Youth Council
What is the Youth Council?
The Youth Council is a small group of students who represent the larger youth group of First-Centenary United Methodist Church. They are the body that gives input as to what events and/or programs our youth group creates or participates in. They give input on the structure of our Student Ministry, they help determine meeting times & locations, as well as participate in behind-the-scenes ministry stuff like branding and marketing our student ministry.
Being a member of the Youth Council requires a large commitment (we meet the first week of every month) but it also teaches students important leadership skills (great thing to put on résumés or college applications). More importantly, it gives students a chance to be creative and really think through what it means to reach their friends with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Being a member of the Youth Council requires a large commitment (we meet the first week of every month) but it also teaches students important leadership skills (great thing to put on résumés or college applications). More importantly, it gives students a chance to be creative and really think through what it means to reach their friends with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
How is it structured?
The Youth Council is comprised of 10 students (preferably 8 High School students and 2 Middle School students). There are two titled positions on the Youth Council: President and Vice President. These titles come with specific responsibilities. The remaining 8 positions are at-large members or High School Representatives and/or Middle School Representatives. Students filling these positions represent the youth group at large.
The positions are filled by nominations from members of the youth group. In other words, the students nominate other students to serve on the Youth Council. Then the nominees are elected to the Youth Council and to specific positions. The nominations & subsequent elections are held at the beginning of each school year.
The positions are filled by nominations from members of the youth group. In other words, the students nominate other students to serve on the Youth Council. Then the nominees are elected to the Youth Council and to specific positions. The nominations & subsequent elections are held at the beginning of each school year.
Why have a Youth Council?
The purpose of the Youth Council is to give students ownership of the youth group. Students will have fun and enjoy the camaraderie of a small group but they will also learn and develop leadership skills and the value of teamwork as they work together to accomplish goals and objectives.
Should I join?
If you are a student who is interested in taking on a leadership role in your youth group then please consider signing up! Here is what we are looking for in perspective Youth Council members:
- Relationship with Jesus Christ (We want students who are committed to Jesus Christ.)
- Desire (Obviously, we want students who actually want to do it.)
- Availability (We need students who are able to come to two meetings per month.)
- Permission (We want students to have their parents blessing while participating in the Youth Council. Especially, if the parents are the ones who have to drive the students to the meetings.)
- Commitment (We want students who are committed to their church and to their youth group and they show it by attending on a regular basis.)
Special Retreat!
As if serving on the Youth Council wasn’t rewarding enough: The Youth Council is also treated to their very own Youth Council Retreat. We stay in luxury cabins in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is both a planning and renewal time for those who serve on the Youth Council.
Interested?
If this interests you then make sure you meet the above criteria and then submit your name for consideration in early August.
Confirmation
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is a special time to begin a journey of faith that nurtures and challenges preteens to think about the nature of God, the life of Christ and learn about United Methodist beliefs. The classes are offered annually to youth, we recommend 8th grade and above. Although we teach "Confirmation" curriculum year round, there is a special 3 month course and a weekend retreat designed to solidify the Confirmation experience. Confirmation is a unique time for students to ask the big questions of their faith, and dive into understanding what they believe, and who they are in the Church family. The confirmation classes offer each student an opportunity to confirm their baptism and join the church as full members.
Confirmation Weekend Retreat
During Confirmation students will have the opportunity to join together for a weekend long retreat. This retreat includes games, activities, lessons, and free time for students to hang out and relax! The retreat usually takes place during the last weekend of April and includes four of our lessons for Confirmation. Previously we've had the retreat at places like Lake Junaluska and Camp Lookout
Youth Missions
Local
Our students are involved in random, spontaneous mission opportunities throughtout the year. In addition to participating in the church's outreach projects (like the backyard missions) our youth also have ongoing opportunities to serve the community.
National
Our youth have a major mission trip opportunity every summer. Most summers, there is a mission trip that takes our students somewhere within the continental United States. Past national mission trips have taken us to New Orleans, Chicago, the Applachian Mountains, and North Carolina.
In the summer of 2019, our youth traveled to Conway, SC to build a wheelchair ramp for an elderly lady whose porch was weakened by Hurricane Florence.
In the summer of 2019, our youth traveled to Conway, SC to build a wheelchair ramp for an elderly lady whose porch was weakened by Hurricane Florence.
International
Every three to four years our youth group takes a special, extra big mission trip outside of our country's borders. These are life changing adventures that give our students perspective on the world at large and their own relative wealth. Past international trips have been to Guatemala, Nicaraga, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and, most recently, Romania.