Youth – First Methodist Church of Waco

Love God. Love Others.

Youth (7th Grade through 12th Grade)

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

Weekly Gatherings

SUNDAYS

Main Campus (Cobbs) Sunday School |

11 am | Youth Room (2nd Floor)

Downtown Campus (Austin Ave) Sunday School |

10 am | Youth Room (1st Floor)

SUMMER BRIDGE | WEDNESDAY NIGHTS (All grades 7-12)

We will meet at the SOUTH CAMPUS (2801 Robinson Drive) on Wednesdays from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

SUMMER BRIDGE THEME NIGHTS

May 31 | Beach Night Kick-Off

June 7 | Super Hero

June 14 | Wild Wild West

June 21 | Galactic

June 28 | Thrift Night

July 5 | Team USA!

July 12 | VBS Week (No Bridge)

July 19 | Revive Camp (No Bridge)

July 26 | Christmas in July

August 2 | Camo Night

August 9 | Family Feud

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. Bring your bible, journal, a water bottle, and your friends.

Weekly Gatherings

Summer Events

Youth Summer Events

June 8 | Junior High Pool Party | 6-8 pm

June 11 - 14 | Go SHINE Local Mission Project

June 22 | High School Paddle @ Waco Paddle

July 9 - 13 | VBS Volunteer Week/Hangouts

July 16 - 20 | REVIVE Youth Camp | Camp Buckner

Summer Events

June 12-14, First Waco Youth is partnering with Middleman Ministries to provide a free Skate Camp for kids in our community ages 6-13! The event will be led by our youth program! Please share the word with someone you think would benefit from this opportunity. We can't wait to serve the next gen of our city this summer!

Youth Volunteer Sign-Up

Camp Sign-Up (ages 6-13)

Upcoming Events

Meet The Team

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 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 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 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

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 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 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 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

Willow Farrar

Baylor Grad.

Realtor.

Student Ministry Volunteer.

Willow Farrar

Student Ministry Volunteer

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