Youth & Young Adult News

This year, the Desert Southwest Conference is inviting us to live into a simple but powerful vision: “A Healthy Church for a Healthy World: We Are the Church Together.” One of the ways we are answering that invitation is by building stronger connections for our youth and young adults.

Let’s be honest—life is busy. School, sports, work, and family commitments often pull us in different directions. Since the pandemic, many churches have struggled to rebuild youth and young adult ministries. But we believe that our young people need more than another activity on their calendars. They need a community where they are known, encouraged, challenged, and reminded that they belong to Christ and to one another.

That’s why First UMC Gilbert is joining with other UMC congregations to create something bigger than any one congregation could do alone. Together, we’re building opportunities for young people to make friends, grow in faith, serve others, and discover that the Church is much larger than the walls of one building.

Our first opportunity is the UNA Youth Gathering on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. at First Mesa United Methodist Church. Hosted by Pastor Luis Nazario and UNA Youth Ministry, this free event brings together middle and high school students from churches across the Valley for a day of games, food, worship, and new friendships. Youth musicians from participating churches will lead worship as we celebrate the hope we have in Christ.

Then, beginning September 6, we’ll launch First Sundays—a monthly gathering for the youth of St. Matthew, First Gilbert, and Chandler UMC. Rotating among the three churches, these evenings will include fun, conversation, worship, service opportunities, and, of course, food! Our hope is that every middle and high school student will find a place where they can belong, ask honest questions, and grow as disciples of Jesus.

We’re also exploring a Young Adult Gathering that would meet at the same time and location as First Sundays. Many of our families include both youth and young adults, and we know that the need for Christian community doesn’t end with high school graduation. While youth and young adults would have their own age-appropriate discussions and activities, everyone would come together for a shared meal—a reminder that we are one community, growing together in faith while honoring the unique journeys of each stage of life.

Healthy churches don’t happen by accident. They are built through relationships, shared faith, and a commitment to walk alongside one another. That’s the vision behind these new ministries, and we hope you’ll be part of it.

If you have a middle or high school student - or if you’re a young adult looking for community - we would love to have you join us. And if you’re part of the First UMC Gilbert family, we invite you to pray for these ministries, encourage the young people in your life, and help us create a church were every generation knows they belong. Because we are the Church - together!