Youth at
the LOFT
All youth (grades 6–12) are invited to be part of a welcoming community where we learn what it means to live our faith together in everyday life. Through meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and time spent in fellowship, we seek to grow closer to Christ while supporting and encouraging one another. Whether gathering for discussion, service, or simply having fun, our youth group is a place to build lasting friendships, deepen faith, and discover how God is at work in and through us. Join us for Faith Formation at the Youth Café every Sunday at 10 a.m. and check out our calendar below for more information about special events. We’d love to have you there!
GET INVOLVED
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Join us on Sunday Mornings
Join us every Sunday at 10am in the Youth Cafe for Faith Formation! Together, we seek to connect our faith to everyday life through meaningful conversations, fellowship, service, and fun as we grow closer to Christ and build lasting friendships. We’d love to have you with us!
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Youth Spring Retreat
All youth (grades 6-12) and their friends are invited to Camp Chestnut Ridge for a time of rest, relaxation, and reflection. This weekend promises to be a fun-filled opportunity for making new friends, engaging in exciting camp activities, and growing together in Christ. Learn more about the trip and register through the button below.
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End of the Year Celebration
We hope you can join us as we celebrate the end of the school year! We'll enjoy a meal, fellowship, games, and time to give thanks for all that God has done among the children, youth, and families of WMSUMC! Please RSVP by May 28.
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Mission Trip to Washington D.C.
Our Youth are going to Washington, D.C. for a week of learning, service, fellowship, and spiritual growth. We’ll partner with the UMC General Board of Church and Society to explore how to live out our faith through justice and peace. The trip includes visits to Smithsonian museums, national monuments, and a pilgrimage to the National Cathedral for a tour and worship.
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Serve at Worship
We believe youth are present-day disciples, not just future ones. It is our joy to find ways for youth to lead us in worship as acolytes, scripture readers, communion servers, and more.
STAY IN THE KNOW
Take a look through our events now and sign-up for our weekly Youth at the LOFT email updates.
PARENTS AND ADULTS
We encourage parents to play an important role in the ministry to youth because we believe no one has a greater influence on their child's spiritual formation than their parents. We want to partner with parents in ministering to their children and strive to provide excellent communication, resources, and opportunities for parents to succeed at ministering to their youth.
We require all of our volunteers to undergo training in our Safe Sanctuary practices. Volunteers must fill out a volunteer application form, submit themselves to a background check, and go through our Safe Sanctuaries training.
Meet Paul Collins, Director of Youth Ministries & Adult Discipleship
Paul was born and raised in Durban, South Africa, and was nurtured in the Anglican Church tradition but has grown to know and love the Wesleyan tradition and the United Methodist Church. He graduated with a BA in Political Science from Gordon College and received his Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Wake Forest University School of Divinity. Paul discovered his love of journeying with middle and high school students while serving as a teacher, school chaplain, youth minister, and campus minister in several different contexts.
Paul is the father of three sweet “kiddos”: Zion (15), Phoenix (12), and Leilani (9), who look forward to joining him at West Market! In his free time, Paul enjoys running, practicing yoga, and playing tennis. He also likes listening to jazz music and reading historical fiction novels. Paul is a huge fútbol fan and loves following his favorite team, Arsenal F.C. #COYG.