Youth Ministry
At Stewartville UMC, we believe that our youth are incredible! We are passionate about supporting the young people in our church and community. Join as we grow together in faith, serve others and nurture our own spiritual journeys.
Serving others is a major component of the Youth Ministry Program at SUMC. Sharing God's love with our neighbors through service projects connects us to each other and our community.
Youth Ministry is Open to All in Grades 5th - 12th.
Meetings are every Wednesday from 6:30pm to 8:00pm.
They start the night out together with snack and a Mental Health moment, before splitting into smaller groups based on their grade. The 5th -7th graders meet with Anita for activities and learning, the 8th graders go with Gretchen for Confirmation, and the 9th - 12th graders go with Kristin for some high school fun.
Once a month the whole group sticks together for large group activities and services projects.
register here for youth Ministry
Confirmation
The 8th graders in Confirmation meet every Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:00pm.
This year's Confirmation class is trying out a new experience. Confirmation class teaches the fundamentals of Christianity, covering beliefs, community, scripture, and prayer. They involve the kids in discussions about their faith, scripture study, service projects and mentoring to foster spiritual growth beyond just information.
Youth Classes
All Youth Classes meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00pm, unless noted.
If school is cancelled for weather, there are no youth classes that evening.
Fifth through Eighth grade students should make every effort to attend with their mentor.
Confirmation Students
Confirmation Mentor Sunday is the 1st Sunday of each month.
Confirmation students are asked to sign up for an opportunity to help with communion.
Minimum of 2 sermon notes are required each month (viewing online is also ok!)
Holy Week: confirmation students are asked to attend/help with at least two Holy Week Services (Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter).
Service to Church & Community
Service to church and community are required during your confirmation years. We will share opportunities as they come up, and you are welcome to find others as well!
Some examples:
--Assist during Sunday School classes
--Usher on Sunday mornings
--Help in sound/video booth
--Keep Little Free Library stocked
--Food Packaging Event in Grand Meadow (leave SUMC at 6:30, return 8:30)
2025-2026 Youth Ministry Calendar
9/10/25 - Youth Orientation Meeting (All youth grades 5-12 are welcome, but especially grades 5-8!)
9/17/25 - 6:30-8:30pm - Food Packing Event (Grand Meadow) - Click here for the Permission Slip
10/1/25 - Small Groups
10/8/25 - 6:30-8:00pm - Mental Health Fair
10/22/25 - Small Groups
10/29/25 - Large Group - Halloween Celebration
11/5/25 - Small Groups
11/12/25 - Small Groups
11/19/25 - Small Groups
11/26/25 - No Classes - Happy Thanksgiving!
12/3/25 - Small Groups
12/10/25 - Small Groups
12/17/25 - Large Group - Christmas Party
12/24 & 12/31 - No Classes - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
1/7/26 - Small Groups
1/14/26 - Small Groups
1/21/26 - Small Groups
1/28/26 - Large Group
2/4/26 - Small Groups
2/11/26 - Small Groups
2/18/26 - No Classes - Ash Wednesday
2/25/26 - Large Group
3/4/26 - Small Groups
3/11/26 - Small Groups
3/18/26 - Small Groups
3/25/26 - Large Group
4/8/26 - Small Groups
4/15/26 - Small Groups
4/22/26 - Small Groups, 8th Grade Confirmation Retreat
4/26/26 - 9:00am - Youth Choral Performance - (during Worship Service)
4/29/26 - Large Group, 8th Grade Confirmation Rehearsal
5/3/26 - 9:00am - Confirmation Sunday
5/6/26 - Youth End-of-Year Potluck
Youth Leader Contact Information
*Please let us know if your student will not be in class or is in need of a ride.
Gretchen Olson - (507) 421-6118 - gretchann.olson@gmail.com
Anita Milburn - (507) 272-9627 - amilburn06@gmail.com
Kristin Gontea - (262) 354-5114 - kristin.gontea@stewartvilleumc.org
