SMX // Student Ministries for Christ is one of the many ministries offered by Greensburg First United Methodist Church (www.greensburgfirst.org). The church is a mid-sized congregation and offers a traditional worship service.
The group is really set to reach you, youth in our community from Grades 7 through 12, but we are open to working with and reaching our to people of all ages. One of our primary goals is to reach all youth in the community–not just those youth who attend our church. We try to keep a very open format and welcome all who stop by.
Generally, the youth group offers the following:
* SMX // pm
Weekly large group meetings on Sunday nights from 6:00pm – 8:00pm (Room open until 9:00pm).
These evenings include games, snacks, discussions, and many other surprises. The goal of this night is to unite all youth into strong relationships with one another as well as with Jesus Christ. There are typically discussions series that span about a month in length. Every month, our weekly meetings revolve around the following central ideas:
o Fellowship – Time spent getting to know each other and just having a fun and enjoying time with friends.
o Instruction – Time spent reading and discussing scripture and how it continues to relate to our daily lives.
o Service – Time spent helping others, including those in need as well as those who just could use an extra hand.
o Hands-On – Time spent figuring out how to take our monthly theme and apply it to our daily life.
* SMX // am
Weekly Sunday School class on Sunday mornings from 8:30am – 9:30am.
These mornings are completely geared towards digging into the Bible and truly trying to discern God’s desire for us. Please come ready to enjoy some coffee, drinks, hot chocolate, or whatever you prefer as we continue to learn more about God.
* SMX // go
Regularly scheduled Service and Mission events.
A large part of SMX is our huge desire to serve others and share Christ through service both locally and globally. Check our schedule often for more details.
* SMX // fx
Regular events and discussions centered around today’s media.
This regular, ongoing discussion series dives into the effects of the media on our faith and how our faith affects the media. We are taking a look at popular movies, faith-based films, random clips, music, ads, and the radio. The purpose is to see how the media influences what we believe and how we act. Moreso, to see how the Christian community and our faith influences what is portrayed in the media.
* Jubliate
Youth dance team.
From time to time, a group of the youth practice and present a visual dance routine during Sunday-morning worship as a means to express honor and glory to God through motion. Those youth interested should contact Sheryl Morford.
* Thrive
Musical expression of worship.
The youth have a contemporary praise team that includes guitars, drums, bongos, piano, and much more. We perform and lead some of the greatest and modern Christian worship music available today. Interested in performing? Contact Brad Messner.
On a regular basis, the youth join with the adult choir and sing up-beat, contemporary worship songs during Sunday-morning worship. They also participate in a regular hand-bell choir. Please contact Fred Pershing or Jim Caffrey for details.
* Boy Scout Troop 419
Weekly meetings in the fellowship hall on Monday nights.
For the guys in youth, there is a Boy Scout Troop who regular meets and participates in activities here at the church. Please contact the church office for details.
* Monthly Fellowship Events.
Each month, we try to sponsor fellowship events where the youth can take time to get to know each other better and enjoy spending time in a positive environment. These events are very open and welcoming for friends. Some events are fun. Some are serious. But all have a relevant discussion to strengthen our youth.
I am really looking for ideas and thoughts from all of you about what SMX should become. Have an idea? Stop me at church or contact me!