Middle School at Athens First is open to all students in grades 6-8. The programming opportunities below, from Wednesday night Bible study to retreats and everything in between, are designed with your Middle Schooler in mind!
Middle School at AFUMC
Harvest Retreat | Nov 1-2
Harvest is our fall retreat for students in grades 6-12 that takes place here in the Athens area! This is a dedicated time for fellowship and worship as we break away from our busy lives. Harvest kicks off with a Tailgate to watch the UGA/FL game! Join us for a weekend spent outdoors sleeping in tents or hammocks, time by a campfire with s’mores, worship, a message, Fall fun, and much more!
Registration for Harvest will close on Sunday, Oct. 26! However, to be guaranteed a Harvest Shirt please register by Friday, October 17!
We will also need a Student Information Form on file for your student. If you have not already submitted a form for this school year, please do so as soon as possible.
Packing List
- Tent or Hammock
- Pillow
- Sleeping Bag
- Flashlight and/or headlamp
- Toiletries
- Rain jacket/poncho
- Water Bottle
- Folding Tailgate Chair (Please have student/family name on the chair)
- Fleece, hoodie, and/or jacket
- Change of clothes for Sunday
- Medication (only enough in the original bottle)
- Please notify us at check-in if your student has brought any medications. We can hold onto that in our med bag at the retreat, or have your student(s) hold onto it and administer themselves if they are able.
Optional items:
- Sports equipment (football, kickball etc.)
- Fishing rod for fishing at the creek
Hannah Stubblefield, Director of Student Ministry |
Thanksgiving Ingathering | November 24
Thanksgiving Ingathering is a time to spread the love of Christ during a season of abundance and blessing. Last year’s Ingathering was a huge success, and we hope to serve and fellowship with even more families this year. On Monday, November 24, we will be providing a hot Thanksgiving meal in Hancock Hall for families in the Athens area! The doors will open at 5:00 p.m., and dinner will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Students and their families can serve in a number of ways. Please visit the link below for more information and to register.
Winter Retreat 2026
This retreat is happening January 16-19, and we are heading back to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This retreat is open to all 6th-12th grade students. We will stay in two cabins (girls’ cabin and boys’ cabin), cooking our meals, enjoying some Winter fun in Pigeon Forge, spending time in devotions and worship, and enjoying the nature and beauty of the Great Smokies!
The retreat costs $205 and covers lodging, a hoodie, all meals, and activities for the weekend. Registration will close on Sunday, January 4! Space is limited to the first 34 students to register, so make sure to register early!
All students who will attend this retreat will need to have a Student Information Form on file. If your student went on a trip in the fall of 2025 with us, we will not need a Student Information Form.
Confirmation 2025
Confirmation at Athens First United Methodist Church is a time of concentrated learning and reflection designed for middle schoolers. The purpose of Confirmation is to help these students confirm their faith in God. We are focused on guiding and instructing our Confirmands on the vows they are making to become professing members of the United Methodist Church. Learn more about this experience for sixth and seventh graders at the link below!
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.
