Belonging. Believing. Becoming.

A NOTE FROM MIKE PORTER, INTERIM DIRECTOR OF YOUTH MINISTRY

Hello Christ Church Youth Families,

Last Sunday, we had a very productive parent meeting in which we discussed the current status and needs of our Youth Ministry, as well as the search for our next Youth Director.

Here is a quick summary: 

Youth Ministry is in a period of transition. The Youth Director position has been posted, and the Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is finalizing a subcommittee for the search.

The Ministry is reviewing its goals and priorities, including:  

• A holistic approach to faith development 
• Stronger relationships between youth and adults in the congregation 
• A better balance of teaching, fellowship, and fun activities 
• Ways to re-engage students who do not participate on Sunday evenings 
• Input from youth and the congregation on future plans 

Additional adult volunteers are urgently needed, particularly women who can support and mentor young women. More Sunday night help would allow programming to expand.  

A Youth Ministry Leadership Team is being organized to provide long-term stability alongside paid staff. Melissa McHagan offered to be the point person as we begin forming the group.  

A Youth Strategic Planning Workshop is scheduled for this Sunday evening, October 18. More details about the workshop are in the Don't Miss Out section below.

We look forward to seeing everyone this week! 

Blessings,

Mike

mike@ccum.net

SUNDAY AM HAPPENINGS 

9 am - Worship in the Sanctuary; Laudate Sings in Worship; 8:25 am donuts, 8:30 am warm-up in the Choir Room. Concert attire.

10 am - Faith Formation in the Youth Center

11:15 am - Worship in the Sanctuary

SUNDAY PM HAPPENINGS

4 pm - High School Handbells in the Handbell Room, Middle School Handbells in the Chapel

5 pm - One Voice Rehearsal in the Sanctuary, Laudate Rehearsal in the Chapel

6 pm - Youth Group will still meet in the Youth Center

6 pm - Youth Ministry Strategic Planning Workshop in the Youth Center

Youth and parents, we hope you will join us Sunday from 6 to 7:30 pm. We will discuss our hopes and vision for the next Youth Director and the future of Youth Ministry. Your involvement and input are important, and we hope you can be there. If you are unable to attend, please complete this anonymous survey. We hope to have feedback from everyone, so please share your thoughts and perspective!

DON'T MISS OUT

Wednesday Night Youth Hang Out

Join us on Wednesday nights from 6 - 7:30 pm in the Youth Center for fun, fellowship, gaming, and time together.

Pumpkin Carving & Painting - Thursday, October 29

Youth Ministry is hosting a collaborative pumpkin decorating event with our Scout Troop 317 and Watkins UMC Youth Ministry. The carved and painted pumpkins will be used to create a spooktacular display at Trunk or Treat! Pumpkins, paint, and pizza will be provided. Parent volunteers and donated pumpkin carving kits are appreciated! Stay tuned for more event details.

Trunk or Treat & Community Fun Night - Friday, October 30

Our annual Trunk or Treat is coming soon! Our youth have once again been asked to help with games and activities during the event. This is a great opportunity for our students to serve our church and community while having some fun together. Sign up here!

Fall Retreat at Aldersgate Camp! Weekend of November 6 - 8

All ages are invited to come join the fun and enjoy the sacred space that Aldersgate has to offer! Experience creeks, hammocking, caving, hiking, folk dancing and see the historic Fitchburg furnace. The cost is $50 per family. Feel free to stay for the whole weekend or just come for part of it! Sign up here.

Stay Connected!

Parents, please join the GroupMe for this school year. Please click here to join the group so you're always up-to-date!

A huge thank you to all the parents who help cover food needs! Your support means so much to our students and allows our ministry to thrive week after week.

• To sign up to provide Youth Faith Formation breakfast goodies please click here.
• To sign up to provide Sunday Evening Youth Group dinner please click here.

Blessings,

The Youth Ministry Team

youthministry@ccum.net