Our program for 6th-12th graders has served as a model for many other churches. Based one the acronym JOY (Jesus first, Others second, Yourself third), the program offers a variety of opportunities for the youth to explore, expand and share their faith through active participation in the body of Christ. Activities include Christian programs by area community leaders and standouts in our area colleges and universities, Christian service to rest homes, shut-ins and sick, and the fun of our annual JOY beach retreat and floating party.

Youth also have the special opportunity of being a member of a JOY team consisting of adult leaders in the class and other youth ranging from 6th thru 12th grade. Youth remain on this team the entire time that they are a member in the class. Teams complete service projects throughout the year like wrapping presents for Pride for Parents or baking pumpkin pies for area shut ins.  Teams also plan social events such as burgers and bowling, movie nights or pizza and putt-putt.  These teams help make the Joy Class feel more intimate and personal.  

This is a 6 - 8 week course of study for 8th grade youth to learn and grow in their faith so as to reiterate and pledge for themselves the oath taken for them at their baptism.  Youth are accompanied on this journey of faith by a team of adult and young adult mentors in the church, who are charged with developing strong Christian relationships among the group and individually with the youth.  Youth that complete the course and feel called and confident in their own decision then profess before the congregation their desire to be a full member of the United Methodist Church.  Youth study topics such as Baptism, Worship, Spiritual Disciplines, Mission Work, and Methodism.

We try to foster this attitude in all aspects of our youth program: a weeknight Bible study for youth; a regular Sunday evening youth program and light dinner; two annual beach retreats (one in conjunction with the Sunday school); service and mission projects; special events; conference programs; and parent-teen activities. In these ways we seek to nurture youth in the Christian faith and draw them closer to the grace of the living Christ.

The UMYF is an accepting, caring community within the church, seeking to meet and minister to youth where they need it most -- right where they are. Then they can grow in the accepting and forgiving love of God.