Jan 15th

Revolution 2025 is a powerful, life-changing event of youth worship and spiritual growth at the Township Auditorium in Columbia, SC, January 24-26, 2025. The cost per student is $200 and the 1st 30 to register will receive a conference t-shirt. The cost includes hotel, transportation, and most meals.

We’re looking for individuals or small groups to provide a meal for our 40-50 youth and volunteers during youth group each Sunday evening. If preparing a meal for that many sounds daunting, don’t worry—you’re encouraged to team up with two or three others to make it manageable!

Kelly has volunteered to help recharge our Middle School Acolyte Ministry here is the fantastic message she put out last week:

I have offered to help David get a more formal rotation for acolytes since there has been low participation over the last year or so. This is an important ministry of our church and an easy way to get youth involved. While they may not always enjoy being front and center, a little confidence and consistency can help them get comfortable. Ideally, we are looking for an acolyte and a crucifer for each morning service. If your youth is feeling a little apprehensive, crucifer may be a good stepping stone.

Training is simple and only takes a few minutes. Honestly, someone can be trained in five minutes before they acolyte if you can't make it to a training. But we wanted to offer two sessions to answer questions and let them practice.

For now, since we are trying to get more interest, we are not asking for a monthly rotation commitment. I am including a Sign Up and asking that everyone speak to their youth and pick a service that they would be willing to participate in one of the roles. For the first few months, they can pick the role so that everyone has an opportunity to ease into this. If you have specific questions, you are welcome to reach out to myself or David. Thank you for supporting this project and supporting your youth into Christian leadership!

For 8:30 Services: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FA5A62FA4F94-54314291-jdub

For 11am Services: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4FA5A62FA4F94-54315645-acolyte

Here’s an improved version of your text with enhanced flow and clarity:

The Youth Leadership Team, made up of 24 fantastic high schoolers, came up with a slogan last year that has never felt more true than it did this past Sunday: "Sundays Are For JDub."

This past Sunday was truly one of those unforgettable days for JDub. The morning began with the joy of welcoming a new family into our congregation and celebrating the baptism of a baby. Sunday School had a great turnout, and the confirmation class was full of energy and engagement. During the 11 a.m. worship service, I glanced up and was moved to see the entire right side of the balcony packed with our youth—a testament to their dedication and presence in the life of our church.

We were especially excited to host youth from St. Andrew UMC that evening as they joined our program. By 4:45 p.m., our incredible adult team had gathered to put the final touches on dinner—chicken bog, salad, and cookies. By 5:15 p.m., the gym was buzzing with over 60 youth and adults sharing a meal and enjoying fellowship.

At 6 p.m., we transitioned into a time of connection and fun, starting with games that helped everyone get to know one another better and culminating in a wild and joyful round of musical chairs. The night’s message built on our recent theme of personal growth—striving to better ourselves rather than merely trying to outdo others.

We closed with a heartfelt prayer, reminding our youth of two profound truths: each morning, the cross calls us to live for Christ, and each evening, it offers us grace for the times we fall short.

To witness our youth living out "Sundays Are For JDub" was a powerful reminder that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is transforming lives here and now.

Wednesday, Jan 15th

5-6pm - WNO dinner

6-7pm - Youth Music

Sunday, Jan 19th

8:30am - Worship

9:30am - Acolyte Training (2nd one will be offered Wed Jan 22nd at 6pm)

9:45am - Sunday Morning Group

11am - Worship

5-7pm - JDub Youth Group

WNO (Wednesday Night Out) is an all ages event each Wednesday Night at John Wesley UMC. From 5-6pm we offer a meal ($8 per person, children under 12 $4). From 6-7pm we have music ministry for our 6th-12th graders. We also have small groups for adults and children ministry activities from 6-7pm. For more information about WNO sign up for our small group, music ministry, or children's ministry newsletter at the link below.

Youth Group for all 6th-12th grade students on Sunday from 5-7pm in the Gym at John Wesley UMC. If it is your 1st time youth enter the gym from the door in the back parking lot of John Wesley. We start with a meal and free time, then we move to group games, have a 5-10 minute devotion and finish the time with small groups. You are welcome to invite as many friends as you want.

We have a fantastic class this year. The class meets each month usually on the 2nd Sunday from 9:30-10:45am in the youth room. The class runs from September till April. Confirmation Sunday will be May 11th.

All High School Youth who are part of the leadership team will meet after youth to discuss upcoming plans for the youth calendar. Our big project will be planning a High School Lock-In for the fall. To be a part of the team you must be in high school, attend Sunday night youth regularly, attend all leadership meetings, and assist in leading ministry at John Wesley.

A few parents are forming a small group that will meet during youth time for several weeks. The group will discuss a parenting book and plans to start on Sunday, February 2nd. Stay tuned for more details!

The leadership team is making plans to invite all youth and families to join in a fun game of flag football at James Island County Park on Sunday, February 9th, after church. Stay tuned for more details!

The Youth Ministry plans to hold its annual Souper Bowl of Caring on Sunday, February 9th. The goal is to collect at least $1 for every person attending church that day to support efforts to address food insecurity in our community.