Youth Ministries

Youth are the hope for tomorrow and the life-blood of our church.

United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF)
T.G.I.W. - Thank God It's Wednesday
Vacation Bible School (VBS)

United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF)

You don't need to ask a teenager how rough one's teens years can be, just think back to when you were a teen! Our teenage years are both a wonderful and scary time, where we're filled with questions and facing many decisions, some of which are quite difficult. We're on the cusp of adulthood, but still feel like children in many ways. At New Hope United Methodist Church, we do our best to help youth grow maturely in mind, emotions, and spirit, through discussions, activities, social outings, service projects, and much, much more.

B.L.A.S.T. -- Believing, Learning, Assisting, Serving, Teens

Jr. High BLAST - Our 7th and 8th grade youth ministry meets on Wednesday nights during TGIW for Jr. High BLAST half-hour, where Jr. High students can come for one half-hour session of youth fellowship before going on to other activities, or stay for multiple sessions if they have no other commitments. Half-hour sessions run from 6 - 7:30pm. Once a month, Jr. High BLAST gathers for a "large group gathering", normally on a weekend afternoon, for an activity or outing that includes the entire 7th and 8th grade class.

Sr. High BLAST - Our high school youth ministry (9th through 12th grade) meets every Sunday night, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Each evening begins with socializing and an opening activity, before discussions and other activities. The group participates in a variety of mission projects and fundraisers throughout the school year, which will go to help the group raise money for their summer work trip.

Confirmation

Confirmation is "coming of age" in the Christian faith; 7th graders gather to learn and deepen their Christian faith, and confirm their beliefs as children of God, as
disciples of Jesus Christ, and as members of the United Methodist Church. Our Confirmation program is 16 weeks long, and taught by Sharon Rice, Director of Christian Education. It meets twice a month, after the 10:45 worship. We use the United Methodist based curriculum, “Claim the Name”.

T.G.I.W. - Thank God It's Wednesday

We offer a variety of discussion, activity, and music and perfornance programs for youth at our TGIW evening program.

T.G.I.W. runs from mid September to early April on Wednesday evenings. We begin with a meal (free will offering) at 5:30 p.m., available to children and their families. From 6 -7:30 p.m., children go to their activities.

Activites for Pre-K thru 2nd grade: Cherub Choir, Art, Storytelling, Cooking, Drama, Science, Video, Games, and Mission.

Activites for 3rd thru 5th grade: Jr. Choristers Choir, Junior Ringers Bell Choir, New Hope Puppeteers (4th and 5th graders).

Activites for 6th thru 12th grade: Singin' 4 Christ Choir, Chancel Choir, Joyful Ringers Bell Choir, Jubliation Bell Choir, New Hope Puppeteers, 6th Grade Extravaganza!, Jr. High BLAST, Sr. High Small Group, Big Brother/Big Sister Helper

Other Activities

New Hope Puppeteers - Our puppet ministry is one that sets New Hope apart! Both middle school and high school youth are invited to perform along with older elementary children, or may volunteer to work as helpers with the program. Group rehearses on Wednesday from 7:00-7:30 p.m.. Director: Pam Weisskopf .

6th Grade Extravaganza! - Unique for 6th graders, this program meets in two half-hour sessions, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.. 6th graders may come for one session before moving onto their other activities, or stay for both if they have no other commitments. 6th Grade Extravaganza has discussions, games, crafts, bible lessons, and other activities, all geared toward a 6th grader's perspective.

Sr. High Small Group - Meets from 6:00-6:30 p.m.. This small group offers relevant discussions and activities unique for high school students, using curriculum that touches on modern day issues and Christian themes, through music and media.

Big Brother/Big Sister Helper - High school teens can be the mentor younger children long for by helping them out during their various TGIW activity centers. Teens who sign up can work with younger children for either one or two of the half-hour activity time slots (6:30-7:30 p.m.). Also, teens are encouraged to speak with their high schools about the possibility of receiving community service credit by volunteering to work as a Big Brother/Big Sister.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Offered for 5 days a week in July, from 5:30-8:00 p.m.

 

If you have questions about the programs, please contact the Sharon Rice, Director of Christian Education at 515.278.2097