Youth
About Us
Youth Ministries serves Middle School Youth (6th, 7th, and 8th grades) and Senior High Youth (9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades). Through our programs and discussions, we strive to experience a deeper connection with God, provide a welcoming, fun, and comfortable space to share our ideas and experiences, put our ideas into actions of love and compassion, and try to live a life closer to the love that Jesus lived. For information and event listings, see the Youth Program brochure on the Information Desk, email or call 608.256.9061.
Youth Events
We aim to provide high impact events and youth programs on a monthly basis for middle school and high school youth. Monthly events are scheduled, with dates and times subject to change. These aim to bring youth closer together through fun activities and spiritual substance. Contact for specific events, dates and times.
Heads up for next year
All Youth Ski Trip – January
Souper Bowl of Caring – February 5
Fruit Sale Youth Missions Fundraiser – January/February
Youth Winter Retreat at Pine Lake - February
Youth Missions Fundraiser TBA- April
Spring Cleaning Youth Missions Fundraiser- April/May
Mother’s Day Auction Youth Missions Fundraiser – Sunday, May 13
FUMC Youth Facebook Group
First Church youth program has a Flickr site where you can upload your photos. Please, when given the option, select to keep the pictures private - this will protect our families from others viewing their pictures, and also protect all of you who are under age 18.
Contact to get the login information for our account.
Dinner Conversations
This year, the Youth Program is encouraging weekly "dinner conversations" on faith and spirituality. Each week, Seth will email families a short question or topic pertaining to what the youth are exploring in Sunday School and Confirmation. This is a fantastic opportunity to share among family members your spiritual journeys and learn from each other’s walk. You are encouraged to designate a night of the week as "discussion night". Remember: Keep an open mind, and it is always helps to begin the meal with a prayer. :) Few things can bring us closer together than our spirituality.
FUMC Youth Group Facebook Sports Page
We talk sports, make lists about sports, and do sports things together. That’s about it. Come debate with us http://www.facebook.com/groups/210019355717652/.
High School Life Groups
Regional small groups for just guys and just girls meet at various locations and times a minimum of once a month depending on group availability. The groups focus on Bible study, using the fun and creative oral tradition of 'storying' to explore spiritual lessons. The Life Groups also serve as support group for the struggles and passions of high school life - at its core - to give a trusting space to share how you are doing on the inside. If you’re not plugged in, contact for specific dates and times.
Mission trips
First Church youth have two mission trips in the summer. The aim is for the youth to experience different cultures, to make relationships with people in those cultures, to serve people in need, and to grow stronger bonds with each other through these powerful experiences. Youth raise money for these trips through a series of four fundraisers in the spring of each year.
High School Mission Trip
This trip is also called the Appalachia Service Project (ASP). It occurs in July. As the date gets closer, we will provide more information. It has become a tradition for the high school youth to go to the Appalachian region of the U.S. and help repair homes, experience a different culture, and make meaningful relationships with the families who live there.
Middle School Mission Trip
This trip usually takes place in June. More information will be available in January.
United Methodist Camp Opportunities
There are many opportunities for both youth and families to experience Christian camping through the UMC.
Confirmation Class
Confirmation is the way youth learn about their faith, the United Methodist Church and what this means for them in their lives. It meets on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in Room LL06. Click here to learn more.
Stay "In The Know"
Other places and ways to get youth program information. This will help the program by making sure your child knows about the events!
- Group Emails- these are updates about once a week regarding event details and reminders. Make sure we have your email address.
- Announcements during Sunday School
- Our Youth Facebook group, (to sign up go to http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=373593060257)
- Chimes newsletter, Electronic newsletter, Bulletins, Powerpoints before worship, flyers at the Information Desk, in the Youth Room hallway, and on the Youth Board in the Octagon, pulpit announcements, eventbrite links, and word of mouth - talk up the events!
Suggestion Box
If you have ideas for events, fundraisers, activities, lessons, logistic suggestions, or anything else you think could be cool to incorporate in the youth program - please contact .
