youth ministries
Grace Youth Ministry (G.Y.M)
God-Centered, Youth Oriented, Mission-Focused
At Grace UMC, we don't just consider our youth a part of the church of the future, we believe they are the church NOW. All youth, grades 6th-12th are welcome at Grace Youth Ministry (G.Y.M.) to explore what it means to be a follower of Christ. Through study, mission opportunities, serving opportunities, and fellowship gatherings, youth are introduced to a deeper meaning of a Christ-centered life and how a life of faith brings the promise of hope, help, and unconditional love for a lifetime. Friends and neighbors are welcome at all G.Y.M. events!
Please contact Gaye Lynn Loufek, Youth Ministries Director, at gayelynn.loufek@peopleofgrace.org or 630-355-1748, ext. 3234 with questions or for more information.
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
Youth Faith Formation
Faith Formation on Sunday Mornings
Grace Youth Ministry (G.Y.M.) is a place where non-religious and nominally religious pre-teens and teens can come to explore what it means to live a life as a follower of Jesus Christ and have the opportunity to choose to grow and live out their faith. Everyone belongs and is welcome!
Sundays at 9:15AM to 10:15AM for Junior High (6th-8th) & Senior High (9th-12th) in Room 234
Please note: there is no class on 3/30/25, 4/6/25, and 4/20/25 for Family Worship Days.
G.Y.M. (Grace Youth Ministry) on Wednesday Evenings
A time for youth 6th-12th grades to explore what it means to be a follower of Christ. Through study, mission opportunities, serving opportunities, and fellowship gatherings, youth are introduced to a deeper meaning of a Christ-centered life and how a life of faith brings the promise of hope, help, and unconditional love for a lifetime. Friends and neighbors are welcome at all G.Y.M. events!
Midweek Recharge on Wednesday evenings in Room 234 at 6:00PM to 7:30PM
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Simple dinner provided at 6:00PM to 6:30PM
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Life Application Devotion, Fun/Silly Games, Fellowship at 6:30PM to 7:30PM
Wacky Wednesday
Food, Fun, Fellowship—great time to invite friends! Stay tuned for upcoming events!
Off-Campus Activities
Occasional off-campus activities occur. Parents are notified in advance.
G.Y.M. (Grace Youth Ministry) Upcoming Calendar
April 2 - No G.Y.M. - Spring Break
April 27 - Holy Smokes
Summer G.Y.M.
Summer Fun! Youth grades 6-12 (in fall 2025) are invited and encouraged to attend Summer G.Y.M. July 9, July 16, and July 23!
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July 9 - Mini Golf
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July 16 - Kickball
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July 23 - Summer Surprise Games
Please RSVP at peopleofgrace.org/summergym
Summer Sunday School Schedule
Summer is such a great time for recharging as a family: having quality time together, having opportunity to see God in new and countless ways, and experiencing worship together. We have provided summer Sunday school dates here, giving families the opportunity to plan special ways to grow in faith together.
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June 1 - ALL Youth are invited to help with the Suds on Sunday car wash during Sunday School
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June 8 - Family Worship
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June 15 - Sunday Funday—combined Sunday School with Children’s Ministry
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June 22 - Regular Sunday School
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June 29 - Regular Sunday School
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July 6 - Family Worship at Outdoor Worship
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July 13 - VBC Kick-off—Family Worship
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July 20 - Growing in Faith Together—Combined Sunday School with Children’s Ministry
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July 27 - Hope @ Home—No Sunday School
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August 17 - Sunday Funday—Combined Sunday School with Children’s Ministry
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August 17 - Backpack Blessing
August Sundays - In an effort to give our leaders a chance to attend the worship of their choice, have some time to rest and recharge, and allow staff and lay leaders to plan for fall, we encourage your family to worship together in August and enjoy the last days of summer. Sunday School will resume on Sunday, September 8.
All dates are subject to change. Please check back frequently for updates.
Upcoming Events
Calling ALL College Aged Students
We want to keep in touch while you are away at school, attending school locally, or entering the military or workforce. Even if we had your address last year, we want to make sure our mailing list is updated.
You never know when a package or fun piece of mail might arrive! Please visit peopleofgrace.org/college to update your information.
Holy Smokes
Register at peopleofgrace.org/holysmokes
Sunday, April 27 at 11:30AM to 1:30PM
Save the Date! Delicious bar-b-q returns to Grace on Sunday, April 27. Come enjoy a meal provided by 5Bs Catering. Two meat meals are $16.00/each; Kids Hot Dog Meal is $8.00. Orders may be placed online at peopleofgrace.org/holysmokes, by calling the church office or on Sundays between now through April 20.Questions may be directed to Gaye Lynn Loufek at gayelynn.loufek@peopleofgrace.org.
Touch-A-Truck
Register at peopleofgrace.org/trucks
Saturday, May 3 at 9:00AM to 11:30AM
All ages are invited to Touch-A-Truck on Saturday, May 3 at 9AM to Noon! Explore many trucks of all kinds! The first hour will be quiet for those who love trucks, but not the noise. Please register your attendance at peopleofgrace.org/trucks for this FREE event for all ages open to the public! We host family friendly events throughout the year and would like to keep in touch with you. You are always welcome at Grace!
Your Child is Invited to the Party!
Friday, May 9 at 6:00PM and Sunday, May 11 at 10:30AM
Our Mother’s Day weekend Spring Musical is “THE LIFE OF THE PARTY – The Story of Mary and Martha” - and will be offered on Friday, May 9 and Sunday, May 11. The stories of Mary and Martha in the gospels deal with issues that are instantly recognizable – family conflict, making time for Jesus in the midst of hectic lives, and trusting God when things get tough.
If your child/grandchild has ever been curious about being in a musical, now’s the time! They are invited to join us! For more information, contact Lynn Leitzen at lynn.leitzen@peopleofgrace.org or 630-355-1748 x3249. Otherwise, you can be part of the PARTY by clicking here to register.
Senior Celebration
Sunday, May 18 at 10:30AM
Calling ALL High School Graduating Seniors! Please join us for a special worship service honoring you and all your achievements on Sunday, May 18 at 10:30AM. Please wear your graduation gown (cap optional) and any special cords, medallions, etc. We will gather in Room 234 at 10:15AM. Please contact Gaye Lynn Loufek at gayelynn.loufek@peopleofgrace.org with questions.
Suds on Sunday Car Wash
Sunday, June 1 during all worship services
Come to worship in a dirty vehicle, leave in a clean one--YOURS, of course! Youth Summer Missions will be holding our annual car wash during worship services on Sunday, June 1 from 8:00AM to 12:00PM in the lower lot. So, drive your dirty vehicle to worship, park it in the lower lot, and we'll send you home in one that is sparkling clean (outsides only). Free will donations accepted and will benefit youth summer mission trips: Side x Side and Hope @ Home.
** Please note: the lower lot will be closed for general parking that morning. Limited handicap accessible parking will be available.
Vacation Bible Camp
July 14 to July 18 at 9:00AM to 11:30AM
Save the Date! Join us in a fun-filled adventure on the open road, taking all the kids (Travelers) on thrilling journeys to exciting destinations. Led by the Navigator and an adventurous pup Scout, kids will learn that God is always with them. Through engaging stories from the Navigators' Guide (the Bible), Travelers will delve into timeless tales of faith from the Old and New Testaments. Get ready for twists, turns, and excitement as they face new challenges and find strength in God's presence on this unforgettable trip! Watch for more details and registration coming soon!
Hope@Home
July 24 to July 27
God calls us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in many ways. July 24-27 we are called to serve in our own backyard. All who will be in 6th-8th grade in fall 2025 (and interested adults) are invited to attend a Hope @ Home informational meeting on Sunday, May 18 at 6:30PM in Room 234 at Grace. Attending the meeting does not obligate you to participate. Please contact Gaye Lynn Loufek at gayelynn.loufek@peopleofgrace.org for more information.
Confirmation
Grace UMC is excited to offer our full Confirmation Program Sunday, beginning in the fall of 2026. All 7th, 8th, and 9th grade youth are invited and encouraged to consider traveling the journey of Confirmation.
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is our response to baptism. In baptism, we recognize and celebrate God’s gifts of grace, forgiveness, and love as we are welcomed into Christ’s universal Church. During Confirmation we respond to God’s gifts, learning more about God, Jesus, the Spirit, the Bible, and the Church but also exploring how to follow Jesus and how to actually be the church as God intends.
The Confirmation Program at Grace UMC provides our youth with an opportunity to build new relationships within the church, engage in mission opportunities, study the scriptures, and explore their beliefs and doubts. Confirmation is not the end of our faith journey but just the beginning; confirmands will be introduced to resources within the church and beyond that will assist them in the lifelong journey of discipleship.
Questions may be directed to Pastor Eric at eric.blachford@peopleofgrace.org and Gaye Lynn Loufek at gayelynn.loufek@peopleofgrace.org.
