Middle School Ministry

Lots of ways to get connected, have fun and grow faith.

We’ve designed our middle school ministries around your student’s specific phase in life. We love middle schoolers and we’d love to be your partner for pursuing real-deal discipleship. Learn how we partner with families during each phase, by downloading our age-specific phase plan for grades: Sixth, Seventh, Eighth. We recommend many Bibles and resources for students to grow in the faith—find the resources available for purchase here.

Join us with Middle School Ministry (MSM)!

We have weekly offerings for students: worship, learning about God and spending time in a small group. There are also opportunities for students to grow faith big through workshops, retreats, service experiences and camp. Check out our calendar and plan ahead for the whole year, even download a PDF to keep on your fridge. Questions? Contact Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org, 614-451-3736.

Middle School Ministry Calendar

What's Coming Up?

MSM Winter Retreat - February 15-17

A high energy event designed just for middle schoolers! This two-night weekend at the Believe conference in Cincinnati encompasses powerful worship, in-depth teaching, fellowship and tons of fun! Friday, Feb. 15, 3:30 pm through Sunday, Feb. 17, mid-morning. Cost $140 through Jan. 14; $150 Jan. 15-30. Registration closes Jan. 30. Register here. Contact Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org.

Sunday Morning Connect for Teens

Looking for a place to meet other teens from the church on Sunday mornings at Mill Run? Join us at MSM/HSM Connect. Sundays, 10:00-10:30 am, Mill Run room 2032.

Parent to Parent – February 3 at Mill Run

Parents of middle schoolers are invited to get together and discuss the joys and challenges of parenting at this stage of life. Each meeting will cover a variety of topics largely determined by parent requests. Next meeting is Sunday, Feb. 3, 4:30-5:30 pm at Mill Run. Next meeting on Apr. 7. Questions? Contact Jennifer Jerrome, jjerrome@ualc.org.

Ongoing Programs and Workshops

MSM (Middle School Ministry) Group — Sundays at Mill Run

Students will experience God through fellowship, games, worship and small group time. Students will be in the same small group all year, with the same mentor. It's is a safe place to experience God and ask questions. Everyone is welcome. Meets during the school year, Sundays, 4:30-6:30 pm at Mill Run. Register here. Contact Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org.

Next Step Workshops – Know and Grow Your Faith

Next Step Workshops are the fundamentals of following Jesus designed around a child's developmental phase of life. They prepare parents and kids to grow and live in the Christian faith. Most workshops are for parents and kids to attend together. Parents will be encouraged and equipped as the primary former of faith to take it home and live it out with their children. Here are the workshops for middle school families:

Following Jesus in Middle School

A Next Step Workshop – 1 session

Middle School can be tough. We’re here to help. In an engaging and interactive way, we’ll help you prepare for the challenges of the middle school years. You’ll also get a preview of the exciting 6-8th grade ministry of UALC! Friends are welcome, too. Offered in the late summer. Kelsey Payne,kpayne@ualc.org.

The Ten Commandments Workshop (online or live in 2020)

A Next Step Workshop - 4 online sessions available anytime
Learn the meaning of each of the Ten Commandments and their value for life today. Register here to gain access to the video sessions and other supporting materials. A staff member will be in touch to help you get the most out of this experience. This workshop is an important part of the progression towards being confirmed. This workshop will be offered live in our Middle School Ministry during the 2020-21 school year. This online format is especially helpful to students who need to catch up or prepare for confirmation. Fee: $15 per student. *See below.

The Lord's Prayer Workshop (online or live in 2019)

A Next Step Workshop - 4 online sessions available anytime
Discover why we pray and explore new methods of prayer by examining the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. Register here to gain access to the video sessions and other supporting materials. A staff member will be in touch to help you get the most out of this experience. This workshop is an important part of the progression towards being confirmed. This workshop will be offered live in our Middle School Ministry during the 2019-20 school year. This online format is especially helpful to students who need to catch up or prepare for confirmation. Fee: $15 per student. *See below.

The Apostles' Creed Workshop (6th-8th grade)

A Next Step Workshop - 4 sessions offered January 6-27, 2019
Designed to clarify what it means to believe in God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Middle school students and parents come to understand the meaning of each part of the Apostles' Creed and why it is important for Christians. Families work together to write a Family Creed. Older students are welcome to attend or work through an online version as this needs to be completed prior to the Confirmation Capstone. Offered 4:30-6:30 pm on Sundays during MSM Group from January 6-27. Fee: $15 per student. Register here. *See below. Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org.

*We've found over and over again that students make giant steps of faith by participating in our retreats, camps, and mission trips. Before being confirmed, please plan to attend at least one UALC retreat or camp and one UALC mission trip. We provide scholarships so no one has to miss out on these amazing experiences. For all workshops, contact Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org.

Worship Academy – Raising Up the Next Generation of Worship Leaders

The Academy utilizes private and semi-private lessons, band rehearsals, and Scriptural teachings to train up the next generation of worship leaders from within our congregation. The Academy is for middle and high school students who desire training in tech teams (audio/visual arts), prayer teams, or worship bands. Find the details here. Contact Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org.

Sunday Morning Experience

We believe that when students reach the middle school years, they should be in regular worship with their families, where they are connecting with the larger faith community and experiencing the Sacraments. While not offered every Sunday, Next Step Workshops (above) will be a part of the Sunday experience. Students can also grow in their faith by serving in Kids' Church at Mill Run and Lytham Road. Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org.

MSM Summer Camp

Students finishing 6th-8th grade will head out for an incredible week of outdoor fun, and growing closer to Jesus. Find more information. Contact Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org.

Tae Kwon Do

We work on developing self-defense skills and provide regular exercise in an environment that honors Jesus Christ. At Lytham Road. More information. Angie Edmonds, aedmonds@ualc.org.

Consent and Waiver Form

All parents, or guardians, of children and youth must complete the Consent and Waiver Form to participate in UALC events and programs. Fill out the simple form online here.

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What Do You Do?

We get together, play and learn; we get crazy and we get serious. We meet in small groups and big groups. We go places and do things for others and for ourselves.

Can I Come Anytime?

Of course! We really want to see you. And bring friends. If you've come before but it's been a while, not to worry. Just come back when you can.