Confirmation Classes Begin in January! Confirmation classes will begin for youth who are in grades 7-10 on Sunday mornings at 11 AM to 12 PM.  Classes will begin January 29th through April 30th (with a few Sundays off for holidays and breaks).  A requirement will also be to attend the winter retreat in February.  Please sign up with April Kauffman ([email protected]) or…

YOUTH!  We are rolling along and preparing for our busy summer!  It’s hard to believe we only have 2 months left until we’ll have several seniors graduating! This summer we are taking two mission trips.  A junior high trip to Cortez, CO, (June 26 – July 1) and a senior high trip to Tsaile, Arizona (July 24 – 30).  If you’d like to…

Student Spotlight For years I’ve heard people say they do not know the youth in our church.  Well, let me tell you, the youth are fantastic!  They are active, involved, smart, and kind.  I’m hoping that the new “Student Spotlight” will give the congregation insight into the lives of our youth, and maybe even give you reason to speak to them while eating donuts! Ryan…

Last month the youth focused on relationships with each other.  We worked hard to truly get to know and trust each other.  This takes honesty and a willingness to be vulnerable.  We told stories about events from our past that have shaped who we are.  We learned things that we have in common, and did several trust exercises.  We also made fools of ourselves while singing Karaoke…

Last month was our 1st Annual Valentine Dinner and Dance Fundraiser for the youth program.  A lot of hard work, planning, and preparation went in to making it a success.  There were many volunteers that stepped up to make the food and decorations come together.  I would like to thank them all from the bottom of my heart.  The number of youth that attended the event truly…

In January, the youth spent time talking about courage.  We had the privilege of listening to the powerful story of PUMC member, Isaac Ergogo, and his journey as an African Refugee.  We talked about God’s angel armies, standing up for others, and being brave enough to go against “the world’s” expectations.  Both adults and teenagers are given daily opportunities to be brave.  But, when you really…

One month of full time youth ministry is under my belt. As I adjust to life as a mother and a full time staff member, I feel myself relying on God more than ever.  How can I do it all?  How can I be a good mom, friend, wife, housekeeper, and good at my job too?  When looking in my trusty Bible concordance under “change”,…

John 3:30 says “Increase in my life Lord, so that I may decrease.” this verse embodies a great principle, that true worship is that of the heart and not of or at any particular place. The start of a combined 13 years of being in Youth Ministry continues at Parker UMC and I feel very honored and blessed to be here serving…