FUMCAH YOUTH
Youth ministry at FUMCAH meets teenagers (6th-12th grade) where they are and invites them into diverse ways to deepen their faith, build lasting relationships, and serve others in bold and creative ways.
The WHAT & the WHEN
JrHI Youth (grades 6-8) gather weekly on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm from late August - end of May.
We lovingly refer to this group as The Rapids, indicating what life can feel like for students as they’re navigating middle school. Lots of ups and downs. We focus our time together on building sacred connections that can anchor us in turbulent emotional and social waters. Having a safe & open space to land weekly, to let loose and plumb the depths of our feelings together is what this rodeo is about.
SrHI Youth (grades 9-12) gather weekly on Sundays from 3:30-5:30pm from late August - the end of May.
As students mature, their attention starts to get pulled much more toward their futures, and their place in the greater world. Our high school realm of spiritual formation takes on the name of that rocky ascent. In The Highlands, our students move from the inside-out, building resilience of the soul through spiritual practices, learning how to lovingly engage the world around them, exploring diverse philosophies of the good life, and learning how to harness their gifts for the flourishing of all creation.
Special & seasonal events, mission projects, and intergenerational activities can be found below:
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Confirmation at FUMCAH is an 8-month intensive program for 8th graders that aims at helping students develop their own personal zeal for Jesus, justice, and the historic Christian faith. Together we dive deep into the themes of our scriptures, explore what makes John Wesley and United Methodism unique, and provide ways to enrich engagement in communal worship.
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Students meet together regularly to build friendship, put their faith into action, and make a difference in the world. Some recents events have included movie nights, a local forest preserve work day, making lunches for the Night Ministry, and going to a Corn Maze.
Students at FUMCAH are also integrated into life of the church by participating in various ministries. Some of these ministries include singing in the Chancel Choir, teaching Sunday School, volunteering for Night OWLS, participating in inclusion and justice opportunities, helping with Pinwheels, and participating in worship leadership.
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“We accept people right where they are, just the way they are.” - Glenn "Tex" Evans, ASP founder
A biennial mission trip for youth 9th-12th grade (age 14-19). The group travels to Appalachia America for a week in the summer to repair homes, build community, and witness to the healing work of God’s justice. To financially support this decades-long mission project of our church, visit the FUMCAH Giving page.
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Young people begin to experience faith by participating alongside adults. Youth who are a full part of the life of a church are more likely to participate in a faith community as adults, and adults encounter faith in fresh ways when they follow the example of children.
Intergenerational worship and faith formation opportunities will engage your mind, heart, and body. You won’t just sit still, listening and watching someone else. You will interact by moving your body and using your mind, and opening your heart. There will be moments of awe, good fun, and true encounters with God.
