by guest writer, Tricia Lindley, Director of Children and Youth Ministry 

The children and youth at First United Methodist Church are an important part of the life of our church community. Our children and youth help us to know a part of God that we can’t know without their presence and insight. Through their joy, their silliness, their vulnerability, their struggles and their questions, they inspire us all in their faith and discipleship of Jesus Christ. On June 5, you will have the opportunity to be led in worship by our children with a Children’s Sabbath. They have studied, prayed together and worked hard to prepare for this service. They are excited to share the good news of God’s love for all of God’s children through the theme: Blessed to Be a Blessing.

First UMC Youth Mission Statement: The youth program at First UMC is a safe, Christ-centered environment where youth can gain tools to help them explore and grow in their faith. Activities are designed to nurture relationships and build a strong, loving community. This is a place of acceptance, outreach and spirituality.

This mission statement for our youth group is a guide for how they seek to be faithful, to be part of the church community, to be the hope and prayer lived out in the world. Their commitment and passion for building a community built on love is reflected in the ways you see them participate in this church community. This summer the high school youth will travel to Smith River in northern California. During a week with the Sierra Service Project, our group will join with other youth around the U.S. to repair homes and work in communities for those in need while growing in their own faith and relationship with God.

Let us give thanks for the children and youth in our church who remind us that we are children of God, loved more than we can know and called to extend that love in all the ways we can and with all of those we meet!

Upcoming Summer Opportunities for Children and Youth
June 5: Children’s Sabbath, Summerfest
June 11: Messy Church
June 12: Youth Year End Banquet
July 6: Summer Outing to the Hollywood Bowl:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
July 9: Messy Church
July 16-26: Youth Service Project to Smith River, CA
July 31: Faith in Action
August 1-5: Vacation Bible School