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.

Middle school is a time full of new experiences. New schools, different classes and opportunities, new friends and a new understanding of faith. It is also a time for students to begin to make faith their own. At UALC, there are weekly offerings for students: worship, learning about God and spending time in a small group. Throughout the year there are opportunities for students to grow faith big through retreats, service experiences and camp.

What's Coming Up?

MSM Group has begun

We super excited to begin another year of MSM (Middle School Ministry) Group. 6th-8th graders are invited to a fun, engaging evening on Wednesdays, 6:15-8:00 pm at Mill Run. Starting in January 2018, MSM Group will switch to Sunday evenings, details to come. New friends are welcome any week. Register here. Contact Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org.

Ongoing Activities and Programs

MSM (Middle School Ministry) Group — Wednesdays 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. Wednesdays, 6:15-8:00 pm at Mill Run. Starting in January 2018, MSM Group will switch to Sunday evenings. Contact Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org.

Next Step Workshops – Know and Grow Your Faith

Next Step Workshops are fundamental training sessions 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 together. Contact Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org. Here's some of the Core Workshops:

The Ten Commandments Workshop (Sixth Graders)

Learn the distinction between the Law and Gospel, the meaning of each of the Ten Commandments, their value for life today, and living in a state of forgiveness with God and others. Recommended for sixth graders and parents but older students are welcome. $7 fee. Next session is the five Sunday evenings throughout October, 6:15-8:00 pm at Mill Run. Register here. *See below.

The Lord's Prayer Workshop (Seventh Graders)

Discover why we pray by examining the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. We use the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer to learn about God’s priorities, provision, power to forgive, protection and victory. Recommended for seventh graders and parents, but sixth graders and older students are welcome. $15 fee. Next workshop is Jan. 7-28, 2018, 6:15-8:00 pm at Mill Run. Registration coming soon. *See below.

The Apostles' Creed Workshop (Eighth Graders)

Designed to clarify what it means to believe in God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Eighth graders and parents come to understand the meaning of each part of the Apostles' Creed and why it is important for Christians. Students and parents work together to write a Family Creed. Older students are welcome to attend in order to complete all classes prior to the Confirmation Capstone. $15 fee. Next workshop is April 8-29, 2018, 6:15-8:00 pm at Mill Run. Registration coming soon.. *See below.

How to Follow Jesus in Middle School

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. 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. Next worship academy is planned for spring 2018, but we are gauging participation in each season so please express your interest. Contact Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org. More info.

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. Come back here for more information Summer 2018. 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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Join a Family, Youth or Children’s Ministry team and be part of transforming lives. Many opportunities for any skill set, age or schedule. Apply here.

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.