Youth Ministry
All are welcome here!
Looking for a place where 7th-12th graders can feel comfortable to be themselves and open to what God has in store for them? This is where youth can walk alongside peers and trusted adults to discover, develop, and own their faith; experience God's grace; and engage the world to share God's love.
Sunday Mornings Sunday Evenings Midweek Trips Coming Soon Resources Contacts
Sunday Mornings
Sunday School
9:45am, starting in the Youth Worship Space
Sunday school plays a vital role in helping to build a solid foundation for the faith journey of our 7th-12th graders. We gather first as a large group in our worship space then divide into high school and junior high classes.
Confirmation
Seventh graders learn the fundamentals of the Christian faith and United Methodist history with the goal of growing more like Christ, loving God, and loving our neighbors in all that we do. Mission opportunities and church visits allow the group to have fun and serve together. The year culminates with a special Service of Confirmation.
Sunday Evenings
UMYF
United Methodist Youth Fellowship, aka "Youth"
5:30-7:30 pm, most Sundays, Youth Worship Space
UMYF is a great time to come together as a group to play, sing, learn, and pray together. Snack Supper is served at each UMYF gathering.
Youth gather at FUMCR for fellowship, worship, and to participate in open and honest discussions about teenage life, pressures, and culture. Our youth group is a place where youth can come, just as they are, and discover together how awesome our God is!
The Journey Youth Choir
4-5:15pm, Sundays, Aug-May
BOB (Bells of Bronze) Youth Handbell Choir
3-4pm, Sundays, Sept-Apr
Midweek
Life Groups
Life Groups give students another touch point during the week with each other and with caring adults.
High School Group (9th-12th)
Weekly on Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30, at a local restaurant
Girls Group (7th-12th)
1st Monday of each month, 6:30-8:30pm
Guys Group (7th-12th)
Oct-May: 3rd Monday of each month, 6:30-8:30pm
Trips & Retreats
Mission Trips
Junior high and high school youth travel each summer for a week in service to others, faith development, and group building.
Really Living
A back-to-school weekend retreat in August is planned by the new senior class for all youth, 7th- 12th graders.
Chi Alpha
This in-town retreat in late winter features fun, serving in the community, and worship.
Parent chaperones are key to the success of all our trips. Contact Julia to learn more!
Want to Serve in Youth Ministry?
We need your help to make it happen!
Sunday School Teacher
Sundays
9:45-10:45am
Serve at least twice a month. 1 hour of teaching, 1 hour of prep.
Confirmation Teacher
Sundays
9:45-10:45am
Serve at least twice a month. 1 hour of teaching, 2 hours of prep.
UMYF Counselor
Sundays
5-7:30pm
Serve at least twice a month. 2½ hours of teaching, ½ hour of prep.
Security Team
Sundays
9:45-10:45am
No minimum amount. 1 yearly training required.
Life Group Counselor
Wednesdays
6:30-8pm
Serve at least once a month. No prep work required.
Snack Supper Volunteer
Sundays
5:30-6pm
No minimum amount. 3-5 hours of prep.
Birthday Cards
as needed
Anticipated 1-2 hours per week. Remote work.
Trip Chaperone
as needed
Weekend retreats and week-long mission trips.
Get started!
2. Meet with Pastor Julia.
3. Complete Ministry Safe training online and background check.
4. Shadow your position.
5. Serve in your position and make a difference in the lives of youth!
Summer UMYF
Select Sundays in June-July, 6:30-8pmUMYF is a great time to come together as a group to play, sing, learn, and pray. Students who have completed grades 7-12 are invited to join us!
Move Up Sunday
Sun, Aug 3, 9:45 and 11amCelebrate with us as all children and youth move up in Sunday school to the grade they will be entering when school begins.
Youth Open House
Sun, Aug 3, 9:45am-1pm, Youth Worship Space, Sanctuary & Coleman Family HallAll youth and their families are invited to FUMCRYouth's Open House! Connect, learn about youth ministry, and hear what to expect in the upcoming year. RSVP by July 30.
Really Living
Aug 8-10, Glen Lake CampReally Living is FUMCRyouth's largest retreat of the year! 7-12th grade students are invited to spend the weekend worshiping, laughing, and having a ton of fun on a retreat planned by the seniors!
Back-to-School Blessings
Sun, Aug 10, all worship servicesStudents of all ages will be invited to come forward to receive a blessing to start the school year.
Journey Youth Choir 2025 Kickoff Party
Sun, Aug 17, 3-5pm, Orr Music Suite and and Richardson Family YMCA (821 Custer Rd, Richardson, TX 75080)Join The Journey Youth Choir for 2025-26! We will have our first rehearsal, followed by a pool party!
Icecream-a-palooza
Sun, Aug 24, 5:30-7:30pm, Coleman Family Hall & Bartula Family Life CenterJoin the Youth Ministry in kicking off the year with an ice cream party and games!
Confirmation Prayer Partners Wanted
Sept 7, 2025 - Apr 19, 2026We are looking for caring adults to serve as Prayer Partners for our 2025–2026 Confirmation class. This is a meaningful opportunity to support a young person's confirmation journey.
Resources for Parents
Stay in Touch with FUMCR Youth Ministry
• Call the Youth Ministry office at 972.996.0112
• Visit fumcr.com/subscribe to subscribe to monthly "FUMCRYOUTH" emails, weekly "News You Can Use" emails, and SMS messages to your mobile device. Sign up according to the student's graduating class year.
• Follow FUMCRYOUTH on Facebook & Instagram
Web Resources
Center for Parent/Youth Understanding
Pastoral Counseling Center
Forms
Emergency Medical Authorization Form - Minor - PDF
Emergency Medical Authorization Form - Adult - PDF
More
Benefit FUMCR Student Ministry when you shop at Tom Thumb.
Ask customer service to link your rewards card to our organization number, 3808. Read more about Tom Thumb's Good Neighbor Program.
Remind Text Messages
Youth Ministry Staff
Rev. Julia Castleman
Pastor, Youth Ministry281.450.0973
jcastleman@fumcr.com
Matt Britt
Assistant Director, Youth Ministry972.520.4239
mbritt@fumcr.com
Kim Curtis
Youth Ministry Associate972.996.0109
kcurtis@fumcr.com
Rob Sommerfelt
Youth Ministry Associate972.996.0159
rsommerfelt@fumcr.com
Cheryl Winnenberg
Assistant, Children's, Youth & Sports Ministries972.996.0112
cwinnenberg@fumcr.com
