Youth Ministry
From faith-building to fun activities, we have something for every student: Sunday school, Wednesday night youth group, Tuesday Night Crosswalk and our Sunday night small group!
Throughout the year, our students will go on retreats, participate in Confirmation, participate in mission trips, and go to Resurrection, an annual weekend retreat filled with worship and spiritual growth for youth and youth mentors. At FCUMC, we aim to help students continue their relationships with Jesus Christ and grow in Christian community with each other. We teach students that they are loved, valued, and seen by God. We also remind students that Jesus desires to have a relationship with them, no matter their circumstances. Our youth group has incredible leaders who help our students navigate their faith and personal journeys. All students are welcome; we believe each person has a seat at God's table.
We use the Grow Curriculum. Grow is an incredible resource that provides topics that are relevant to students. Navigating a faith and spiritual journey can be difficult as a teen. However, Grow does a fantastic job of providing tools and resources that help reflect God's goodness. Through conversation and small groups, we discuss how God is active in our lives and how we are called to love those around us.
The FCUMC Youth Group set out on a mission trip on June 27-July 2 to Welch, West Virginia, and what an incredible week it was!
On Sunday, they worshiped with the wonderful congregation at Welch UMC, where they heard a powerful message about missions and the importance of flexibility. The group was reminded that ministry doesn't always go according to plan—and, as it turns out, neither did their day!
Sunday was supposed to include a hike and a trip to the New River Water Park, but the weather had other ideas. Instead, they spent the afternoon creating a makeshift pickleball court, playing card games, wrapping and braiding hair, working on puzzles, and even making a grocery store run for snacks.
On Monday morning, it was time to get to work and we want to celebrate the resilience of these students. Out of the twelve youth who attended, only one had ever been on a multi-day mission trip before. That means eleven students stepped into something completely new with willing hearts and servant attitudes.
These students have allowed the light of Christ to shine through them; in their sweat, their joy, their laughter, their perseverance, their occasional grumbling, their generous hearts, their wildly enthusiastic use of paint, and their hope.
Coming Up!
Open Gym for Youth is available the first and third Thursday of the month during summer. We will return to the regular schedule when school resumes.
Be sure to check out Friday Fun Night for karaoke and games!
All students are invited to join us from 9:45-10:40 a.m. in room B17. Students then travel to the service they attend with their families.
Crosswalk students meet from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in room B17. Our incredible leaders provide a wonderful atmosphere where students feel seen and included. We would love for you to join us!
The youth group meets in the NET room, located through the sanctuary and beside the choir room, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. immediately following our fellowship meal.
I'm New
We are so happy you're here! Please enter at the Welcome Center door (door 3). This door is accessible on Wednesday night and Sunday morning. Ask someone at the Welcome Center to find Matt Randle and he will get your student introduced to our youth group!
I Want To Volunteer
Contact Matt Randle to see how you can get plugged in!
Safety
For any of our off-campus events, please fill out your contact information to get a medical release form, which is necessary for participation.
Confirmation
Confirmation is a twelve-week study for baptized Christians to publicly reaffirm their baptismal vows and be welcomed into full membership in the church. Confirmation is a time for people to make a commitment to Christian discipleship and to play a full part in the church. All students are welcome to participate. Contact Matt Randle with questions.