Youth Activities The Mission and Emphasis of Elk Grove United Methodist Youth Fellowship Our Mission Youth are an integral part of the church. The church has the responsibility to help the youth grow in Christ and become fruitful members not only of the congregation, but also of the community. Our youth can be, and many of them have been, leaders in the church now, and they are certainly our future leaders. The church has the responsibility to help the youth grow spiritually, emotionally, and socially. Benefits It provides a way for our youth to actively participate in the church. It establishes an organization where the youth can have fun and fellowship with others their own age. It teaches our youth about Christ, his church, and living as a Christian. It provides a structure around which our youth can form their value systems under Christian guidelines. It gives our youth a sense of belonging. It provides our youth with a constructive outlet for their energy and social growth needs. It provides the church with youthful insights into worship and related activities. It assists the church members in areas where there are not sufficient adult volunteers. It provides an opportunity for our youth to serve others inside and outside the church. Areas of Emphasis Youth fellowship activities are divided into three major areas.  The common thread throughout is to help our youth learn more about God and being Christians.  The three areas are: Social and fun activities Service and mission activities Bible studies and personal growth Miscellaneous Information Calendars Junior and Senior High Youth Fellowship Calendars will be e-mailed to the youth each month.  If you do not have access to e-mail, extra calendars will be available in the Sanctuary, the Church Office, and the Youth Room/Fellowship Hall.  Youth calendars are also included in the monthly Church Newsletter.  If you have an e-mail address and you are not receiving a calendar each month or if your e-mail address has changed... Please call the church office and give parent / guardian name, parent / guardian e-mail address, youth name, and youth e-mail address (or corrections). Holidays We will not have regular Junior High Youth Fellowship meetings on holiday weekends, so that families can be together.  The Senior High Youth Fellowship will meet some holiday weekends and not others.  Please check the calendar to see when we are meeting. Lunch We make every effort to see to it that the youth have lunch at all regular youth group meetings.  These meals are provided by the families of our youth.  Lunch includes beverages, food, and dessert; as well as paper plates, paper cups, and napkins.  The hosting family is responsible for set-up and clean up. Combined Youth Fellowship Activities Throughout the year, our teens are involved in many joint fellowship actives.  Some of these activities include: Snow and Ski Trip Santa Cruz Trip Crop Walk All Night Extremz Event Sleepovers/Lock-ins Fund-Raisers Talent Show Ushering on fifth Sunday of the month Acolytes Acolytes (grades 2 - 6) light altar candles, present offering plates during worship services, and assist minister as needed.  Acolytes are also responsible for a service project each year.  The children plan their meetings which include: lunch, fun activities, service, and helping with a variety of church activities throughout the year.