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.


Register Here for COnfirmation 

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 - Intergenerational Bingo

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

SUMC Scholarship Application

for Graduating Seniors

The Stewartville United Methodist Church has established a scholarship fund through the Eternal Faith Fund to assist qualifying students who are attending post-secondary education. It is our hope that with the criteria we have set up, we will show the importance of bringing together a person's Christian faith and their academic studies to prepare them for a life in Christ.


One scholarship is awarded yearly for $500


Criteria:

  • The applicant must be a graduating Senior of an area high school or enrolled in a post-secondary school, and have ties to SUMC. 

Details:

  • This scholarship is being offered on a one-time basis per qualifying student.
  • All areas of the application must be completed.
  • Applications will be reviewed based on the above criteria and the information provided on the application form.
  • Application Deadline is: May 1, 2026
  • Recipient will be announced at the 9:00am worship service on Senior Sunday (May 17, 2026)
  • Applications may be reviewed by another church pastor chosen by the Finance Committee. The pastor will be anonymous.
  • Award will be issued directly to the student upon verification of attendance following the quarter/semester the scholarship was awarded. 
  • If there are no qualified recipients, no award will be granted. 


Click here to Apply for the SUMC Scholarship 


Any questions may be directed to a member of the Finance Committee. All information is confidential.

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