Opportunities for Youth: (6th - 12th Grades)
Jr. and Sr. High Youth Group, Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.
Meeting weekly on Wednesdays, Jr. and Sr. High Youth gather for a meal at 6:00 p.m., and then gather in small groups for discussion and fellowship that open up new experiences of growth in God. Other opportunities, such as lock-ins, leading and participating in worship, and weekend workdays at Camp Wesley Woods round out the experience. High School (9-12): Bethany Johnson- 232-2750, bethany@fumcames.org / Middle School (6-8): Sandee Bodholdt - 232-5288, bodholdt@isunet.net
Please Note: There will be no youth activities on Wednesday November 23rd. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
Advent Study for High School Youth: Reflecting God's Light. We will begin our special Advent study on Wednesday November 30th, and conclude on Wednesday December 21st. Please plan to join us every week from 6:00 to 7:30.
Confirmation Class, Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m.
Youth 8th grade and up have the opportunity to explore what it means to be a Christian in the United Methodist Church. Pastor Bethany leads the class, along with other adult mentors. A study of scripture, tradition, reason, and experience helps the youth discover how God is working in their lives, giving them a basis upon which to build informed decisions about their life and faith. Bethany Johnson - 232-2750, bethany@fumcames.org
Sunday School, Sundays at 9:45 a.m.
Adult volunteers meet the youth on Sunday mornings to explore with and guide them in growing as disciples of Jesus Christ. Core faith concepts are shared and discussion of the richness of our faith helps to develop strength for the journey. An understanding of Christian community is also developed and built upon. High School (9-12) - Scott Walker - 598-5176, gscottmail@gmail.com / Middle School (6-8) - Kris Hinders - 292-0662, hinders@gmail.com
Up With Puppets! Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Expressions of God happen in many different ways at First UMC. The puppet ministry is one expression that truly makes our understanding of scripture fun. Opportunities for youth to speak out through the puppets in worship here and at other churches abound. Practice, practice, practice, and lots of fun help the youth bring God's message of love in a way that everyone can understand. Kathy Van Pelt - 232-4018, kkvanpelt@q.com
Appalachia Service Project
The Appalachia Service Project is a Christian mission that addresses the housing needs of Central Appalachia. Each year, usually in late July, a team of high school youth and adults leaves from Ames First UMC to share God's love through home repair. The goal of the Appalachia Service Project is to make homes safer, drier, and warmer, and to transform the lives of the volunteers and the families with whom they work. This mission certainly is a transformative time for youth and adults; an opportunity to engage in meaningful work, reflect on the blessings and challenges of our life together, and grow closer as a group. Bethany Johnson - 232-2750, bethany@fumcames.org
*Note: The people of FUMC believe it is in the best interest of the children, youth, church staff and volunteers, and the church to adopt policies, procedures, and screening tools to assist the church in protecting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the children and youth who participate in church sponsored activities, and to protect volunteers and church staff, and to ensure prompt and compassionate response to any situations that arise.
Beginning in 1996, FUMC has had a Safe Sanctuaries policy to help protect the children, youth, and adult volunteers of the church. This policy is updated every five years.
All adults who work with children/youth must attend a training session, provide references, and have a background check run by the church. At least two adults are present during any activity for children/youth.
If you have questions about this policy, please speak with the Director of Christian Education.
