Youth Ministries
Click on the links at left to find out more about our ministries for youth. Contact Nick Giannasi, Director of Youth Ministries, for more information.
You may also be interested in our children's ministries.
SHYFt (Senior High Youth Fellowship Time)
All high school students are welcome to join us for SHYFt, part of Sunday Nite Alive. SHYFt meets every Sunday except the 5th Sunday of the month, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., to have fun and meet new people. It's a great place to be if you just want to connect with other high school students.
For those who want to go deeper, SHYFt SS (Sunday School) meets every Sunday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the youth room. At SHYFt SS we worship together, and talk about things that are relevant to your life and your relationship with Christ.
Contact Nick Giannasi, Director of Youth Ministries, for more information.
JHYF (Junior High Youth Fellowship)
JHYF is for Junior High students in 6-8 grade! Any Jr. High student is welcome to join us from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday nights. JHYf is part of Sunday Nite Alive.
Contact Nick Giannasi, Director of Youth Ministries, for more information.
Sunday School
Senior High Sunday School for those who want to go deeper in their Christian exploration meets every Sunday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the youth room. In these classes we worship together, and talk about things that are relevant to your life and your relationship with Christ. Contact Nick Giannasi, Director of Youth Ministries, for more information.
Junior High students meet Sundays from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Grades 6 and 7 meet in room 306 to learn more about their faith. Grade 8 meets in room 305 for confirmation class.
Contact Nick Giannasi, Director of Youth, for more information.
Confirmation
Confirmation, an extensive program in which youth in eighth grade are offered the opportunity to grow in their faith in relationship with God and one another, is an essential component of the youth Christian Education ministries at Community UMC. During their 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. This class meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings (during the Sunday school hour) and at other times during the week, and utilizes "Claim the Name", the United Methodist Confirmation curricular resource, as well as other materials.
Contact Nick Giannasi, Director of Youth, for more information.
IGNITE
IGNITE is a social and service group for third through fifth graders. IGNITE meets as part of Sunday Nite Alive each Sunday from 4:00 to 6:00. Youth in IGNITE may participate in worship as acolytes and as greeters and ushers.
This caring ensemble consists of youth and adults and is led by Donna Pries. The Rejoice Dancers express their faith and worship through movement and dances in worship once a month in our main Sanctuary Services. Rejoice Dancers rehearse on Saturday mornings from 10:00-11:00 am in the main Sanctuary as scheduled.
For more information on this ensemble, contact Stephen Edwards.
Uth Band
This exciting, fun and high-energy ensemble expresses their praise by singing and playing in a praise band. Youth from sixth to twelfth grade are invited to be part of this group! Uth Band opens 9:30 a.m. Sunday School for Junior and Senior High and Sunday Nite Alive gathering at 4:00 p.m. on Sundays.
For more information on this ensemble, contact Nick Giannasi.
College Outreach
C3, the Community College Connection, maintains ties with local college students and Community UMC youth away at college. Persons interested in supporting this ministry should contact the office.
During the school year, C3 provides monthly lunches for students at local colleges, including nearby North Central College. These lunches are held after 11:00 worship, and include lots of home-cooked dishes made by Community UMC members. Bring a friend!
C3 also keeps up the connection with Community UMC students away at college. Members are invited to "buddy" with a college student and send them regular letters or e-mails, birthday and Christmas cards, and the occasional care package, to let them know someone back home is thinking of them.