Van Alstyne FUMC Youth Ministries
The Youth at Van Alstyne FUMC are an integral part of the spiritual body that defines our congregation.  
The Youth receive the highest level of support from the adult members and staff of VA-FUMC.  At the same
time, they grow through their ministry and witness to others, young and old alike.  Needless to say, Youth 
in the middle and high-school age groups are tested daily.  Our youth activities are aimed to not only share
the teachings of Christ, but also to ingrain the basic truths through experience so they can be applied
in their daily lives.  Emphasis is placed on scripture, family values, and a nurturing environment where
all are a welcome part of this home.

Many of our lessons are ultimately based on the Great Commandment of Jesus:
LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL AND WITH ALL
YOUR MIND AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.

Many activities teach the value of energetically living out our biblical purposes:
EVANGELISM (INVITE): "Go and make disciples"
FELLOWSHIP (JOIN): "Baptizing them"
DISCIPLESHIP (DISCOVER): "Teaching them to obey"
MISSION (SERVE): "Love your neighbor as yourself"
WORSHIP (LOVE): "Love the Lord your God with all your heart"

Age groups:
FUMC Youth Programs cover grades 6 through 12.  Sixth grade spends most of their year as an 
independent group in Confirmation Class.  Seventh through twelfth grades spend much of their time
in age-specific activities, but also come together for certain functions.  Graduation to the next 
age group occurs at the end of each school year. The program is open to both members and visitors.
Youth are strongly encouraged to bring their friends into the church, and many events are
specifically designed to promote invitation.

Facilities
Our congregation is blessed with a magnificent Sanctuary and the new Sanford Activity Center (SAC)
featuring well-equipped, comfortable youth rooms and a large gym.  In addition, our church members
also open their homes to support many youth functions.

Volunteer Resources
The congregation comes together to create our youth program.  It is our strong belief that the youth
benefit most when they see this large group of Christians living out the lessons we teach.  It is our hope
that everyone reading this will get involved.