Students

Love God. Love Others. 

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Youth (7th Grade through 12th Grade)

SHINE IS BACK

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Who We Are

First Methodist Waco's Youth Ministry recognizes the importance of these pivotal years for our students. Middle school and high school years come with triumphs and challenges, and we want to be there for students and families at every turn. We pour Jesus into our students, provide a wholesome, safe environment, and provide strong, Christ-like mentors. Every staff and volunteer who works with you has been through our rigorous MinistrySafe process to safeguard your child's welfare. Don't try to parent a teenager alone. Youth belong here.

"We talk about Jesus. We talk about our faith. We dive into the Word. We worship joyfully. We connect with other students and amazing leaders. We share our doubts and fears. We share our joys and praises. We serve in town and around the world. We have fun-lots of fun! Through loving God and loving others, together we share His joy and hope with everyone we know."

- Rev. Hayley Shotts, Lead Youth Pastor

Who We Are

Upcoming Events

November 14th

Lead Team Meeting. 12-2 pm. We'll meet in the Youth room and will end at Alta Vista Elementary. 

November 17th

First Waco Youth invites you to our first ever Friendsgiving. We can't wait to share a meal with you during Bridge as we give focus to the things we're grateful for. Come worship with us, you won't leave hungry! 

December 12th

Lead Team meeting. 12-1:30 pm in the youth room. Lunch will be provided. 

December 15th

Christmas will be around the corner and you better believe we will be celebrating! Join us for our Bridge Christmas party. It'll be the last Bridge of the 2021!!

December 22nd

No Youth, enjoy time with your loved ones! 

December 29th 

No Youth, enjoy time with your loved ones! 

Upcoming Events

Weekly Gatherings

SUNDAYS

Main Campus (Cobbs) Sunday School |

11 am | Youth Room 2nd Floor

Downtown Campus (Austin Ave) Sunday School |

10 am | 1st Floor

 

WEDNESDAYS/MIDWEEK (All grades 7-12)

Small-Group Discipleship | 6-7 pm | Main Campus (Cobbs)| Family Life Center (FLC)

Bridge (Youth Worship) | 7-8:30 pm| Main Campus (Cobbs)| Family Life Center (FLC)

 

What is Bridge? 

This is the wildest, craziest, and best night of the entire week! Bridge is our Youth midweek worship night and it takes place every Wednesday from 7-8:30. Bring your bible, journal, a water bottle, and your friends.

Weekly Gatherings

Lead Team

We believe in the importance of empowering students to serve the kingdom of God. Lead Team is an opportunity for students to serve their church and community. We hope that through serving students will grow in love towards God and others! 

The lead team will gather once every month. We'll meet after church from 12:00-1:30 pm in the youth room, and lunch will be provided. 

Lead Team Meetings: 

December 12th

January 9th

Lead Team

SHINE 2022

SHINE will be back in its fullness! Mark your calendars for Jan. 14-16! Sign-ups will open after Thanksgiving! Check here later for more info! 

SHINE 2022

Go SHINE

Go SHINE

June 12th-16th 2022

Our in-town service week is open to all Youth students. We love our city and can't wait to serve the very community we're part of! Save these dates!

Go SHINE 2022

Meet The Team

Hayley

Rev. Hayley Shotts

"I have the best job in the world! I absolutely love getting to serve Christ's Church by ministering to teenagers. I have a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and am currently in the process of Ordination in the United Methodist Church. I have a heart for disciplining young people in what it means to be the Church and to love God's people. I am extremely close to my family and love to visit them often. Outside of church, you can catch me with friends, somewhere in the outdoors, on my kayak, behind a book, with my sewing machine, or most likely at a local ice cream shop."

Rev. Hayley Shotts

Student  Ministry Pastor

Chris

Chris Bell

"What's up, my friends? My name is Chris Bell. I have many roles in life, but the most important to me is being a Christ-follower. That perspective shapes everything I do! This fall, I started the Masters of Divinity program at Truett Seminary. I'm one of the first Wesley House students there, and it's been incredible. I love to spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoy sports and learning random facts. I have a passion for learning and teaching people about who God is and whom he calls us to be!"

Chris Bell

Associate Youth Minister

Madelyn

Madelyn DeWitt

Hi everyone! My name is Madelyn DeWitt and I will be attending youth from now on! I am a sophomore at Baylor, from Tenessee, majoring in Religious studies! I love all things outdoors, music, and meeting new people!

Madelyn DeWitt

Youth Ministry Intern

Mike

Mike and Kate Mellina

"Hi, we're the Mellina's. Kate and I have been married for 44+ years. We met in San Marcos @ Southwest Texas State (Texas State) in 1972. We have three children and eight grandchildren, soon to be nine in days. None of them are in Waco, but all are in Texas. We've been members of First Waco for 30+ years. We're both retired. Katie's hobbies include quilting and grandchildren. My hobbies are golf and bothering Kate. "

Mike and Kate Mellina

Student Ministry Volunteers

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John and Katy Griffis

"Hi! We're John and Katy Griffis. We've been blessed with three children, Preston, Vivienne, and Mitchell. Sunday mornings are the highlight of our week because we get to spend time with your kids! When we're not chasing our kids around, we enjoy a good sporting event and hanging out with our friends and family."

John and Katy Griffis

Student Ministry Volunteers

Hannah

Hannah Zimmerman

"Hi, my name is Hannah, and I am a junior at Baylor studying Political Science and History. I love playing tennis, being outside, and visiting coffee shops. I am from Louisianna, and I grew up in my church's youth group, so I'm so excited to hang out with Frist Waco Youth!"

Hannah Zimmerman

Student Ministry Intern

David

David Lopez

"Hi, I am David. I am currently a Sophomore at Baylor studying Pre-Med and German. I've gone to First Waco and its branches for about six years now, and this church has helped me grow into my faith. It has been such a blessing to give back to the church by working with the younger students as they make their way through this often confusing part of their lives. Ultimately, I want to help insure that they will be able to go out into the world and give an answer when asked what they believe and why they put their faith in Christ."

David Lopez

Student Ministry Volunteer

Darla

Darla Vinlarek

"Hi, I am Darla. I am so thankful that God led me to First Methodist. I have been a baptist for many years but feel at home here. I am a retired school counselor. I love working with the group of middle school girls on Wednesday night. They are a blessing to me."

Darla Vinlarek

Student Ministry Volunteer

Students

Delilah Brezenski

Baylor Student. 

Student Ministry Intern. 

Delilah Brezenski

Student Ministry Volunteer

Cade

Cade Kilpatrick

"Hi, my name is Cade. I'm from Waco, and I've gone to First Methodist my whole life. I love volunteering in the youth group. It's something I've wanted to do since I first joined the youth group as a student!"

Cade Kilpatrick

Student Ministry Volunteer

Students

Jamiah Ryno

Robinson High School Graduate 

Mclennan County Sheriff 

Outdoorsmen

Student Ministry Volunteer since 2019

Jamiah Ryno

Student Ministry Volunteer

Youth Photo Vault

Get Connected

Youth Parent Email
Parent Texting Service
Student Texting Service
Youth Instagram