Youth Ministries
Welcome to Youth Ministries!
All youth ages 6th through 12th grade are welcome to PUMC's Youth Ministry programs. The Mission of our Youth Ministry is to be a supportive community for all youth, equipping them to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, growing beyond themselves carrying the love of Christ into the world, serving others now and in the future.
We believe in the importance of growing as disciples of Christ through engaging discussions, activities, worship, service, and interpreting scripture, and we have fun while living the disciple’s life. We strive for an open and safe environment that is welcoming to all and appreciate that we all come from diverse backgrounds.
The youth at Plainfield UMC are a family in Christ. Youth and adults strive to hold each other accountable and grow together as followers of Jesus. If you have questions or would like more information about the PUMC Youth Ministries or activities, please contact Pastor Sherry Steele at sherry.steele@plainfieldumc.com or by calling 815-436-9651.
Things We Want Every Youth to Know
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This is a safe zone. All are welcomed, all are loved without regard for: LGBTQ identity, physical or mental ability, ethnic heritage, immigration status or socio-economic standing.
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There is always room for you.
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Come as often as your schedule allows.
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There are no requirements of faith.
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We are here to support you, comfort you, challenge you and accompany you on your life journey.
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This is a judgement free zone – JUST BE YOU!
You're Invited!
Youth Group
September through May, all youth are invited to Youth Group usually held on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month at 6:30PM to 8PM. A typical Sunday night’s Youth Gathering includes food, fun, and fellowship. Each Sunday night provides youth light-hearted occasions to laugh, learn, and grow. Youth play games, hang out, ask questions, have a prayer circle, and enjoy a short Bible study. In addition to Youth Group, we have an additional fun outings and service projects. Check out the weekly enews or the church calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Service Opportunities
All youth are invited for monthly service opportunities to help the community. Service hours are available and students can use this opportunity to build their resume. Check out the weekly enews or the church calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Retreats
We have a retreat each year for all Junior High and Senior High Youth at Dickson Valley Camp and Retreat Center in Newark, IL. Dickson Valley (about 35 min. from the church) is a favorite spot for everything — laser tag, archery, all-weather tube slide, a climbing wall, gaga ball, and much, much more. Woven into the fun is opportunities to connect with God. Click here to view photos of this year's retreat. Watch for details for our next retreat date and registration.
Youth Mission Trip 2025
June 15 to June 21, 2025
CASS COMMUNITY SOCIAL SERVICES, DETROIT, MI
Youth and chaperones will traveled to Detroit, MI on June 15 to June 21, 2025 to Cass Community Services. Our team will have the opportunity to work in a variety of areas from building and grounds projects, food prep and distribution, environmental projects, and much more. We’ll be staying onsite with access to showers, wi-fi, and three hot meals a day. We’ll also have an opportunity to sightsee and eat out in Detroit.
Any youth entering 7th grade in the fall of 2025 through graduating seniors, along with any adult who has passed a background check through PUMC’s Safe Sanctuaries Policy, completed an application, and been approved the Youth Ministries Advisory Panel is welcome to join in the trip! The total cost of the Mission Trip will be about $400 per youth. PUMC Youth Ministry fundraising will pay part of this cost, so the cost for each person is just $200! Additional siblings will only pay $100 each. The trip cost for chaperones is provided by the church.
Please click below for the trip brochure for more details. Registration is now open!
Click here to learn about the past youth mission trips.
Youth Ministries Values Statement
Relate
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Time – We commit to building relationships with our youth by spending both quality and quantity time with them.
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Love – We commit to relating to our youth by loving them unconditionally, cheerfully, and faithfully, and expressing that love in appropriate ways.
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Prayer – We commit to faithfully praying for and with our youth and their families.
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Mentoring – We commit to investing in our youth by mentoring them through their questions of faith and daily experiences in “one-on-one” or small group settings.
Equip
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Equipping – We commit to equipping our youth to help them grow spiritually and to lead healthy, wise and meaningful lives.
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Modeling – We commit that in order to inspire our youth, we must be passionate followers of Jesus Christ and consistently live healthy, wise, and meaningful lives.
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Challenging – We commit that in order to inspire our youth, we must challenge them to live for Christ with all of their hearts and to join us in taking “faith-filled risks” for Christ.
Serve
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Mobilizing – We create opportunities for them to participate in worship, serve the Church, and express their faith in specific, tangible acts of service, particularly to those in need.
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Launching – We commit that in order to ignite our youth and properly “launch” them into their future, we must prepare them for service to God, life’s challenges, for healthy relationships, and for leadership.
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Service – We help our youth discover their gifts and talents, exploring how they can apply them in service to others.