First Youth

SUNDAY MORNING

During our time together youth will enjoy a relaxed environment where we check in for the week, learn, fellowship, and discuss. The focus right now is connecting Scripture, life, and issues in the world today.

All grades meet together currently, with the plan to eventually split into Middle School and High School for more focused discussion.

SUNDAY NIGHT YOUTH

During SNY we offer a variety of ways to be in fellowship with one another, to grow in relationship with Christ, and to be in ser-vice to the community. We provide opportunities for games, worship, small groups, activities, and mission work.

Any youth in grades 9-12 who want to gather around a table to eat, catch up, share, or just hang out is welcome to join.
Jan. 16 @ Gusano’s
Jan. 30 @ La Huerta (on Old Greenwood)

YOUth Fundraiser Wall of Support, which is a way to directly invest in the ministry of the YOUth, and help us provide opportunities where students can experience Christ. The funds will be used for YOUth Missions, Retreats, Conference Events, New Ministries, and for scholarships to defray costs for any students who want to participate and need assistance. There will be sets of walls around the church, and each of them will have numbered envelopes on them. You’re asked to take an envelope and at least contribute an amount that corresponds to the number on the envelope. (There will be instructions in the envelopes).

A retreat where we will learn about and practice holy rest, have fun, be still, de-stress, have some time without devices, & be in nature.
Friends welcome to join.

Veritas is March 3-5 in Rogers, AR and is a statewide youth event for both Middle School and High School students. We will stay at the Hyatt Place in Rogers.
Cost is $125 (by Jan. 30) and covers Registration, hotel, tshirt, food Saturday and Sunday breakfast
It is a big atmosphere event that brings together all youth in grades 6-12 for a weekend to celebrate, worship, learn, experience, and be energized by the presence of one another to serve God.
REGISTER AT:
Bit.ly/firstyouthveritas23

For Spring Break we are heading to New Orleans to serve with various organization, enjoy the culture, and have some fun. The trip is open to 6-12 grades. We are staying at Aurora United Methodist Church on the West Bank.
Registration cost is $250 (includes $100 deposit) and covers transportation, work, lodging, swamp tour, and lunches and dinners while in New Orleans.
We will serve at Greenlight New Orleans, the Ronald McDonald House, Covenant House and more work is being finalized.

Jr. High & Sr. High Assembly will be held July 17-21 at Hendrix College in Conway.
These are weeklong Conference youth events that provide a time in the summer for greater relationship building between youth, and to help strengthen and nurture them in their faith walk through small groups, worship, great messages, and activities.
Jr. High Assembly is for youth entering grades 6-9 for next school year. Sr. High Assembly is for youth entering grades 10-college freshmen next year. Both events are held simultaneously but with different programs and activities. Registration opens in the Spring.

YOUth Meals
For this semester we are not going to have meals every week, but will have snacks when there is no meal at church.

Save the Dates & Deadlines
Sabbath Retreat Registration due Jan. 29
Veritas Registration due Jan. 30
Spring Break Registration– deposit due whenever, Total $250 due Feb. 13.
Sun. May 7– Class of ’23 Recognition Sunday in Worship

2nd semester 2023 calendar

FUMC youth waiver and medical form

Youth and Parent Bible Study Resources

1. The Bible Project
2. Thematic Plan, Bible in a Year
3. YouVersion Bible App
4. Read Scripture App

Introduction to the Books of the Bible
Luke Reading Plan

Contact

Brandon Bates
bbates@fsfumc.org
479-782-5056

For the most up to date information on Ft. Smith First YOUth Ministries, as schedules are subject to change, please be sure to check out the following:
www.facebook.com/fsfirstyouth
Instagram– fs_firstyouth

Beyond FSFUMC

We believe that Christ compels our youth group to go beyond the walls of FSFUMC to share his love, serve others, and join in passionate worship. Throughout the year we offer many opportunities for students to attend mission trips, spiritual retreats, and worship conferences.

Confirmation

Confirmation is a time where students are given the opportunity to grow in faith together with a mentor and ultimately confirm their own faith before God and their church community. First Methodist offers Confirmation sessions each school year for 6th graders in the spring. Registration is required for Confirmation, so contact Brandon for more details!