Youth group happens many Sundays from 11:30am–12:30pm, but what really happens in that hour is so much more than a program.
Our front-line youth volunteers show up week after week to lead discussions, play games, listen to stories about first dates, help problem-solve sticky situations, laugh hard, and hold tender moments of stress, worry, and grief. They are trusted adults who create space for youth to be fully themselves.
Jordi (McBurney-Buell) Hott, Emily Creasap, and William Roy are young adults who once sat on those very sofas as middle and high schoolers. Now, they volunteer their time to give back to a youth group that mattered deeply to them when they were pre-teens and teens. They know the pop culture, music, and slang, and they generously help older adults translate when needed. Of all the things people in their early 20s could be doing on Sunday mornings, they choose to be here. That matters.
Karl Wetherholt and Karen Taylor bring a different, and equally vital, presence. They are seasoned in life, and our youth hang on their stories and wisdom. The trust runs deep: youth ask them big questions about life and faith, and they listen with care and honesty. Plus they both love to drive on trips!
Then there’s Chris McMaken, somewhere in between, energized by Jordi, Will, and Emily, while also gleaning wisdom from Karl and Karen. Somewhere along the way, he’s been given “unc status,” also known as uncle vibes. He’s not their parent, but is a trusted adult who offers presence, a listening ear, and an enthusiastic willingness to play cards. And when someone is sick or needs a Band-Aid, he’s a solid option.
Our youth volunteers, and many generous parents, also chaperone trips, from overnight retreats to week-long adventures out of town. There are too many to name here, but they are essential to making those experiences safe, fun, and deeply meaningful.
Confirmation is another place where volunteers shine. Bill McDonough has faithfully taught confirmation classes, and Jeff Beam, Rees Alexander, Libby Buuck, and Marjorie Yano have served as recent confirmation mentors. They guide 13- and 14-year-olds through deep questions, show up at their games and events, and write notes of encouragement and care.
And because the real heart of youth ministry is food, we give thanks for the many people who feed our youth with generosity and love: Marillyn and Tony Damelio, Anne Griffin, Susan Jones, Gretchen Metzelaars, and others who quietly make sure no one goes hungry.
Children’s ministry is equally a team effort. Sara Beam, Canise Bean, Sarah Pressly, and Tammy Roy often help with one-off children’s programs during worship and Sunday afternoon service projects. They are incredible storytellers and expert snack providers. Libby Buuck, Suzy Boggs, and Sarah Pressly share in the beautiful ministry of leading children’s time in worship, each bringing their own style of teaching and storytelling that invites children to scoot closer and listen.
Justice Camp deserves special mention. Each summer, more than 15 volunteers give their time to serve snacks, play games, read books, sing songs, and lead groups of children. Adults and children alike consistently name Justice Camp as one of the most meaningful parts of church life. Volunteers who have served year after year include Kristy and John Clay, Sara Beam, Lea Austin, Libby Wetherholt, Pamela Schirner, Mary Gene Boteler, Nancy Haniger, Ann Matrka, Chris Johnson, Liz Taylor, Canise Bean, Victoria Powers, Beth Malchus Stafa, Barb Blanke, and so many more.
Children and youth ministry can be full and sometimes exhausting work. But when many people share the responsibility, we carry it together. And while we sometimes call it a “load,” it is truly a blessing to be invited into the lives of children and youth, to witness their growth, and to be reminded again and again of God’s wonder, magic, love, and mystery.
So thank you to the volunteers both named here and unnamed. Thank you for all you give to help our children and youth ministry thrive.
