Youth + Families
Our youth ministry serves students grades 6th – 12th through various programs, activities, and mission opportunities. Our goal is to create sacred spaces for students to experience the love of God in their lives and the lives of others. We believe that youth are not only the future of the church, they are the church right now.
FVUMC journeys with youth and families as they grow in their relationship with God and each other.
- During the school year, we offer a Sunday afternoon program with large group worship, games, and a message.
- We dive deeper into conversation with grade- and gender-specific small groups on Wednesdays during Life Groups.
- There are also several music groups, spiritual retreats, and mission opportunities along with Confirmation classes for students in 8th grade and higher.
Our youth ministry focuses on community outreach, relationship-building for all students to grow in their faith and in their relationships with God and one another.
Here’s an overview of what’s happening with FVUMC Youth Ministries for students in 6th-12th grades during the September-May school year. Each year we ask families to complete a registration which includes signups for youth programs, music, and confirmation (more details available below).
Opportunities by AGES + STAGES
Middle School
6th-8th Grade
High School
9th-12th Grade
Music Groups
6th-12th Grade
Confirmation
8th Grade and higher
Youth Events + Registrations
Car Wash Supporting Youth Mission Journey
Our youth are headed to Western NC this summer to engage in meaningful work with the people…
School Supply Drive for Local Students and Teachers
We’ve collaborated with local teachers on a Wish List of supplies for the upcoming school year. Please…
Continue Reading School Supply Drive for Local Students and Teachers
Summer Worship Schedule Changes
Summer Worship Changes At the end of June and beginning of July, we are juggling the excitement…
Questions? Contact Us
Mackenzie Owens
Director of Youth + Family Ministries
Jennifer Harrenstein
Director of Music
Youth Ministry Overview
MIDDLE School
Life Groups
Wednesdays from 6:30-8pm
Life Groups are student small groups that are divided by grade and gender. Each group is led by two trained adult volunteers and typically consists of 10 – 15 students each. Life Groups are a time where students can build relationships, discuss their faith, and grow closer to God and one another in a more intimate setting. Life Groups dive into a Christ-centered lesson, talk about their weeks, and will often fellowship with one another during various events. Students will remain in the same life group for the entire school year. Life Groups meet during the traditional school year from September to May and often kick off with a special retreat in September.
Lifeline Youth
Sunday afternoons from 4:30-6pm
Lifeline is our large group gathering on Sunday evenings. Students will fellowship together during free time, have snacks, and then move into worship where our very own youth praise team (Pulse) leads us. There will be a message crafted specifically for our students with a discussion time afterward.
Music Programs
For all ages – please see Music section below
Confirmation
For 8th graders and higher – please see Confirmation section below
HIGH school
Life Groups
Wednesdays from 6:30-8pm
Life Groups are student small groups that are divided by grade and gender. Each group is led by two trained adult volunteers and typically consists of 10 – 15 students each. Life Groups are a time where students can build relationships, discuss their faith, and grow closer to God and one another in a more intimate setting. Life Groups dive into a Christ-centered lesson, talk about their weeks, and will often fellowship with one another during various events. Students will remain in the same life group for the entire school year. Life Groups meet during the traditional school year from September to May and often kick off with a special retreat in September.
Lifeline Youth
Sunday afternoons from 4:30-6pm
Lifeline is our large group gathering on Sunday evenings. Students will fellowship together during free time, have snacks, and then move into worship where our very own youth praise team (Pulse) leads us. There will be a message crafted specifically for our students with a discussion time afterward.
Music Programs
For all ages – please see Music section below
Confirmation
For 8th graders and higher – please see Confirmation section below
Youth MUSIC
Pulse: Youth Praise Team
Rehearses + leads Lifeline on Sunday afternoons
Pulse is the FVUMC Youth Praise Team, open to all 6th – 12th graders. Pulse, the FVUMC Youth Praise Team, rehearses on Sunday afternoons and leads worship weekly for Lifeline. Pulse includes Choir (open to all), Vocal Team (singing on mic), Band (guitars, bass, drums, keyboards) & Tech Team (sound & visuals with training provided) and is open to ALL students! Pulse also leads worship on Sunday mornings several times during the year.
Rebellations: Youth Handbells
Rehearses on Sunday afternoons, plays in worship periodically at 11:15
Rebellations is the FVUMC Youth Handbell Choir, open to all 6th – 12th graders, with no previous experience required. Rebellations Youth Handbell Choir rehearses on Sunday afternoons and plays occasionally for Sunday morning worship. The bell choir is open to both beginners and experienced ringers. Special skills are not required – anyone can learn to ring handbells! Students can participate in both Rebellations and Pulse, even though the times are overlapping.
Instruments of Praise: Orchestral Ensemble
Rehearses on Wednesday evenings, plays in worship periodically at 11:15
Instruments of Praise is FVUMC’s multi-generational orchestral ensemble. The group rehearses on Wednesday evenings (after Life Groups) and includes woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion, and is a great option for any student who is in band at school and/or has at least 2 years playing experience. IOP plays regularly for the 11:15am Traditional Worship Service, and also participates seasonally in special events (Christmas, Easter, etc.) Students may participate weekly or seasonally, as their schedule allows.
Kids NPraise: Music + Drama
Wednesday afternoons from 4:30-6pm
Kids NPraise is FVUMC’s Wednesday afternoon kids music and drama program, with age-level groups for to kids 4 years old through 8th grade. YOUTH PARTICIPANTS (6th-8th graders) are part of the production of a full-scale musical, in addition to choir, handbells, games, Bible lessons, and more. YOUTH VOLUNTEERS (6th-12th grades) are also needed to assist with younger children on Wednesday afternoons. This is a great way to earn service hours! Students are encouraged to commit to volunteering weekly, but may also serve as part of a rotation with others.
CONFIRMATION Class
Open to students in 8th grade and higher
Classes start each fall and Confirmation takes place in worship in the spring
United Methodists use the term “confirmation” to mark the first time a baptized Christian publicly “confirms” their intention to live the vows of the baptismal and membership covenant and so becomes a professing member of the local congregation and The United Methodist Church. Confirmation will span over several months including teaching sessions and a confirmation retreat. A primary goal of Confirmation is to help students own their faith.
More OPPORTUNTIES
Missions
Our youth Life Groups complete mission projects throughout the year inspired by the topics they are discussing as a group. In the summer, mission trips are offered – one for middle school and a second for high schoolers. In December, the entire youth group works together on “Operation Share” – a long-standing mission tradition where our youth ministry collaborates with local school counselors to collect and make available Christmas gifts for families with young children in our community. Parents are invited to come “shop” for Christmas gifts with help from youth hosts. Students also participate in other church-wide mission projects throughout the year.
Ways To Serve
Youth are welcome to serve at church on our volunteer teams! Whether it’s helping in the garden or joining a Sunday morning hospitality team, we’d love your youth to get involved.
Scouting
FVUMC hosts a number of area scout groups at the church. For more information, visit the following:
- Girl Scouts: NC Coastal Pines (Pre-K to 12th Grades)
- Cub Pack 320 (Boys and Girls K-5th Grades)
- BSA Boy Troop 320 (Ages 11-17)
- BSA Girl Troop 320G (Ages 11-17)