JYM Newsletter

April 2nd - April 9th, 2026

JYM Newsletter


This past Sunday students learned about Palm Sunday and how we can emulate Jesus' example of servant-leadership in our lives. We also got to find joy in games and delicious snacks.


We have a lot of wonderful events this April, we hope to see you at something soon!



Holy Week & Easter Services: This week, Growing Hope & Willow Glen UMCs are taking turns hosting different services that everyone is invited to! Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday all have services - scroll down for all the details about when & where to attend.


Tuesday: Casitas! With nicer weather we have seen a higher attendance of families joining us for dinner and crafts. All ages are always welcome to volunteer with us. If you wan to carpool - let us know!


Save the Dates:

May 3rd - Announcement coming soon about a JYM fundraiser that isn't a waste of time. Toss out any other plans you have so you can add this date to your calendar. We will have an info dump for you in the coming weeks!


June 7th - June 13th: High School Service Trip to LA

(Sign Ups open now)


July 5th - 10th: Camp Sugarpine Youth Summer Camp!

(Sign up today!)


Read more about what's coming up & we hope to see you soon!

JYM Google Calendar

Coming up in the JYM:

Holy Week services - All are welcome regardless of church location or affiliation


Holy Week Prayer Walk

Willow Glen UMC - All Week

Beginning Sunday March 29th, a Holy Week Prayer Walk will be available in the Woodhaven garden and patio at WGUMC. We invite you to reflect on the stories of Jesus' last week and interact with prayer stations set up around the patio for you to enjoy during daylight hours at your convenience.


Maundy Thursday Service

Willow Glen UMC - 7 pm - Thursday, April 2

Remembering Jesus' final meal with friends and reflecting on why he washed his disciples feet, what that means for us today.


Good Friday Service

Growing Hope UMC - 7 pm - Friday, April 3

More somber than a traditional Sunday morning service, we reflect on Jesus' final day as told through songs and scripture, and prepare our hearts for the miracle to come.


Easter Vigil Campfire

Willow Glen UMC Woodhaven Driveway Circle

6:30 pm - Saturday, April 4

Everyone is invited to an Easter Vigil Campfire on Saturday. Our preparation for Easter will include the Holy Week story, remembrances of Jesus, and looking ahead with hope to the joy of Jesus' return. Of course, we will also share in the sacred meal of marshmallows and s'mores. Bring a camp chair if you'd like and join us under the trees for a sacred evening of holy observance and community.

Adobe

Easter Services

Sunday April 5th


Willow Glen UMC:

Morning Worship service @ 10 am

Easter Egg Hunt to follow!

Kat will be at this service


Growing Hope UMC:

Sunrise Service @ 7am, front steps of sanctuary

Traditional Worship Service @ 10am

Lisa will be at this service

JYM at Casitas de Esperanza

Tuesday April 7th, 4:30 - 6:00pm at 801 N First Street.

Carpool from WGUMC at 4:10pm


Join us in serving dinner, playing games, and leading activities with the residents of Casitas de Esperanza. Volunteers of all ages are welcome!


Carpool Details: If you want to carpool from WGUMC at 4:10pm, you must message by 2pm on Tuesday at the latest (earlier is appreciated!). We want to make sure we have enough seats for you so remember to request your ride!

Youth Group

Sunday April 12th

4:30 - 6:30pm at WGUMC


6th - 12th grade gather on Sunday afternoons to play group games before splitting into grade levels and having age-based discussions about their faith based on a teaching from Lisa and Kat.


Blow off some steam and grow closer to other youth group students this Sunday!

Summer Plans

Sugar Pine Summer Camp!


Sign Ups are open for an incredible week at Camp Sugar Pine in Oakhurst, CA.


When: Sunday, July 5th - Friday, July 10th

Who: Current 6th–12th graders.


Where: Camp Sugar Pine, Oakhurst, CA. Our youth group will stay together in cabins to enjoy high-energy programs, powerful worship sessions, and teaching specifically designed for students.



Cost & Financial Aid

1. Standard Rate: $600 (covers camp cost for students and transportation)

2. Sponsor Rate: $730 (Includes a contribution to help cover cabin leaders, extra food, and student supplies).

3. Scholarships: We offer $300 scholarships for those in need of financial aid. If your needs exceed this amount, please message Lisa or Kat—we are committed to never turning away a student for financial reasons!


Please pay a non-refundable deposit of $150 (or $75 if using a scholarship) by May 10th. Final camp payment is due June 7th


Pay Here

More Information to know...

We're excited to share upcoming events from the Community Classes program at Stanford Medicine Children's Health!


In about a month, Stanford is hosting their annual Smart Sendoffs program - created for high school seniors and their parents to prepare for the transition to college together. Topics include stress, mental health, staying safe on campus, and relationships & sexuality. This two-part class will be held on April 22 & 29, 2026.


Eventbrite Registration Link

A donation request:

In 2025, we saw growth in student attendance and we increased our commitments to our outreach ministry through partnerships with Amigos de Guadalupe. As our program continues to grow in both size and substance, we are prayerfully seeking new donations for 2026


Joint Youth Ministry is open to all participants regardless of financial circumstances (we will never ask for a monthly fee or turn away someone from an activity due to cost), However, if you are in a position to give, we hope you will consider supporting the JYM. A monthly pledge helps us plan our budget and spending more accurately throughout the year, but even a one-time donation makes a meaningful difference.



So far we have received four new monthly donors for 2026. Help us reach our goal of 10 monthly donors for the New Year!


Read below to see what your donation will help us accomplish!

We want to know you!


Need to update your info with the JYM? Use our online form here so we can be sure to have all of your correct contact information. This helps us keep track of student birth days and ensures we know how to get in touch with parents. It also is a place you can let us know a bit more about yourself and what you want out of the Joint Youth Ministry!


JYM "Getting to Know You" Form