Youth Ministry
At MABC our goal for youth ministry is relationship focused, Christ-centered, age appropriate, safe, creative and fun activities that meet the current needs of today's young people.
Sunday Schedule
Every other Sunday we offer a time for youth after the worship service that meets from noon to 2 pm--a time better suited for youth than an early morning small group! During this time we eat and fellowship together, play games, and have a devotional. Our devotionals vary from practicing stress and anxiety relieving prayers to Bible study to application for current events and situations. The youth themselves often help decide what we study and when so that it is relevant to them.
Youth Activities
In addition to bimonthly small group times, we also offer seasonal activities to foster more community and provide concentrated times together for study and experience.
Annual Fall Lock-In
* Students moving from 5th grade to 6th grade join us for their first youth group experience.
* We stay awake all night and do fun things like scavenger hunts, glow in the dark swimming, going to Whataburger and Waffle House, playing games, and more!
Fall Pumpkin Party
*The youth love to help in the pumpkin patch we host every October.
* They are involved in unloading and selling pumpkins.
* At the end of the month we have a student fall party with food, fellowship, and fall pumpkin fun!
Christmas Party
* Youth help plan an annual Christmas party.
* The past few years we have gone ice skating, had a hot chocolate bar, and exchanged white elephant gifts for a time of fun.
February Winter Retreat
* In February, by youth request, we go away to a house for a retreat.
* We experience and learn about stress and anxiety causes, triggers, and practices that help.
* We play games and fellowship together and get out in nature by kayaking, taking photographs, and spending time outdoors together.
March Progressive Dinner
On March 22 we joined with youth groups from Athens Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and Oconee St United Methodist church for a fun afternoon getting to know each other.
Summer Retreat
* During June or July we also get away together for another retreat.
* In 2025 we went to a house at Lake Hartwell and spent a week learning about the musical Hamilton and how it relates to our lives of faith.
* In 2026 all students and their families are invited to a Family Retreat at a ski lodge in Sapphire Valley, NC where we will have many opportunities to worship and play together.
For more information about any of these activities and experiences, please contact our Associate Pastor Ginny Dempsey
