"Train up a child in the way he should go; when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 22:6

Our Youth Ministry here at Gum Swamp is focused on helping our students to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  We strive to equip our students with the tools necessary to develop and defend their faith. We want to help our youth develop a hunger for learning more about God's love and His Word.  Our source for this calling is found in Hebrews 5:14 -- "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."

Our Programs

We have a variety of programs and activities for students in Grades K-12.  On Sunday mornings we have Sunday School classes for all ages from 9:30 to 10:15.  During our Morning Worship at 10:30, our children in Grades K-5 may attend our Children's Church, while all other youth worship in the sanctuary with the adults.  On Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, our youth meet in the Fellowship Hall for a Youth Service that includes music and games.  They then split into groups for age-appropriate lessons with our new G.R.O.W. program -- (Go Reach Our World).

Our Activities

With the help of our Youth Director and adult leaders our youth participate in activities such as concerts and movies, Youth Rallies with other churches, Vacation Bible School, and Summer Camp at Cragmont, among many other events. Our youth are also very active in assisting the needs of others through service projects, such as packing shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child, making Sunshine Baskets and blankets for the sick and shut-ins, and preparing and delivering Christmas stockings to the OFWB Children's Home.