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yGathering on February 8, 2009	SoulFull Retreat, March 2009	Academy Awards April 2009

What do our 2009 seniors say about Youth Ministries at FUMC-Ann Arbor? “Youth Group served as a sort of second family for me. I always knew I was surrounded by some of the nicest, kindest, and warmest people I’ll ever meet when I was at youth group or on a mission trip. I know I leave Ann Arbor a better person because I was a member of FUMC MYF.” Alison “Through the service work that I have done on mission trips, I have developed better connections with the local people I served, and the youth I served with. The rewarding feeling I got from helping other people is better than any souvenir I ever got on vacation.” Caleb “The people—parents, youth, and counselors—have been so wonderful to me and the program. You are all very supportive and I will miss you all. Thank you so much, I’ve had a blast!” Jamie “I also came to realize how blessed I am to have grown up in a church that strongly encourages its youth to interact with people of different cultures and backgrounds through mission work. Whether it was struggling to communicate with kids who spoke only Spanish or being respectful of cultural norms in the Deep South, there were times on mission trips when I had to move out of my comfort zone. Yet it was also in these moments that I grew the most as Christian and as a young woman.” Kara “I am looking forward to the years to come, but I will live my life always cherishing the good times that I’ve had with these incredible people.” Karl “Through this youth group I have countless memories. Overall, these past six years with the youth group have been amazing. I will never forget these great people that have made a huge impact on my life.” Kate

Rings of Influence...Circles of Faith Read the Youth Director's letter for 2008-2009  here.If you are interested in any of these ministries, please contact Beth Miller, Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries at the church office, 734-662-4536 or email  her. Want to see Youth events on the church calendar? Click here , then click on "Unfiltered" (just above "Wed"), in the Event Type menu choose "Youth" and then click "Apply Filter." Confirmation Beginning in January, confimation classes based on UMC curriculum are offered for seventh through twelfth grade. This program emphasizes mentoring young Christians in the faith and concludes with Confirmation in June. Our 2009 confirmation ceremony will take place during 11:15 am worship downtown on Sunday, June 7. Retreats and Mission Trips Junior and Senior High students participate in two retreats, fall and spring. Summer mission trips provide meaningful and life-changing experiences. The Jr. High students lead VBS at Zeba Indian Mission. Sr. High trips vary each year to offer different mission experiences.  Related forms:   -   Senior High Summer Mission Trip descriptions: Bulgaria/S Dakota   -   Packing List for South Dakota 2009   -   Prescription Medication form   -  Group Norms and Expectations Code of Behavior 2008-2009 Check out pictures of past retreats!   -   Fall Retreat, September 2008   -   SoulFull Retreat , March 2009   -   Year-End Picnic, May 2009 Check out our past mission trips!   -  Zeba Mission Trip, Jr High, July 2008        photos from counselors:   Marci  Carol     -  New Orleans Mission Trip, Sr High, June 2008         photos from counselors:  Jeff  Maria  Bill  Help support Youth Missions by enrolling in our Grocery Store Certificate and GLScrip programs. Details. returning next fall: The Sol Café: Light for Teen Souls Sunday mornings, 9:20-10:30 am Youth are invited to come to Calkins Hall (top floor, southeast corner) for light snacks, beverages, fellowship, music, running videos of youth activities and announcements. At 9:30 a choice of classes meet the diversity of needs and learning styles. We typically have four or five class sessions, varying in length from four to ten weeks, through the year. This unique and successful approach rotates leadership, utilizes expertise, and meets the needs of youth. returning next fall: UMYF: United Methodist Youth Fellowship Sunday evenings, 6-8 pm September through May, students meet for dinner at 6 pm in the Social Hall and then separate into two different programs geared toward the needs and interests of each age group: Jr Highs (grades 7 & 8) and Sr Highs (grades 9-12). (See pictures of our UMYF 2008 Fall Kickoff on Webshots!) Youth/Parent Handbook Updated every September, this publication offers details and dates for all planned youth programming. The Strangely Warmed Players This drama troupe combines Christian ministry and offbeat comedy to create an entertaining and enlightening duo. Reflecting the Wesleyan tradition of bringing Christ's teachings to the masses, the Players bring an engaging collection of modern parables to a media generation. Academy Awards This annual spring banquet celebrates 12th graders and their contributions to our youth ministry. Parents of 12th graders are invited, as well as all adult leaders of youth. View online photo slideshow. Divine Light Media The World Sabbath of Religious Reconciliation in southeast Michigan awarded their annual Peace Maker Prize on January 27, 2007 to our youth who have formed an independent film production crew. Honored for their work with a major prize for diversity, our youth are helping communities talk to each other.  Read the Press Release! Filming is complete on a second documentary focusing on prayer. Bethlehem Inn: Annual Drama Fundraiser We gave our 2008 performance on December 14. This is a behind-the-scenes story of the Bethlehem Inn the night Jesus was born--if it was being told by Saturday Night Live! 100% of proceeds benefit summer youth missions. Check out this online photo slideshow.

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