At Bethel, youth are important! Special programs are offered which give the youth the opportunity to have fun, socialize and learn more about being a Christian.

 

UMYF

The United Methodist Youth Fellowship, for grades 6th-12th, meets each Sunday night from 5-6:00 PM. The program includes great games and activities, refreshments and a program with discussions of topics that affect youth. Our youth participate in service-oriented projects and enjoy extracurricular outings throughout the year.

 

(See “Youth Yak”- for online youth news)

 

Missions

The youth and children of Bethel are involved in various mission projects throughout the year such as food drives for Harvest Hope Food Bank, collecting, raising and sending funds to the United Methodist Children’s Ministry and the South Carolina Youth Service Fund. Each winter our youth take part in the Souper Bowl campaign against hunger. They are encouraged to take part in Homeworks, the Salkehatchie summer work camps, and collect school supplies for the Cooperative Ministry. Quarterly the youth visit retirement centers and homebound members of Bethel.

 

Puppet and Mime Ministry

The Bethel Youth have an active Puppet Ministry which they often share with the younger children during the Children Sermons on Sunday mornings. Our Hands for God mime group performs for special services and events. This unique presentation is very impressive!

 

Retreats

Bethel’s youth participate each year in the South Carolina Methodist Conference retreats. These were held at Myrtle Beach for years. This year youth from around South Carolina will meet at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, January 22-24, 2010, for the Revolution! theme featuring the Robbie Seay Band. There are also other opportunities throughout the year for retreats.

 

Youth Sunday

Each spring our youth plan and lead a morning worship service. Graduating high school seniors are recognized during this time. This is a very special worship service anticipated by everyone each year.

 

Summer Activities

During the summer months, children and youth are invited to participate in Vacation Bible

School. Asbuzy Hills United Methodist Church Camp offers many great adventures for all who

attend. Our youth are also encouraged to take part in the Salkehatchie experience and attend the

Youth Annual Conference at Wofford College.

 

Special Choirs

The Cherub Choir, composed of children 3 to 5 years of age, gives special presentations

throughout the year.

 

Other Children’s Programs and Activities

Each Sunday our children enjoy a special Children’s Sermon, and then may attend Children’s Church for the remainder of the service. A nursery is provided during the Sunday school and Church hour. Our elementary through high school children are trained as acolytes and older youth are encouraged to sing in the choir. In the fall the children attend the Fall Fling sponsored by our youth and enjoy an evening of “free” carnival games and prizes. The spring is the tune for the Spring Fling also sponsored by our youth, and the children look for Easter eggs and enjoy light refreshments.

 

Sunday School

Sunday school classes are available for all of our children and youth with loyal and loving teachers.