High School at Athens First is open to all students in grades 9-12. The programming opportunities below, from Wednesday night Bible study to retreats and everything in between, are designed with your High Schooler in mind!
High School at AFUMC
Student Service Week
We invite students in grades 6-12 to join us from June 22-26 for Student Service Week where we spend the week serving in Athens. We will spend the night at the church each night, serve with various ministries throughout Athens, and have a lot of fun doing it! Registration is now open. The cost for the week will be $125 and this will cover meals, mission projects, a t-shirt, and activities throughout the week.
Below you will find some of the organizations that we will be serving with a few more to be added:
North Georgia Food Bank
UMCOR Mission Hub at the North Georgia Annual Conference Office
UMCOR Hygiene Kits
Below you will find some of the fun activities that we will be doing the week with more to be added:
Funopolis and Dinner in Commerce
Top Golf and lunch in Buford
Movie Night w/ Popcorn Bar
Senior Recognition Sunday | May 4
The Senior Class of 2025 will be recognized during the 11:00 worship service on Sunday, May 4. Seniors, please RSVP by Friday, March 28, so we can make all the proper arrangements to ensure you are recognized and honored as a part of the worship service. Before the worship service, there will be a time of fellowship and recognition at our Senior Breakfast in Hancock Hall at 9:15 a.m. that morning.
True North VBS | June 2-5
True North VBS is going to be the ultimate Alaskan adventure where kids will explore the tundra learning how Jesus is a friend we can trust. Don’t miss the exciting adventure God has in store during this summer’s best week ever!
Our incredible Student Ministry Volunteers are essential to a successful VBS! Rising 7th–12th graders will team up with adult leaders to guide our young explorers, ensuring they have a fun and safe adventure.
Register at the link below by May 11
Momentum | August 16-17
It’s our second annual High School Fall Retreat and you don’t want to miss out! We are heading back to Strong Rock Camp in Cleveland, GA for this retreat! The weekend will be full of engaging worship, dynamic messages, and super fun activities as we dig into how we can keep Momentum in our faith and walk with God. It’s our second annual High School Fall Retreat and you don’t want to miss out! We are heading back to Strong Rock Camp in Cleveland, GA for this retreat! The weekend will be full of engaging worship, dynamic messages, and super fun activities as we dig into how we can keep Momentum in our faith and walk with God.
The dates of the retreat are Saturday, Aug. 16-Sunday, Aug. 17. The cost for the weekend will be $170 and this includes lodging, all meals, a t-shirt, and all activities for the weekend. This retreat is for all rising 9th-12th Grade Students.
If you register by June 1, you will receive $20 off the cost of your retreat. After June 1, registration will be full price.
You will find below the schedule for the weekend:
Saturday, August 16
8:00-8:30 am: Meet at AFUMC
10:00-10:30 am: Arrive at Strong Rock Camp in Cleveland
11:00 am: Session 1/Worship
12:30 pm: Lunch
1:30 pm-6:00 pm: Large Group Activity/Free Time/Shower
6:00 pm: Dinner
7:30 pm: Worship/Session 3
9:30 pm: Special Activity/S’mores
11:30 pm: Lights Out
Sunday, August 17
8:30 am: Breakfast/Pack Up
10:00 am: Closing Worship w/Communion 11:30: Depart for Dahlonega
Noon: Lunch in Dahlonega/Shopping in Dahlonega
1:30 pm: Gold and Gem Mining
3:00 pm: Depart for AFUMC
4:25 pm: Arrive back to AFUMC
The Elijah Project
The Elijah Project is an inter-generational prayer ministry connecting adults and youth in our congregation through consistent, expectant prayer. Students and adults partner together in prayer, rejoicing and giving thanks for the highs, and giving comfort and encouragement during the lows. This ministry blesses youth and adults alike each year.
AGAPE
Created in the Fall of 2021, the goal of AGAPE - All God's Abilities Purposefully Engaged - is to create a safe and comfortable, inclusive Christian environment for children and students of all abilities. AGAPE is continuing to grow and develop and we welcome you to be part of it!
Whether you are a parent of a child with special needs, interested in volunteering, or want to know more about this ministry, we invite you to be part of this unique, growing ministry at Athens First UMC.
