As we enter another holiday season with the foods we love, the traditions we follow, and friendships, whether new or old, being celebrated with a card, a gift or a kind word. This is the time of year we remember our losses, our gains and everything we’re thankful for. I asked the youth to put down in their own words what they are thankful for this year.

     I’m thankful for…  

     My new bed -Nicholas;  My family -Jimmy;  My mom and the tough times we went through, but came out alright –anonymous

     People who care about me -Missy;  Being able to be here at church -Chris; My family and my house and everything that I have. My friends too. -Megan

     My grandparents moving back home safe -Alex;  My book -JB; My skillfulness in ballet -Katie; My mom -Destiny

     My family and friends -CJ; My relationship with God and family –anonymous; My family -Josh; My skateboard -Kevin

     That I am alive and for my family and friends -Ally; For all my friends -Lesley; The friends I made this summer at camp –anonymous

     Being alive -Justin; My family and my church -Mo; For my baby’s adoptive parents -Jesse; My good relationship with my parents, so many teens don’t have a reliable, stable relationship with their parent the way I do. -Jordan

     My music, friends at church my "adopted" family -Liz; My friends, my mom and dad-Heather;                                             

     My mom and friends-Jeanne; My friends and family and music -Zach; My music and my friends -Lauren; My friends -Ashley; My grades and my friends-Charlie

     I am thankful for the relationships I’ve made, the children Brent and I have been given with our youth, and the servants that are stepping forward to serve God’s kingdom.-Catherine

     There has been such growth over this past year in our youth group, not just in numbers but in the quality of their servant hearts. They’re an impressive bunch, willing and able to reach out to others when given the chance. They respect each other, love each other and support each other. Thank you First UMC for giving them a home away from home where they have created a family in which they feel they BELONG. As we look forward into the new year we will be putting the second part of our congregation’s mission statement to work...TO BECOME. We have already begun this process with out Student Leadership Team named "IMPACT". This awesome group of leaders have already been working hard together on next year’s events and learning experiences.

Upcoming Youth Events

November 3rd B.L.A.S.T. at Faith UMC after the football game 

November 4th  Reward Night for Attendance Points (Movie)

Study Hall at First UMC every Wednesday

November 24th Black Friday Shopping (reservations mandatory)  Call Catherine

November 26th MYF Game Night (bring games and music)