Student Ministry at Huntsville First United Methodist Church exists to introduce students to Jesus and partner with them on their faith journey. These can be fun, confusing, challenging, and rewarding times. We want to be present through it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Our ultimate goal is to create a safe environment for all students to know they belong and feel welcomed, loved, and accepted by Jesus Christ. Huntsville First Student Ministry is open to all students 6th-12th Grade.
We have a strong tradition of serving our neighbors and we strive to create a community where students may come and seek Christ during a number of activities. Through weekly Sunday school, Sunday night ministry, mission trips, retreats, and much more, we desire to help each and every individual to be encouraged and strengthened in their faith.
STAFF
Joe Vonderheide
Director of Student Ministry
256-539-5738 ext. 254 || joe@huntsvillefirst.org
My Mission is to walk with students on their path of discipleship. When I’m not with students, I’m spending time with my wife and our two dogs, Molly and Harley. We enjoy hiking on Monte Sano and spending time with our families. My favorite sports team is the Cincinnati Bengals, Who-dey!
Graham Conner
Assistant Director of Student Ministry
graham@huntsvillefirst.org
I love doing student ministry here at Huntsville First. My favorite thing about this ministry is getting to build a strong community that walks through life together. When I’m not at the church, I’m with my wife and daughter having a blast. War Eagle! and Go Braves!
GET INVOLVED
Here you will find a list of our weekly and Special Events. Scroll down and get a full picture of what our ministry has to offer.
Sunday School
10:00-10:50 am (7th grade – 12th Grade)
The design of Sunday morning is to teach our students about the Bible. We focus on a few verses of scripture and then discuss how we can apply it. Sunday mornings are set up around tables to facilitate group discussion and community.
Sunday Night
5:00-7:00 pm (6th-8th grade)
6:30-8:00 pm (9th-12th grade)
Sunday nights are the most important programming at Huntsville First for our students. During this time, we play games, worship the Lord through song, and meet with our small groups. We purposefully have created small groups, led by two adults who are walking with our students. Small groups are designed to help equip our students to grow in their faith and feel confident to live it out. We use Orange Curriculum.
Weekly High School Small Groups
(Different Times and Different places)
We purposefully have created small groups, led by two adults who are walking with our students. Small groups are designed to help equip our students to grow in their faith and feel confident to live it out. If you need a small group, please contact Joe Vonderheide.
EVENTS
Fellowship
Whether it’s a girls night at someone’s house, a trip to Top Golf or a game night at the church, throughout the year we plan small events to build community among our students.
Breakfast
During the School year, we meet for breakfast at Gibson’s BBQ, designed for students to bring their questions and concerns.
Discovery
Discovery is a spiritual formation retreat for 6th-12th grade. This retreat provides an opportunity for middle and high schoolers to learn about and experience the love of God.
Ski Trip
This weekend has become a tradition for our group and is one of our student’s favorite events! All high school students are welcome to go on this trip. We have a lot of fun skiing, spending time worshipping the Lord and growing in our faith and community.
SOS Memphis
This retreat is our summer mission trip to Memphis, Tennessee. It exists to glorify God by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ in underserved neighborhoods through home repair and leadership development.
Local Service
Our Student Ministry is dedicated
to serving our community. We have many church partners who we have teamed up with to love the brokenhearted in our city.
to serving our community. We have many church partners who we have teamed up with to love the brokenhearted in our city.