Welcome Teens!

Preparing ourselves to live as Christians
By praising God,
Accepting everyone, and
Serving others
As we share God's word!

Community UMC's Youth Ministries offers young people from 6th to 12th grade a myriad of positive social and educational experiences in a nurturing Christian environment. Many youth who have "grown up" in Youth Ministries have gone away to college and then come back "home" as adults to once again experience the loving acceptance of their fellow members and the warm welcome of their spiritual family.

Community UMC's youth director, Nick Giannasi, will be glad to answer any of your questions about our youth program. You can contact him by email at ngiannasi@communityunitedmethodist.org or on the office phone, (630) 355-1483 extension 16.

Youth Fellowship!

Youth Fellowship has become one of the most vital youth ministry offerings in the past few years. A strong and growing program, "Y.F." is designed to combine spirituality with socialization and fun!

In addition to weekly gatherings, we have many social events, including game nights, lock-ins, pool parties, movie nights and more. Visitors, friends and newcomers are always welcome! We also hold special trips, including a yearly ski vacation to Cascade Mountain for senior high youth.

Youth Fellowship at Community UMC is split into Junior and Senior High groups. The Fall schedule will be published later on.

Sunday School

Community UMC offers Christian Education during the 9:30 Sunday School period, for both junior and senior high age youth. During the 11:00 service, youths in this age group are encouraged to remain in worship. High school youth may also find participation as a Sunday School aide to younger children, at either the 9:30 or 11:00 period, a rewarding experience.

Seventh and Eighth Graders - Hearing, connecting and celebrating specific Scripture passages as they apply to individual faith challenges provides for spirited discussion.

High School Students - Challenged to discover personal meaning in scripture, these young adults ask and answer the question: "What does this mean to me?"

Youth Choir

Sine Nomine is our youth choir. It consists of youth from sixth to twelfth grade. They meet on Sunday afternoons at 3:30pm in the choir room. This ensemble sings music that speaks to the heart of youth: praise music, spirituals, contemporary Christian, and even some classical music. In addition to singing in our annual Christmas concert, Sine Nomine sings in worship at least once a month, and presents a concert at the end of the season. This ensemble is led by Stephen Edwards, Director of Music and Worship Planning.

Mission Activities

The Senior High Youth Fellowship takes a mission work trip every summer. The youth have travelled to such locations as Virginia, Louisiana, Texas, Mexico, Florida, and Kansas. In summer 2006, they went to the Lakota Nation in Mission, South Dakota, and in 2007 to Sikeston, Missouri to rehabilitate a former nursing home for use as drug treatment center. On each trip, the youth participate in very rewarding work - from flood relief to building brand new homes from the ground up! The 2008 work trip will be to Washington, DC to work with YouthWorks on a variety of urban ministries.

Confirmation

Confirmation, an extensive program in which youth in 8th and 9th grade are offered the opportunity to grow in their faith in relationship with God and one another, is a two year program at Community UMC. During the weekly classes together, youth meet to understand the foundations of the Christian faith and The United Methodist Church (denomination as well as the local church) while also gaining a deeper understanding of their own relationship with God and their call to service in the world. Students are provided adult mentors to help guide them along their spiritual journey, assisting them in navigating the waters of faith formation. Both grades use "Claim the Name", the United Methodist Confirmation curricular resource as well as other materials.

For more information on Community UMC's Confirmation program, please contact the Director of Christian Education, Beth Elders.