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 23
Students and families are invited to join us on November 23 at 5:00 p.m. to serve and share a Thanksgiving meal with our neighbors within our Athens community. Your family has the opportunity to volunteer together this holiday season to cook a warm meal, serve our community, and make meaningful connections with our neighbors. Every year, over 100 volunteers from our Student Ministry families join us for this incredible night of service together.
Confirmation 2026
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 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 graders at the link below!
Winter Retreat 2027
Join Student Ministry the weekend of January 15-18 as we head to Chattanooga, Tennessee for our Winter Retreat. This retreat is open to all students in grades 6-12. We will stay in multiple cabins (girls’ cabin and boys’ cabin), worship, fellowship, and enjoying some Winter fun in Chattanooga enjoying the nature and beauty of the mountains.
The retreat cost is $275 and covers lodging, a sweatshirt, 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 2026 with us, we will not need a Student Information Form.
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.
