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
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.
Registration Update: We are incredibly grateful for the amount of excitement around volunteering at this year's Ingathering. Registration for Ingathering volunteers is currently closed due to the number of volunteers who have expressed their interest in participating. We have limited flexibility to accommodate some volunteers, so please contact Hannah Stubblefield or Montana Hamby if you would like to register to volunteer.
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.
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.
