Youth

At First UMC Cocoa Beach, we walk alongside our middle school and high school students as they learn to follow Jesus. Our main goal is to help them experience the unconditional love of God and discover their purpose.  As we continue to rebuild post-COVID, our regular gathering is on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. Youth begin with their families in worship, and after the opening music they are dismissed to a discussion group. The time is focused on developing friendship with peers and learning how to apply principles of faith to their everyday lives. Youth remain in service the first Sunday of the month to learn the rhythms of worship and receive Holy Communion. Moving forward, we plan to add a Wednesday night youth program that will include food, games, and a devotional. 

Volunteers plan outings and events for our youth so they can continue to nurture Christian friendship and have fun. They do things like escape rooms, mini-golf, picnics on the beach, and end-of-the-year parties. We also partner with Grace UMC to do larger outings like sporting events and Christian concerts.   

We offer confirmation every year as needed with our partner church, Grace UMC. In these classes, students are given in-depth lessons about the Bible, baptism, Holy Communion, and Christian living. At the end of the program, each student is given the opportunity to make a public profession of faith, to accept the promises made on their behalf in their baptism, and to become a full member of the church. Confirmands fully engage in the life of the church through worship, service, and small groups. Students in 6th grade and higher are welcome to participate as the classes are offered.