We are excited to begin our 3rd Annual Interfaith Youth Project!
This year's project will be different than what we've done in the past. We are looking for all interested 6th-12th graders to participate. We again are partnering with the youth from the Mohammed Webb Foundation. In the past, youth from the groups have worked together on service projects to raise money for charities. This was wonderful service and a great way to get to know each other.
This year, we tried to plan activities that would be informative, fun and allow the youth groups to spend time together without requiring any extra time or work outside of Sunday mornings. You may participate in as many weeks as you are able, so if you come 3, or 4, or all 5 times - great! The more you come, the more you will get to know the kids from Webb and the more they will get to know you. If you have participated in the Interfaith project in the past, you will see a lot of familiar faces! Parents are always welcome to come along!
Would you like to become involved in a vital part of our church community? Want to get to know Junior High Kids (your own or other people’s)? Would you like to know what our Confirmation program is all about? Here’s how you can get involved with ourt ransitioning children: Teach! Teaching Confirmation has never been so easy, fun and meaningful all at the same time.
The confirmation program is a rotation model which means that, if you sign up to teach a lesson, you would only have to prepare once and then teach the same lesson for three weeks. Please contact Nick Nicholas if you would like to find out more information or to sign up to be a teacher. We have scheduled a teacher training session on September 8 at 7pm.
Onward Bound is the name of our Confirmation Program for students in 7th and 8th grades. We feel it is important for young people to work on developing their faith in such a way that it will become a solid resource for coping with the challenges of life, during the teenage years and, ultimately, for the rest of their lives. The goal of our Junior High Ministry is to build these resources and, in the process, make Disciples for Christ.
The Onward Bound classes will be held on Wednesday evenings this year, starting on September 21. Information packets have been mailed to all member families with students in 7th & 8th grades but, if you did not receive the packet, please let Sharon Harman know. Registration will be on Wednesday, September 14 starting at 6:30pm, followed by a parent's orientation at 7pm.
Our new Chapel Choir director, Chad Goetz, is ready to meet you! The church is ready to have the choir loft full again! Summer is over! Are you ready for Chapel Choir?
We are starting a little differently than we have in the past. There will be two rehearsals before the Kick-Off dinner and registration.
First Rehearsals
The first rehearsal is set for Wednesday, August 24 the second on August 31, both at 7:00 pm. All High School students are invited to come check us out.
Kick-Off Dinner and Registration
Our annual Kick-Off dinner and registration will be on Wednesday, September 7 at 6:00 pm.
Pianist needed to company Chapel Choir (high school age youth) for Wednesday night practices, weekly Sunday church services , Christmas Concert, and spring week-long tour. (Nine-month appointment)
If you know of anyone who might be interested and has skills related to either of the following part-time positions, please contact the church office (630.968.7120) for more information or to provide a suggestion/name to contact.
First United Methodist Church of Downers Grove is seeking a Youth Choir Director to organize and manage all aspects of its renowned Chapel Choir Program. The responsibilities include but are not limited to rehearsals, the Worship Service, Christmas Concert and the Spring Break Choir tour. The successful candidate will have professional training in music/music education, experience in choral conducting and ideally experience in working with high school age youth. An experienced team of Pastors, adult leaders and church staff will both interface with and support the Chapel Choir Director in his/her musical endeavors.
Interested parties should send resumes to Ward Feste for consideration.
Incoming High School Freshman come join Pastor Greta and Deacon Nick Nicholas at 5:30pm at The Open Door for pizza and Bible study. Afterwards we will have the opportunity to help Rev. John Smoke with Wacky Wednesday.
Home stays with host families have always been an important part of Chapel Choir tours. It has also allowed us to keep tour fees reasonable and for our youth to interact with members of other congregations. Now it's our turn. On Tuesday, June 14, our church will host the Revelation Choir from Custer Road UMC in Plano, TX. We need help with dinner preparation, housing and attendance for their concert. So far, only seven families have offered beds for the nights. Please contact Don Dunham (630-968-7120 x 210) if you are willing to assist or want more details.
The saying is that everything is bigger in Texas and the Custer Road UMC Revelation Choir is a great example. The 125-member high school choir will present a concert in our sanctuary on Tuesday, June 14 and we are soliciting housing for as many of the youth and their chaperones as possible. While they are prepared to roll out sleeping bags on the gym floor and use our showers if necessary, we would like to provide homes for as many of their group as possible. Home stays have always been a memorable part of our Chapel Choir tours. Host families will need to provide breakfast on the 15th. Please check your calendar and contact Don Dunham regarding how many youth you are willing to host, if you have pets and whether you have a gender or age preference.
Monday night youth gatherings are back!
Freshman Dates
Home stays with host families have always been an important part of Chapel Choir tours. It has also allowed us to keep tour fees reasonable and for our youth to interact with members of other congregations. Now it's our turn. On Tuesday, June 14, our church will host the Revelation Choir from Custer Road UMC in Plano, TX. We need help with dinner preparation, housing and attendance for their concert. So far, only seven families have offered beds for the nights. Please contact 
