5th- 8th Grade Weekly Programs
SUNDAY MORNINGS
Sunday • 9:30 am & 11:00 am
Join us in the Loft Sunday mornings at 9:30 am for Student Community, a time where we grow together in faith and friendship through Bible study, spiritual practices, serving opportunities, games, and good conversation. This is a place to belong, ask questions, and grow alongside other students who are on the same journey.
Then at 11:00 am, students attend The Well contemporary worship service together in the Chapel. Not only do we worship together, but students are invited to actively take part by reading Scripture, greeting, ushering, serving Communion, and more.
While students are together during the 9:30 hour, we invite the rest of the family to join us for worship in The Well.
Serving on Sunday
There are so many ways for students to serve and use their gifts on Sunday mornings, from greeting and ushering to serving Communion, helping with Kids’ Ministry, running A/V, reading Scripture, or leading prayer. Not sure where you’d fit best? We’d love to help you find the spot that’s just right for you.
STUDENTS MIDWEEK
Wednesday During School Year • 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Join us on Wednesday nights for Students Midweek! Together we dive into God’s Word and discover the truth of who he is and how much he loves you, connecting those truths and stories to your everyday life. We do all of this in a fun and safe environment where you can encounter Jesus and experience his love through community.
Midweek includes contemporary worship, engaging messages, small group time and discussion, games, snacks, and plenty of opportunities to serve and hang out together. It is a great time to connect and build meaningful relationships.
DROP OFF & PICK UP
Your student’s safety and comfort matter to us, which is why we have built simple, consistent check-in and pick-up procedures for both Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.
Sunday Mornings
Students check in at the station located at the top of the stairs outside the Loft. They’re welcome to check in on their own, or a parent can come up and check them in together. Afterward, students head to The Lounge to hang out until large group begins.
Wednesday Evenings – Midweek
Students come up to the Loft to play games and hang out until large group begins. Check-in isn’t required at arrival since group leaders mark attendance during small group time.
Pick Up
Once programming ends, students can be picked up by a parent in the Loft, or they’re welcome to head out on their own to meet a parent elsewhere.
5TH – 8TH GRADE EVENTS
From their first steps into Student Ministry to milestone moments of faith and unforgettable weeks of service, we’ve built a year full of opportunities for our students to grow, connect, and encounter Jesus.
5TH GRADE PREVIEW
August | Incoming 5th Graders
This exciting event is designed for both students and their parents. As students enjoy snacks, games, and get to know the Student Ministry team, parents will hear important information about this new season, including programming, upcoming events, and opportunities to partner with us. Our team wants to come alongside your family in this transition, equipping both students and parents for what’s ahead in Student Ministry.
PUMPKIN UNLOADING
September & October | All Grades & Ages
Help us unload an 18-wheeler full of pumpkins as we set up The Patch for the fall season! All ages and abilities are welcome! This is a great one for the whole family to serve together. The proceeds from Patch sales go toward missions for First Methodist Students and First Methodist Included Special Needs, helping fund Mission Week as we serve our Mansfield community in big ways!
CONFIRMATION
February – May | 6th Graders
This Milestone Program allows our 6th graders to explore the foundations of the Christian faith with peers and mentors. Students engage with the essential beliefs and practices that shape a life of faith. This spiritual formation experience includes weekly sessions and a weekend retreat designed to help students thoughtfully reflect on their beliefs and begin to take personal ownership of their faith. This program culminates with a Confirmation Service, where students affirm their response to God’s grace and proclaim faith in Christ and their baptismal covenant.
FOUNDATIONS
February – April | 8th Graders
This Milestone program gives our 8th graders an opportunity to grow deeper in faith by exploring the core beliefs and practices that shape the Christian life. Students learn how God shapes us through the means of grace and calls us to holy living, with purpose. Foundations helps students practice a faith that is real and relational, preparing them to follow Christ with a faith that is personal, practical, and rooted in God’s transforming love.
PURE ADVENTURE
Spring | 5th-12th Grade Sons & Dads
During this one-day experience, biblical wisdom meets modern life as dads and sons connect, with Christ at the center of their relationship. Against the backdrop of paintball, shooting sports, and a Barbarian Feast, fathers give sons what they need most: a holy confidence that lasts a lifetime.
5TH GRADE MISSION SQUAD
June 13 – 17, 2027 | 5th Graders
5th Grade Mission Squad is the perfect introduction to Mission Week! Students will participate in meal times and worship with the whole group while also receiving hands-on tool training, engaging in small group discussions, and taking part in exciting activities.
Each day, students will arrive on campus for breakfast, pack their lunches, and work on a service project. On Thursday, students will experience their first off-campus work site, followed by an afternoon of fun at Hawaiian Falls before joining the rest of the group for closing worship.
MISSION WEEK
June 13 – 17, 2027 | 6th – 12th Graders
Mission Week is an incredible opportunity to serve in the name of Jesus right in our community! Surrounded by love and support from our congregation, students and volunteers will make a tangible difference through construction projects and partnerships with local non-profit organizations. Each evening, we come together for worship – diving into God’s Word, lifting our voices in praise, and growing in faith. The moments between are filled with laughter, prayer, games, great food, and most importantly, encountering Jesus in powerful ways.
Throughout the week, students will journey alongside a small group, led by two dedicated adult volunteers. First Methodist Mansfield will serve as a “home base” where we will return after serving. Those who participate in Mission Week walk away with renewed identity in Christ and a passion for loving God and their neighbor. We can’t wait for you to be part of it!
See Students Events for upcoming dates and more information on these events.