We are a God-centered, Jesus-focused, and Holy Spirit-led youth group where ALL are welcome. Our core theme is “Love One Another” (LOA!) and we want every youth to feel they belong.
Join Us on Sundays
Join us for Starting Point on Sundays from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. on the Stairatorium in the Center of Hope. All youth gather together for donuts and coffee and then participate in exciting interactive stations and discussions for all.
6th/7th Grade Youth Group, 5-7 p.m.: We start on the Stairatorium and then break out into some really awesome fellowship and activity groups. Youth may go to the snack bar on the 4th floor at 6 p.m.
Confirmation, 6-8 p.m.: Meet at the snack bar on the 4th floor at 6 p.m. to hang out and eat. Around 6:30 p.m., youth move to the 4th floor for worship and a group lesson and then break into small groups.
High School Youth Group, 6-8 p.m.: Meet at the snack bar on the 4th floor at 6 p.m. to hang out and eat. Around 6:30, youth move to the 4th floor for worship and then head to the High School room.
Youth Events
Middle School Retreat at Awanita Valley, September 25-27: All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are invited to join us for an adventurous camp-themed retreat! We’ll have a camping costume contest with prizes and enjoy hummer rides, lakeside activities, and we will definitely roast s’mores. Cameron Moore will lead us in worship. 6th and 7th graders, the cost to attend is $250. 8th graders, you have already paid for this retreat with your Confirmation registration.
Hidden Struggles: A Charlotte Observer Conversation on Teen Mental Health & Suicide, September 21, 6:30 p.m., Assembly Hall: Teenagers don’t always show us when they’re struggling. Join The Charlotte Observer for this free community conversation about teen mental health and suicide — what adults should recognize, what to say and how to help. Admission is free, but registration is required.
Youth Christmas Tree Pre-Sale: Help us get a head start on this year’s Christmas tree sale by pre-ordering your North Carolina-grown Christmas tree, wreath, or garland now! To ensure we don’t have a surplus of leftover trees, we will only accept pre-orders this year. We will not sell walk-up trees. Orders will be available for pickup December 3-5. Proceeds support Youth summer mission trips. Please help us spread the word by sharing with friends.
9th Grade Small Groups: We are forming new small groups for 9th graders! Groups will meet on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings in a youth’s or adult mentor’s home from 7 to 8 p.m. If you decide to join a small group, you are committing to a weekly meeting and attendance is important. We understand that sports or after-school activities may occasionally interfere, but please commit to attend weekly. Groups will begin meeting toward the end of September or beginning of October. We will send more information about your group after Labor Day. If you have any questions, email Jason.
CHAMP (CHildren Achieving Maximum Potential) is an after-school mentoring program. In partnership with Dilworth-Latta Elementary School, we pair a high school student with a 3rd, 4th or 5th grader to help with homework, play, and enjoy snacks and devotions. CHAMP meets on Mondays (schedule below) from 3 to 5 p.m. at the church or at Latta Park, depending on the weather. You may sign up to mentor for one or both semesters.
If you are selected as a mentor, you must commit to every Monday that CHAMP meets. Two Mondays will involve riding the church vans home with the students, so you will need to be available until 6:15 PM on those days. You can sign up for the van date of your choice at training. You also must attend the CHAMP training meeting on September 14 from 4 to 5 p.m. on the Stairatorium.
Fall Dates: Sept. 14 (training), 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 9, 16, 23, 30; Dec. 7
Spring Dates: Jan 11 (training), 25; Feb. 1, 8, 22; March 1, 8, 15, 22; April 5, 12, 19, 26
CONNECT WITH US
FAQs
Can non-members attend/go on trips?
Yes! We love when friends join us for any regular programming, event, retreat, or mission trip. While some of these open to certain groups of people first (example: Beach Retreat opens to high schoolers in small groups first) everything we do as a Youth Ministry is open to all.
What does Confirmation look like for Youth Ministry?
For MPUMC Youth, Confirmation is a year-long process for 8th graders. Youth are assigned a 8-10 person small group with two adult mentors from our church. Throughout the year Youth enjoy two overnight retreats, fellowship gatherings, a Confirmation journal, and excellent discussions to deepen their faith journeys.
What resources are available to our family?
You can check out recommended Devotionals, Theology Discussion Guides, Developmental Guides, Books, and more in our Parent Resource Center on the 2nd floor of the Center of Hope.
