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youth ministries

Grace Youth Ministry (G.Y.M)
God-Centered, Youth Oriented, Mission-Focused

At Grace UMC, we don't just consider our youth a part of the church of the future, we believe they are the church NOW. All youth, grades 6th-12th are welcome at Grace Youth Ministry (G.Y.M.) to explore what it means to be a follower of Christ. Through study, mission opportunities, serving opportunities, and fellowship gatherings, youth are introduced to a deeper meaning of a Christ-centered life and how a life of faith brings the promise of hope, help, and unconditional love for a lifetime. Friends and neighbors are welcome at all G.Y.M. events!

 

Please contact Gaye Lynn Loufek, Youth Ministries Director, via email or 630-355-1748, ext. 3234 with questions or for more information.

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV


"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

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Youth Faith Formation

Faith Formation on Sunday Mornings

Grace Youth Ministry (G.Y.M.) is a place where non-religious and nominally religious pre-teens and teens can come to explore what it means to live a life as a follower of Jesus Christ and have the opportunity to choose to grow and live out their faith. Everyone belongs and is welcome! 

Sundays at 9:15AM to 10:15AM for Junior High (6th-8th) & Senior High (9th-12th) in Room 234

G.Y.M. (Grace Youth Ministry) on Wednesday Evenings 

A time for youth 6th-12th grades to explore what it means to be a follower of Christ. Through study, mission opportunities, serving opportunities, and fellowship gatherings, youth are introduced to a deeper meaning of a Christ-centered life and how a life of faith brings the promise of hope, help, and unconditional love for a lifetime. Friends and neighbors are welcome at all G.Y.M. events!

Midweek Recharge on Wednesday evenings during the school year in Room 234 at 6:00PM to 7:30PM 

  • Simple dinner provided at 6:00PM to 6:30PM

  • Life Application Devotion, Fun/Silly Games, Fellowship at 6:30PM to 7:30PM

Wacky Wednesday

Food, Fun, Fellowship—great time to invite friends!​ Stay tuned for upcoming events!

 

Off-Campus Activities

Occasional off-campus activities occur. Parents are notified in advance.

Summer Sunday School Schedule

​In an effort to give our leaders a chance to attend the worship of their choice,​ have some time to rest and recharge, and allow staff and lay leaders to plan for fall, we encourage your family to worship together in August and enjoy the last days of summer. Sunday School will resume on Sunday, September 14.

 

August 11, 24, 31 – There will be intentional family-friendly worship components but no Children/Youth Formation Hour. The nursery is open for those 4 and under.

 

August 17 – Back To School at all three worship services

It is that time to go back to school. Come to worship and get your backpacks, your purse, man bag, or other personal items blessed for a new school year whether you go to school, work at school, work outside the home, or stay at home. Pick up a special item to remind you of God during the start of the new school year. It is a time of blessing. Invite students, teachers, and administrators you know from school to worship this day. It is also Sunday Funday for the children/youth at 9:15AM. See the Sunday Funday section.

September 7 – Outdoor Worship

 

All-in-One Registration Form for Children, Youth, and Music

Register at peopleofgrace.org/register

Fall is upon us soon. Registration for the new school year is up and open. Please register your child/youth for all children and youth programming. This includes Sunday Fundays, KinderTot, Confirmation, Sunday mornings, and all of the music options for children and youth. 

 

Fall Kick-Off Orientation for Children/Youth and Their Families 

Sunday, September 14 from 9:15AM to 10:15AM

Register at peopleofgrace.org/fallkickoff

Parents, grandparents, and caregivers, come learn alongside your child/youth about our ongoing Children, Youth, and Music Ministries! Ask questions and share what you would like to experience through a ministry partnership at Grace.

 

College Care Packages

With school just around the corner, many of our young adults will be heading off to college or entering the military, workforce, etc. We LOVE to stay in touch! Please visit peopleofgrace.org/carepackage to share your contact info for the fall. No matter your plans, we look forward to keeping in touch. Who knows, you just might find a surprise in your mailbox from time to time.

 

Taste of Side x Side

Have you ever thought about joining the Side x Side Youth Summer Mission trip? November 14 will offer an opportunity for many to “check it out” as we offer a small taste of what a day feels like. Our hope is that you will find you have gifts to share and will want to be part of the team in June of 2026. All who are in 8th grade and above are welcome to attend. Watch for more information and a way to register soon. Friends & neighbors welcome too!

 

Holiday Late Night Celebration

All youth, 6th-12th grade (and adult volunteers) are invited to Youth Late Night on Friday, December 12. An evening of food, fellowship, and fun from 6:00PM to 10:30PM. Come dressed in layers, be sure to bring outdoor “gear,” and a wrapped white elephant gift. Please register at peopleofgrace.org/youthretreat so we may plan appropriately. Volunteers needed. Please contact Gaye Lynn for more information or to volunteer.

 

Save the Date - Galentine’s Tea with Lucille Ball

Benefits Youth Summer Missions

Friday, February 13, 2026 at 1:00PM to 2:30PM at Grace Church

Women of Grace, and friends and neighbors are invited to enjoy an afternoon of tea, treats, and Lucille Ball. Leslie Goddard, an historic story teller will share the life and laughter of Lucille Ball and offer a historical look into her amazing life. Tickets are required and will be available beginning January 1. All tickets are $30.00 each and there are 100 seats available. Tables of 8 reservations are available with each individual ticket remaining at $30.00/person. Each individual’s name must be listed on the registration. The menu for the tea is a set menu. We will make every effort to accommodate medically indicated dietary restrictions if we are made aware prior to the event. Tickets may be purchased with registration at peopleofgrace.org/galentines. Please contact Gaye Lynn Loufek at gayelynn.loufek@peopleofgrace.org with questions or for more information.

All dates are subject to change. Please check back frequently for updates.

Grace Youth Ministry 2025/2026 Calendar

August
17 - Sunday Funday

September
14 - Children/Youth Orientation
14 - All Church Event
21, 28 - Sunday School Resumes

October
5, 12, 26 - Sunday School
8, 15 - G.Y.M Resumes
19 - Sunday Funday
19 - CROP Walk
22 - Trunk-or-Treat
29    G.Y.M. (Wacky Wednesday)

November
2, 9, 16, 23 - Sunday School
5, 12, 19 - G.Y.M.
14 - Taste of Side x Side Retreat
26 - NO G.Y.M.
30 - Family Worship

December
3,10,17,24,31 - NO G.Y.M.
7,14 - Sunday School
12 - Youth Late Night 
21 - Sunday Funday
28 - Family Worship

January
4 - Family Worship
11, 25 - Sunday School
14, 21 - G.Y.M.
18 - Sunday Funday
28 - Wacky Wednesday 

February
1,8,15,22 - Sunday School
4,11, 25 - G.Y.M.
8 - Soup-er Bowl of Caring
15 - Sunday Funday
18 - Ash Wednesday Experience
22 - Side x Side Kick-off

March
1,8,15,22 - Sunday School
4,11,18 - G.Y.M.
25 - Holy Week Experience 
29 - Family Worship

April
1 - NO G.Y.M. (Spring Break)
5 - Family Worship—Happy Easter!
8, 15, 22, 29 - G.Y.M.
19 - Sunday Funday
26 - Youth Summer Missions Fundraiser Sunday School Assists

May
3, 10, 17 - Sunday School
6 - G.Y.M on Spring Break
24 - Family Worship
31 - Youth Summer Missions Car Wash - Sunday School Assists

June
6-14 - Side x Side Youth Summer Mission Trip
7 - Sunday School Summer Break

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Confirmation
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Grace UMC is excited to offer our full Confirmation Program Sunday, beginning in the fall of 2026. All 7th, 8th, and 9th grade youth are invited and encouraged to consider traveling the journey of Confirmation.

 

What is Confirmation?

Confirmation is our response to baptism. In baptism, we recognize and celebrate God’s gifts of grace, forgiveness, and love as we are welcomed into Christ’s universal Church. During Confirmation we respond to God’s gifts, learning more about God, Jesus, the Spirit, the Bible, and the Church but also exploring how to follow Jesus and how to actually be the church as God intends.
 
The Confirmation Program at Grace UMC provides our youth with an opportunity to build new relationships within the church, engage in mission opportunities, study the scriptures, and explore their beliefs and doubts. Confirmation is not the end of our faith journey but just the beginning; confirmands will be introduced to resources within the church and beyond that will assist them in the lifelong journey of discipleship.


Questions may be directed to Pastor Eric via email and Gaye Lynn Loufek via email.

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