YAA (Youth At Aley)
At Aley UMC our students (grades 6-12) are important to us! We encourage them to discover and develop their faith and understanding of the Bible on a personal and communal level. At Aley we understand that not everyone will agree on everything, and that's OK! We encourage youth to develop and take hold of their faith as their own. Our mission in YAA is to develop a community of sacred, authentic, and shared, love value and belonging.
Weekly Gatherings
Each Wednesday night from 6:00-7:30, youth gather to have fun while deepening relationship with God and each other. A typical youth group gathering includes snacks, games, lesson, and application. We focus a lot on serving and justice within our communities. It is a great time to be with other youth in a positive and encouraging environment. We meet in the upstairs youth area behind the sanctuary (enter door 2).
We also gather for YAA on Sunday mornings, 9:40-10:20 in the upstairs youth area behind the sanctuary (enter from the narthex). We gather to look a little deeper dive into Scripture through themes that connect to what the kids and parent classes are learning about too!
Special Events
Click here for a calendar of events for YAA Fall 2024
We like to spend time together having lots of fun! We've gone bowling, had campfires, tried our hand at Escape Rooms, packed hygiene kits, gone to Young's Dairy, watched movies, and enjoyed several other fun group activities! We believe that it's important to have some fun while surrounded with good friends.
Summer Camp
SAVE THE DATE: July 14-19, 2025
Each summer youth are invited to attend Tar Hollow Church Camp. This Camp is open to all youth entering grades 7 through those who just graduated high school. College age students and adults are encouraged to volunteer as staff. Tar Hollow is a locally led camp that has been in place for over 60 years and is open to all denominations. The camp was originally founded by a church in Sidney, OH but has grown to include campers and staff from over 40 different churches. We spend a week together in fellowship, worship, learning, growing, sharing, and discovery. It is an excellent opportunity for youth to connect with God & each other.
For more information about Tar Hollow, click here.
Youth Serving in Kids' Ministry
Youth serving in Kids' ministry is awesome to see and we're grateful for every youth that signs up to help serve the kids of Aley UMC! To allow opportunity for all youth to serve, please only sign up for one nursery and/or one kids' church spot per month. If we are in need of additional serving, Susan or Pastor Abby will reach out to see if you're available for additional week(s). Please make every effort to be here on the weeks you sign up for; we're counting on you! If something comes up and you're not able to make it, please let Susan and/or Pastor Abby know as soon as possible so we can find other coverage. Youth servants will need to be safe sanctuary trained as well.
Click here to sign up (This sign up is only for youth who are signing up to serve, adults should contact Susan Grinkemeyer)
Wesley Christian Scholarship
Graduating seniors or individuals pursuing higher religious education who are active in the mission and ministry of Aley Church are eligible to apply for the Wesley Christian scholarship. This scholarship was developed in 1984 as a way to honor Wesley Christian, a faithful member of Aley Church who was always willing to help out and serve the church, and pay it forward to active youth of the church. Applying for the scholarship is not guarantee of receiving funds, all applications will be reviewed by a committee; the number and amount of scholarships awarded varies each year.
Completed Applications are due to Pastor Abby by April 15, 2024.
Any awarded scholarship(s) will be presented May 26 during Sunday morning worship.
