "Dis" slip

      (Youth Leaders may issue a "dis" (for "discipline") at their discretion.  A "Dis" means

      that a youth leader has identified a situation that is of concern, and will write up a

      brief report that they will hand off to another leader to follow up on.  Every "dis" is

      handled on an individual basis according to the individual and the circumstances. 

      Hopefully the issue can be resolved peacably and quickly.  The youth's participation

      in the group will be in limbo until the leader is satisfied with remedial action(s).  In

      extreme cases, a youth may be temporarily (or permanently) suspended from the

      group.)

 

11)  Rides home

      We don't really care how you get here Friday night--walk, ride, bike, hang-glider etc, but

      we do care how you get home.  To us, you are cargo to be carried to the final destination

      of your home--even if you did ride a bike in.  (we have a seat for you, and a bike rack

      for your bike)  We want to be sure you make it home safely.  Therefore we will not allow

      walkers (or bikers) after Haven ends UNLESS we have a written, signed, and personally

      received permission slip from your parent or guardian saying it is OK for you to do so. 

     (by personally received, we mean your parent or guardian personally hands it to a youth

     leader)  Your spiritual safety, as well as your physical safety, are important to us.

 

12)  The Covenant

     (Covenants in the Bible were promises between God and His people.  God always

     faithfully kept His part!  Our Covenant is between the youth leaders and the youth.)