At Rapid City First UMC, we want every young person to know they are loved by God, welcomed here, and part of our church family. Our youth have opportunities to grow in faith through worship, service, missions, children’s ministry, and sharing their gifts on our Praise Team.

Our Youth Director, Hannah O’Donnell, would love to get to know your youth and help them find a place where they can connect with others, discover their gifts, and grow in their relationship with God.

Youth group for ages 5th through 12th grade regularly meet Sunday mornings at 10:00am.

Youth United is a monthly opportunity for all the UMC youth in the area to get together for worship, fellowship, and games Sunday evenings from 4:00-5:30pm.

NEXT Youth United will take place October 18 from 4:00-5:30pm

If you are interested contact Hannah O'Donnell for more info!

YOUTH GROUP

Hannah O'Donnell

Mom's Morning Out Director
Youth Coordinator

Hannah O'Donnell moved to Rapid City, South Dakota with her husband and airman, Matt in 2021. She brings a wide array of strengths with her background in working with children of all ages, multimedia communications, and years of volunteering at her hometown church in Jacksonville, Florida. As the director of our preschool age program MMO, Hannah enjoys leading the teachers and getting to build a relationship with all the kids. She welcomes military families from Box Elder, as well as other families in the area. She coordinates the youth ministry, and believes the youth are a vital part of the body of Christ. Knowing from her own experience as a challenging teenager, developing a foundation with God and being surrounded by a loving church family is important.

YOUTH AND CHILDREN SERVING IN CHURCH

FIRST SUNDAY at Rapid City First United Methodist Church Youth and children are important in the life of the church! There are many ways that they can be a part of the life of the church. On the first Sunday of each month, we encourage our elementary children and youth to choose a service job during either the 9 am or the 11 am church service. Note: We will NOT hold elementary Children’s Church on these Sundays so children can serve and encourage their peers in their service.

For a list of service opportunities, please contact Anne Torgerson at anne.torgerson@rapidcityfirst.org

OCTOBER LEARNING IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH

NURSERY – Nursery programs are offered every Sunday during the 9:00 am service. This month’s nursery theme is Jesus Loves Children. It is based on Mark 10:16 Jesus loves the children! Children will develop an awareness of the name of Jesus and associate Him with being loved. Caregivers are encouraged to pick up a copy of the Parent’s Home Page and continue exploring the learning their child has experienced at church.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH – Children’s Church is for preschool children (ages 3 – 5) and elementary children (K – Grade 4). In October we are going to celebrate the autumn season with our unit Welcome to the Pumpkin Patch! Each week we will explore the nature of God through the lens of autumn pumpkins.

October 4, God Picks Us! (1 Peter 2:9);

October 11, God Cleans Us! (1 John 1:9);

October 18, God Loves Us! (Psalm 139:12-14);

October 25, Shining for Jesus! (Matthew 5:14).

YOUTH – This fall Youth Sunday Learning will be offered from 10:00 am to 10:50 am in the downstairs youth rooms. Youth Sunday Learning is for students in grades 5 through 12. In September, we will begin studying the book Dares from Jesus – Wild Truth Bible Lessons. Our topics will be:

Don’t Wate Your Time! The truth about worry – Jesus dares us not to be anxious (October 4).

Don’t Be Foolish! The truth about wisdom – Jesus dares us to obey him (October 11).

Get Along! The truth about human relationships – Jesus dares us to get along with others (October 18).

Give Big! The truth about generosity – Jesus dares us to really give (October 25).

If you have any questions about what your children are learning on Sunday mornings or if you would like to volunteer to help with Sunday morning programs, please contact Anne Torgerson at anne.torgerson@rapidcityfirst.org.

Come play with your friends! This event is open to everyone!

We will meet in Canyon Lake Park for a Fall Scavenger Hunt. Can't attend? Pick up a copy of the Scavenger Hunt and do it as a fall family activity.

Check here or the MMO website on the day of the event for the exact meeting location in Canyon Lake Park and for inclement weather announcements.