Who We Are

Central Youth is the vibrant Youth ministry of Central and is for students in grades 6–12.
Through weekly gatherings, fun events, retreats, and service projects, we help students discover who they are in Christ and how to live that out every day.

As a Safe Sanctuaries community, we are committed to maintaining a secure and nurturing environment where all youth can thrive.

When We Gather

Sunday Mornings

Worship & Sunday School

Youth Sunday School is a weekly time for middle and high school students to explore the Bible, ask honest questions, and grow in their faith together. Classes are discussion-based and geared toward helping teens connect scripture to everyday life. Youth are also strongly encouraged to come to Worship each Sunday morning to grow in their individual faith journeys.

Sunday Evenings

Youth Group | 3:00-6:00 P.M.

Sunday Night Youth Group gatherings are a fun and meaningful time for youth to build friendships, and grow in their relationship with God. Each week includes games, snack, teaching, and small group conversation. Sunday Night Youth Group does not take place during the Summer months of June, July, and August.

Special Events

Special events like lock-ins, game nights, seasonal outings, and other church-wide events give youth a chance to have fun, connect with friends, serve the greater Church, and make lasting memories. These events are a great way to build community and invite others into the life of our youth ministry.

What to Expect

When youth walk into our youth ministry, they’ll find a welcoming space where they can be themselves, ask real questions, and build lasting friendships. Whether it's Sunday School, Sunday Night Youth, or one of our special events, we’re passionate about creating a Christ-centered environment that’s both fun and spiritually meaningful.

Faith-Focused Teaching

Each week, youth dive into the Bible in a way that’s relevant to their everyday lives. We talk about real issues teens face and explore how God speaks into all of it. Teaching is rooted in scripture and always open to discussion.

A Place to Belong and Lead

No matter where students are on their faith journey, there’s a place for them here. We also offer opportunities for students to step into leadership, serve others, and use their gift, whether that’s helping with younger kids, leading worship, planning events, or simply welcoming new faces.

Fun and Connection

We always make time for fun, ultimately because we believe joy is part of faith! Expect games, snacks, laughter, and chances to just hang out and relax. These moments help the youth form real friendships that often extend beyond the walls of the church.

Safe and Caring Adults

Our adult leaders are background-checked, faithful, and genuinely care about youth. They’re mentors, listeners, and encouragers who walk alongside teens as they grow in faith and life

Special Events

Youth Sunday

On Youth Sunday, our middle and high school students take the lead in every part of the worship service! From greeting and music to preaching and prayer. It’s a powerful day where youth share their gifts and faith with the whole congregation.

Trunk or Treat

For Trunk or Treat, our youth play a big role by hosting trunks, leading games, helping with setup and cleanup, and welcoming families. It’s a fun way for them to serve the church and connect with younger children in our community.

Consignment Sale

During the Consignment Sale, our youth assist with organizing items, helping shoppers, carrying purchases, and cleaning up after the event. Their involvement supports this important church fundraiser while teaching responsibility and service through teamwork.

Retreats

Fall Retreats

Our Fall Retreats are split between middle and high school students, offering age-specific experiences designed to help each group grow in faith and community. With worship, small groups, outdoor activities, and plenty of fun, these retreats provide a meaningful getaway where students can connect with God and each other in a deeper way. These fall retreats are also designed just for our group and do not involve other churches.

Spring Retreat - IgniteUS

Our Spring Retreat, IgniteUS, brings together middle and high school students from United Methodist churches across Western North Carolina for a powerful weekend of worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Hosted by the Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM), this retreat is fully planned and led by high school youth from the WNC Conference (including our very own Nathan and Julie), creating a unique opportunity for students to experience peer-led leadership and connect with the wider UMC youth community.

Summer Retreat - Fort Caswell

Our Summer Retreat takes place at the beach in beautiful Fort Caswell, offering students a chance to relax, recharge, and grow in their faith. With a mix of worship, small groups, beach time, and fun activities, it’s a meaningful and memorable weekend where deep friendships are formed and hearts are renewed in God’s presence. Both Middle and High schoolers attend this retreat together.

How We Serve

Central Youth actively serve throughout the life of the church, using their gifts to lead and support worship and ministry. From leading music and reading scripture to ushering, helping with communion, and participating in sacred moments like the stripping of the altar on Good Friday, our youth are faithful, visible leaders in our congregation.

Leading Worship

Our youth play an active role in worship throughout the year. From leading the entire service on Youth Sunday to participating in the solemn Good Friday stripping of the altar, they bring depth and energy to our shared worship. Many also sing or play instruments regularly in both our traditional and modern services.

Church Cleanup

Whether after events, retreats, or just a busy Sunday, our youth step in to clean, reset, and care for the church building. Their willingness to serve behind the scenes shows their love for the church and their commitment to keeping it a welcoming space for all.

Assisting with Events

Central Youth are the hands and feet behind many church events. They help run trunks and games at Trunk or Treat, organize items and assist shoppers during the Consignment Sale, and serve at churchwide meals and special gatherings. Their presence brings enthusiasm and support to every occasion.

Leaders of the Congregation

Our youth are not just the future of the church—they are leaders right now. Through their example, service, and presence, they inspire others, take initiative, and model what it means to live out faith in community.