6TH–12TH GRADE
H
ere at Westbury UMC, we believe in empowering the family to play a vital role in the nurturing and maturing of young people’s faith. We are committed to equipping parents, grandparents, guardians and friends with tools to faithfully participate in young people’s faith development. To illustrate this, we have identified anchors in a young person’s life. These are significant events (for example, Confirmation or Bible study) one can remember and hold fast to when life’s storms come. Throughout the year, the youth ministry also provides sails, or opportunities to propel forward in faith through continued formation (for example, participating in interfaith dialogue or learning about stewardship). To guide us, we have a compass with four core components of youth ministry that remain constant in navigating faith for 6th–12th grade. The overview you’ll find inside is meant to be a guide on your faith voyage. We desire to collaborate and participate with you! Acknowledging each family is different, we want to help you know God throughout the rhythm of your day. We offer tools to strengthen your relationships with God, your family and your community.
FAITH At Westbury United Methodist Church we are casting a vision for a holistic family ministry:
Youth Ministry
TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT OF COLLABORATION AND PARTICIPATION AMONG PARENTS, CHILDREN,
at Westbury UMC
AND THE CHURCH FOR THE PURPOSE OF NURTURING A VIBRANT AND MATURING FAITH FOR ALL.
Without a doubt, there will be storms and at times it will be a challenge to navigate, but you are not alone. So let’s set sail together as we learn to love God with all our heart, soul and strength throughout all our days.
Westbury United Methodist Church
WestburyUMC.org
5200 Willowbend Blvd. Houston, TX 77096 713-723-0175
Confirmation
Retreats
Bible Study
WORSHIP Missions & Justice
Confirmation | Confirmation is that time in a person’s life when one responds to God’s grace with intentional commitment before the congregation. Confirmation is specifically for 6th graders (although anyone in middle school can participate). Retreats | Retreats are an intentional time set aside to grow closer in relationship with God and neighbor. There are multiple retreats each year. Bible Study | We take time out each week to encounter God through the Bible, allowing God to speak into our lives. Bible Study is for 7th-12th graders. Missions & Justice | Jesus’ ministry was to the least, the last and the lost. At Westbury we aim to be peacemakers and seek justice on three distinct levels: local, domestic and international. Welcome & Connection | We welcome and connect families with opportunities for discipleship, fellowship, worship and evangelism as they collaborate in the life of Westbury UMC.
YOUTH GROUP
MENTORING
Relationships | Relationships are the spice of life. Through the year, we tackle tough issues about friendship, dating and sex. Stewardship | Stewardship encompasses every aspect of our lives. When we change our focus from “mine” to “God’s,” we change our outlook on things entrusted to us. Each year the youth will undergo a series on finances and creation care: how to give, how to save, how to spend, and how to take responsibility for the earth God created.
SUNDAY SCHOOL & SMALL GROUPS
Interfaith Dialogue | In our growing pluralistic world, we hope to expose our young people to principles that will help them: 1) establish their convictions and 2) articulate them with charity.
Welcome & Connection
Diversity | We highlight the diversity of our immediate Westbury community, uplifting and appreciating the diversity of God’s creation.
Diversity
Questions & Faith | We aim to be a safe place for young people to ask questions about their faith— and find some answers along the way! Relationships Interfaith Dialogue
Authenticity & Faith
Questions & Faith Stewardship
Authenticity & Faith | As young people grow in their faith we want to help foster authentic faith to the end that they know they are loved as they are and that they can be the same person they are at school as they are at church.