Christian Education
Middle and High School Christian Education classes are held at both 9:30am & 10:45am. Youth are dismissed after our Children's Message and meet for a 40-minute lesson. Middle School youth meet in the Youth Lounge learning about the people in the Bible. Over the course of 3 years, Middle School youth will have covered the entire Bible. High School youth meet in the Upper Room near the Sanctuary with a focus and discussion on the same Scripture used in Worship each Sunday.
The purpose of Sunday morning Christian Education is for youth to learn about the Bible and how to use it, to dive deeper into the Bible stories some of us learned as children, to prepare Middle School youth for Confirmation, and then to encourage High School youth to utilize what they've learned in Confirmation to support the larger church.
The church of the New Testament was built on teaching and preaching (Acts 5:42). Today’s church is built on that same model through Sunday School and worship. We can reach young people by teaching them the word of God and how to apply it to their lives in today’s world. “Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the LORD your God and carefully observe all the words of this law” (Deut. 31:12).
Youth Group
Middle School and High School Youth meet on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm at the church. Bring your friends!
Confirmation
A new Confirmation Class will be forming in September 2022.
Confirm not Conform is a youth confirmation program that exposes youth to a wide range of topics, including Scripture, sacraments, creeds, heresy, prayer, other religions, and serving others and asks them to think through what they believe and why. It is also a philosophy that emphasizes finding one’s own voice rather than simply conforming to an external standard. It is a program that respects the work youth and adults do as they explore their faith. We trust that when people put in the effort to articulate what they believe and why, they will make good choices about their next step in faith.
Confirm not Conform is also a congregational development program. The entire church participates in Confirm not Conform; mentors, parents, leaders, clergy, or church members all make the commitment to support participants in the program in their life in Christ.
We believe that helping people—youth or adult—prepare to be confirmed is an important ministry. We ask those being confirmed (confirmands) to make a mature public affirmation of their faith. That is something to be taken seriously. When people make this commitment, and intend to act on it, the church is forever changed by their presence and their gifts.
Missions & Service
Summer Missions: Each summer, youth are invited into an opportunity to serve others outside of our local area. Our BIG 2022 Mission Trip is scheduled for July 9-17 to Kauai, Hawaii with Praying Pelican Missions. This year's trip is family-oriented and offers the opportunity for youth to serve with their parents and younger siblings running a Vacation Bible School and working some light construction projects at the church buildings! Check out our partner church at https://www.westkauaiumc.org/! Sign up for the 2022 Youth Family Mission Trip.
This summer, we're also offering a Hometown Mission Trip right here in our own backyard! Experience a mission trip without traveling too far from June 1-3. Registration information is coming soon!
Local Missions: Our youth also serve in our own community at Roadrunner Food Bank, East Central Ministries, and even doing local missions as if we away from home!
Parents' Night Out: Youth serve families in our Children's Ministry and community by offering a night of childcare around Christmas and Valentine's Day each year. Kids who attend love this event and often tell us it should be called "Kid's Night Out"!
Special Events
In 2022, we hosted our first Youth Ski Trip to Red River Ski Area! Youth who attended are excited to make this an annual event!
During VBS Week, we offer afternoon events for youth who volunteer their time in the mornings. We enjoy movies, lunch, treats, games, pool parties, and more!
Our Annual Fall Retreat happens in early November each year at El Porvenir Christian Camp in northern New Mexico. We look forward to connecting with God and one another at this awesome camp through worship, being outdoors, paint ball, campfire s'mores, hiking, using the high ropes course, and more!
Throughout the year, we offer fun events for Middle and High School youth. These events change from year to year, but may include Hinkle, Main Event, hiking, Outpost Ice Arena, and others!
Parent Ministry
Connect with other parents of teens at parent gatherings, discussion groups, and more! Watch for the launch of some new additions to our Parent Ministry!
