United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF)
UMYF is a community designed for students in 6th through 12th grade. We like to think of our youth community as a place to have fun, a place to belong, and a place to learn more about God and your neighbor and who you are called to be. Our goal is to share your joys and your concerns; and to be a place where you can come and feel comfortable away from the pressures you may feel in other areas of your life. We hope you’ll take advantage of these programs. They will add immeasurably to your life, and you will add immeasurably to ours.
Sunday School—9:00am
Every Sunday, we create a fun and engaging space for our youth to deepen their understanding of God’s love and the teachings of Jesus. This is where our community grows through interactive discussions, silly games, and studying scripture. Plus, there’s always cinnamon rolls. It’s a great way to center yourself in God as a new week begins.
Sunday Night Youth Group—5:00-7:00pm
On Sunday nights, we gather for food, fellowship, and community time. This is when we strengthen our relationships with each other, learn more about ourselves in community, and have FUN! On any date you might find us playing games, talking about important social and spiritual topics, worshiping, creating things, going bowling... who knows what else? You don’t want to miss out on the friends and fellowship this group has to offer you! Please bring $5 for supper.
Confirmation
Confirmation is the next step in a youth’s faith journey. During Confirmation, we learn foundational things of what we believe, what it means to be a Christian, what it means to be a United Methodist, and what it means to be a member of Bethlehem UMC. It is also a time where youth begin to take ownership of their own faith stories as they prayerfully consider the commitment they will make on Confirmation Sunday to Christ & the United Methodist Church. It is open to youth in sixth grade and seventh grade and is offered every other year. Our next class will begin in January 2027.
Harvest Fall Retreat
Harvest Retreat is an opportunity to get away from it all. It is an opportunity to slow down, unplug and experience God away from the busyness of life. Throughout the weekend youth will get to experience a number of activities, including: worship, campfires, high ropes, team building, crafts, and more, plus plenty of free time to hang out with friends.
Discovery Weekend
Discovery is a powerful weekend of renewal and spiritual formation for middle school and high school students, held at Bethlehem UMC in the winter. The model of Discovery Weekend is similar to a three-day movement like Emmaus or Chrysalis, but instead of being a conference wide event, it’s for the youth and friends of our church. Our middle school youth are placed in a position of importance as the high school youth lead and facilitate the entire weekend alongside a team of adults. Through large and small group discussions, meaningful experiences of worship and prayer, new friendships, and laughter, youth learn about the rich connection between faith and the challenges of daily life. There’s also plenty of music, games, fun and great food! Discovery isn’t just a weekend for youth; it’s a weekend for the entire church to live out the baptismal promise to create a community of love and forgiveness for our youth.
Outreach & Service
Through outreach, we share the love of God in Christ with those in need and put into action what we are learning spiritually. We partner with several organizations throughout Franklin and Nashville, including Society of St. Andrew, Second Harvest, and Room in the Inn. In addition to community partnerships, we serve at BUMC through Church Has Left the Building, Kathy’s Backpacks, College Care Packages, Rice and Beans, and more.
Summer Mission Opportunities
Mission trips are community-building events in which we put into action what we are learning spiritually. Each summer, we travel near and far to share God’s love. In the past, we have traveled to Mayfield, Kentucky; Biloxi, Mississippi, Atlanta, Georgia and Hayesville, North Carolina. Mission trips include project work, shared meals, connections with members of the community, morning and evening prayer and reflection, socializing, and fun. Through these experiences, we build friendships, create bonds with people in the communities we serve, and deepen our faith.
Volunteers—Because it takes a village!
We always need of parents to help with tasks such as serving food, driving to and from events, or serving as a chaperone. This is a great opportunity to accompany our young people as they travel on their faith journey. Your support is wanted and needed.
Fundraising
Our youth ministry hosts several fundraisers throughout the year to help students earn money for mission trips and spiritual retreats. Events like the Chili Cook-Off and Souper Bowl Sunday not only bring the congregation together in fun and fellowship but also support our young people directly. Seasonal fundraisers, such as the poinsettia and Easter lily sales, offer meaningful ways for members to contribute while celebrating special times of the year. Every dollar raised helps make life-changing trips more accessible for our young people.
Alison Bocking has served in youth ministry for more than 20 years and currently serves as the Director of Youth Ministry at Bethlehem UMC. She loves creating welcoming spaces where young people can grow in faith, build meaningful relationships, serve their neighbors and have plenty of fun along the way. Alison calls Alabama home and has lived in Nashville for 14 years. Outside of church, she enjoys live music, farmers markets, board games and spending time with her dog, Junie.
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