Youth and Families at FVUMC
Where Students Are Seen, Heard, And Loved
Planting the seeds of faith. Planting the seeds of friendship.
- Welcoming students in grades 6 through 12 from all around the region - Fuquay Varina, Holly Springs, Willow Spring, Harnett County and more
- Weekly programs during the school year and summer mission trips and fun gatherings
- Safe spaces, trusted leaders, and friendships that last
- Real ways to serve neighbors and grow a living faith
Teen life moves fast, and it’s easy to feel pulled thin between school, sports, screens, and social pressure.
When faith feels crowded out, students may wonder where they fit or who is in their corner.
We create sacred spaces where students can breathe, be themselves, and encounter the love of God—together.
Take The First Step For Your Family
If your family is longing for a steady, welcoming home for faith, we would love to meet you.
Studies show that having at least one strong adult mentor in a student's life can make all the difference. We understand the pressures students face and the questions they carry.
Our team has walked with many middle and high schoolers, and we are ready to walk with yours.
Life Groups, Lifeline Youth, and Confirmation
Life Groups: Middle School and High School Groups
Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00, divided by grade and gender, each group of 10 to 15 students led by two trained adult volunteers.
- Groups share about their week, dive into Christ-centered lessons, pray, and often gather for fellowship events.
Life Groups run from September through May and often connect through a special retreat in the fall.
Lifeline - Youth Large Group Gathering
Sunday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:00.
- Free time and snacks
- Worship led by Pulse Youth Praise Team
- Student-focused message and discussion.
Confirmation Class: Owning Your Faith
- Students in grade 8 and higher.
- Classes begin each fall
- Confirmation Sunday takes place in the spring.
Confirmation is the first public affirmation of baptismal and membership vows. The confirmation journey spans several months with teaching sessions and a retreat. The goal is to help every student own their faith.
A Place To Connect
If your student is ready for friendships that build them up, leaders who listen, and rhythms that make faith real, FVUMC is a great home base.
- Imagine your teen opening up in a small group, discovering gifts in music or tech, and stepping into service with confidence.
- Imagine a community that knows your student’s name and cheers them on as they grow.
Start a conversation about your student’s involvement.
Youth Music: Make A Joyful Noise
Pulse Youth Praise Team
Open to grades 6 through 12. Pulse rehearses on Sunday afternoons and leads worship weekly for Lifeline.
Students can join:
- Choir
- Vocal Team
- Band with guitars, bass, drums, or keyboards
- Tech Team for sound and visuals, with training provided.
Pulse also leads worship on several Sunday mornings throughout the year.
Rebellations Youth Handbells
Rehearsals take place on Sunday afternoons. Rebellations is open to grades 6 through 12, no experience required.
- Rebellations choir rings periodically in worship.
- Beginners and experienced ringers are welcome.
- Students can participate in both Rebellations and Pulse
Instruments Of Praise Orchestral Ensemble
A multi-generational ensemble rehearsing on Wednesday evenings after Life Groups. Woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion are welcome.
Ideal for students with at least two years of playing experience or who are active in school band. Plays regularly for the 11:15 Traditional Worship Service and for seasonal events such as Christmas and Easter.
Weekly or seasonal participation is available.
Kids NPraise For Youth Participants And Volunteers
Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:00 for youth 4 years old through eighth grade, with youth in grades 6 through 8 participating in a full-scale musical plus choir, handbells, games, Bible lessons, and more.
Youth in grades 6 through 12 can also volunteer to support younger children and may serve weekly or in rotation. This is a great way to earn service hours.
New to FVUMC Youth? You Belong!
More Youth Opportunities
Missions
- Our youth Life Groups complete mission projects throughout the year inspired by Jesus' call for us to be God's hands and feet in the world.
- Summer mission trips are offered as way for students to grow through serving our greater community and to learn practical skills like working with others.
- In December, the youth group works on “Operation Share” – collaborating with local school counselors to collect 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. Some great first steps:
- Youth Tech Team
- Children's Sunday School and Nursery Team
- Hospitality Teams
- Sunday Morning Worship & Communion Teams
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)
We’re Here to Support Real Growth
- Sunday Lifeline Large Group
A welcoming, high energy gathering with worship, teaching, and time to process with peers. - Wednesday Life Groups
Smaller circles by grade and gender, led by trained adults who invest for the full year. - Music Pathways For Everyone
Pulse, Rebellations, Instruments of Praise, and tech roles with training for newcomers. - Retreats And Special Events
Focused time away to bond deeply, reset rhythms, and listen for God’s voice. - Mission Projects And Trips
Hands on service locally and beyond that builds empathy, courage, and purpose.
- Confirmation Journey
A structured path to understand United Methodist faith and claim it as their own.
More Questions? Contact Us
Mackenzie Owens
Director Youth + Family Ministries
Jennifer Harrenstein
Director of Music
Questions Families Ask: Youth Ministry FAQ
How do I register my student?
Each school year, families complete one registration that covers youth programs, music, and confirmation. This helps us plan well and communicate clearly. If you're new, you can check out our Youth Sign-Up Form here.
We can also assist you in person at check-in.
What happens at Lifeline on Sundays?
Students gather from 4:30 to 6:00 for community, snacks, youth-led worship, a message built for teens, and discussion. It’s a simple rhythm that helps faith come alive.
What are Life Groups, and how are they organized?
Life Groups meet Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:00 and are organized by grade and gender, led by trained adult leaders, 10 to 15 students per group, September through May.
Groups often kick off with a fall retreat and remain together for the year.
Does my student need experience to join music groups?
No experience is required for Rebellations handbells or the Pulse tech team. Choir is open to all, and training is provided for band and tech roles.
For Instruments of Praise, it’s best to have at least two years of playing experience or be in the school band.
What is Confirmation and when does it happen?
Confirmation is a United Methodist journey where baptized Christians publicly confirm their intention to live the vows of baptism and church membership, becoming professing members.
Classes start in the fall with a spring celebration in worship, including teaching sessions and a retreat.