St. Mark's UMC Youth Ministry

St. Mark's UMC Youth Ministry www.stmarks.org

Sundays
Refuel Youth Sunday School: 9:00 am
Worship-10:30 am: Youth sit as a group in the balcony
JAM (Jesus and Me): Sunday evenings

Mondays
Youth Servant Team 6:30-8:45 pm

Tuesdays
Senior High Bible Study 7:00-7:30am

Wednesdays
6:00-7:30pm youth choir and band
7:30-8:30pm Life's Manual Bible Study

***special events TBA
***seasonal activities such as winter basketball, summer basketball, fall

volleyball, sand volleyball, coed softball

***3 out of state mission trips throughout the year and one city wide mission week in July

05/06/2026

Youth Ministry News

Tonight’s Gathering
Join us from 6:30–7:30 PM in the Youth Center as we dive into “The Greats” of Jesus.

Cookout – May 13
🍔 Meal at 5:15 PM
🎤 Karaoke & games begin at 6:15 PM — come ready to have fun!

Mission Trip Meeting – May 13
🕖 7:45–8:15 PM in the Upper Fellowship Hall
We’ll cover final details for our trip to Atlanta (May 30–June 7), complete permission forms, and collect payments.
💲 Total cost: $250

Serve at Matt Talbot – May 19
🕔 5:00–7:00 PM
Sign up today by texting Pastor Jay at 402-202-0759

We’re so thankful for each of you!

02/27/2026

🎉 The Amazing Pizza Machine

Join us on Sunday, March 8th in the Youth Center! We will depart the church at 11:45 a.m. for lunch and fun at The Amazing Pizza Machine.

Enjoy delicious food and 90 minutes of play and joy!

Cost: $10 per person
(Includes travel, food, and 90 minutes of play.)

If you need financial assistance, please contact Pastor Jay by text at 402-202-0759.

RSVP by Wednesday, March 8th at 7:30 p.m.
Sign up today using the link below:
https://stmarksumclincoln.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/6c1a4df9-c48a-4829-861b-075bc4d9f2e8

✈️ Summer Mission Trip Meeting

Wednesday, March 18th
6:00–6:30 p.m.
Youth Center

This year’s mission trip will take place May 30th–June 7th in Atlanta.

At the meeting, we’ll share details about:

Trip cost

Service projects

Faith formation experiences

Fellowship opportunities

We encourage you to invite a friend (or two!) to attend the meeting — and hopefully join us on the trip!

✝️ Confirmation Sunday

Sunday, April 26th
9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Worship Services

We will celebrate our confirmation students and their families as they publicly affirm their understanding and acceptance of Christ as Lord.

🎓 High School & Post–High School Graduate Recognition

Sunday, May 3rd
10:30 a.m. Worship Service

We will recognize our amazing senior class graduating from high school and others completing post–high school programs.

If you would like to be part of this recognition, please email Pastor Jay Stewart at [email protected]

01/30/2026

Please join us this Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in the Youth Center. We’ll connect together and then head to the balcony to worship as a group.

Pastor Jeff is beginning a new sermon series titled “Most Excellent Love,” preaching from 1 Corinthians 13:1–3. If you prefer to sit with your family during worship, we highly encourage that!

Following worship, please join us for Faith at the Table from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in the Youth Center. We’ll share a meal, reflect on Pastor Jeff’s sermon, and connect with one another by sharing how life has been going.

Do All the Good You Can
Join us on Tuesday, February 3, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. as we serve and meet the needs of our community. Meet In Youth Center.

Lincoln Stars Game Night 🏒
📅 Friday, February 6
⏰ Game Time: 7:05 p.m.
🍕 Meet at church: 6:00 p.m. (pizza and prayer before we head out)
💵 Cost: $10
(Bring extra money if you’d like concessions or souvenirs.)
📲 RSVP by February 4
Text Pastor Jay at 402-202-0759

We look forward to connecting with you all!

With peace and love,
Pastor Jay
On behalf of the Youth Ministry Team

01/27/2026

Youth Ministry Update for week of January 27th, 2026

Special thanks to Mike Osborne for being our first speaker at “Storytellers: Where Faith Guides Life” this past Sunday night. Mike shared some great stories and wisdom to our youth and other adults from the church. Our next “Storytellers: Where Faith Guides Life”will be Sunday February 22nd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Storyteller for February will be announced soon!
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Please join us this Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Youth Center as we connect with one another through fellowship, food, and faith discussion. This week we are going to discuss the importance of serving for God, following Coach Tom Osbornes sermon about the importance of service.
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Our emphasis for 2026 is to provide both youth and adult leaders with more opportunities to lead the faith. This includes teaching, helping to plan events, shaping Bible lessons, and more. The words often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi remind us, “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” Our Youth Ministry leadership team wholeheartedly agrees with this sentiment, while also affirming that faith is proclaimed through words, as noted in Matthew 13:9. One of the ways that youth can help learn and grow in leadership is by helping with Youth Worship Weekend! Please see details directly below.

Youth Worship Weekend! February 15th
• A great opportunity to give back to our community while growing in faith.
• Youth and parents are needed to usher and greet.
• Some youths are also invited to read Scripture, lead a prayer, and share a testimony.
• We hope to have at least two students share a testimony at:
o Saturday Chapel
o Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
• If interested in sharing your faith story Or signing up to usher and greet, please see link below:
stmarksumclincoln.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/66bd6eee-dc25-4b09-898d-974a902dde2e
If you are experiencing sadness, here are a few scriptures that have been especially meaningful in my own faith journey. I pray they speak to your heart as they have to mine:
• Psalm 34.18
• Psalm 147.13
• Isaiah 41.10
We look forward to seeing you and your family at church.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jay
on behalf of the Youth Ministry Team

01/22/2026

Please join us this Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in the Youth Center as we connect with one another through fellowship, food, and faith discussion. Last Sunday’s discussion about The Lord’s Table the young people were truly engaged with talking about and asking questions that we were unable to talk about Baptism. So, this week’s topic will be Baptism.

Please also join us this Sunday from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Youth Center, we will gather for “Storytellers: Where Faith Meets Life.” This month’s speaker is Mike Osborne. During this time, youth will also be given space to reflect on their own lives, identify areas for growth, and collaborate with one another as we envision future youth ministry connections at our church. A faith that grows is a faith that shares.

Lastly, Youth Weekend Worship is February 14th and February 15th. Youth and their families will help lead by ushering and greeting. Plus, we need youth to give their faith story at Saturday 5:00 p.m. worship service and also on Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 am. Sign ups will be up in Youth Center this Sunday!

Thankful for you all

Pastor Jay on behalf of the Youth Ministry Team

01/20/2026

This weekend was filled with countless blessings for our Youth Ministry. We shared in meaningful discussions around John Wesley’s beliefs and understanding of the Sacraments. Communion was served by youth to youth during both worship hours, which was deeply moving.

During the 10:30 a.m. hour, young people led small groups while an adult leader was present in each group. Witnessing how our youth led with thoughtfulness, courage, and faith gave me great hope—not only for the future, but for the present as well.

Our emphasis for 2026 is to provide both youth and adult leaders with more opportunities to lead the faith. This includes teaching, helping to plan events, shaping Bible lessons, and more. The words often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi remind us, “Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.” Our Youth Ministry leadership team wholeheartedly agrees with this sentiment, while also affirming that faith is proclaimed through words, as noted in Matthew 13:9.

With that in mind, every fourth Sunday of the month from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Youth Center, we will gather for “Storytellers: Where Faith Meets Life.” This month’s speaker—happening this Sunday—is Mike Osborne. During this time, youth will also be given space to reflect on their own lives, identify areas for growth, and collaborate with one another as we envision future youth ministry connections at our church. A faith that grows is a faith that shares.

Celebration Time:
Over the weekend at Make a Meal + Share a Meal, our youth prepared more than 50 sack lunches that were delivered to The People’s City Mission. The mission expressed deep gratitude for the generosity and compassion shown by our young people.

This Wednesday, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. in the Youth Center, youth and adult leaders will continue discussing Pastor Jeff’s current sermon series, focusing on the theme “Stay in Love with God.”

If you are experiencing weariness, here are a few scriptures that have been especially meaningful in my own faith journey. I pray they speak to your heart as they have to mine:

• Matthew 11:28–30
• Isaiah 40:29–31
• Galatians 6:9

We look forward to seeing you and your family at church.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Jay
on behalf of the Youth Ministry Team

01/16/2026

Youth Ministry This Weekend and Beyond.

This Sunday, January 18, please join us at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. in the Youth Center as we continue learning about faith through the lens of John Wesley. This week, we will learn more about—and discuss together—the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion.

Following worship, we invite you to stay from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as we Make a Meal + Share a Meal in the Youth Center. During this time, we will prepare meals for people in need, share a meal together, and spend time in devotion and prayer.

Next Sunday, January 25, please join us for Storytellers: Where Faith Meets Life from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Youth Center. Our storyteller will be Mike Osborne, who has been incredibly faithful in leading people—especially young people—to faith through his work as an entrepreneur and Sunday school teacher. Mike has a deep love for God and a wealth of wisdom to share. Dinner will be provided, along with time for fellowship.

Do All the Good You Can at Mat Talbot
Join us on Tuesday, January 20, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. as we serve at Mat Talbot. You can sign up using the QR code on the office door in the Youth Center or online at:
stmarksumclincoln.shelbynextchms.com/external/form/43f1d0f6-f6f1-4a4e-9535-4ef4dea5fb51

We are looking forward to growing in faith together with you all.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Jay
on behalf of the Youth Ministry Team

Youth Ministry the Weekend of January 18th Sunday Morning Youth Ministry9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.Youth CenterAs we begin 20...
01/09/2026

Youth Ministry the Weekend of January 18th

Sunday Morning Youth Ministry
9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
Youth Center

As we begin 2026, our youth will explore what we as United Methodists understand about Grace (January 11), the Sacraments (January 18), and the Means of Grace (January 25). Our discussions will be grounded in Scripture and paired with time to connect through play and food.

On January 11, near the end of the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services, we will go to the Sanctuary to remember our baptism on “The Baptism of Our Lord” Sunday. This will be a meaningful and interactive experience as we reflect on our baptism together.

Sunday Evening Youth Ministry
Sunday, January 11 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.

Please join us as we kick off Sunday evenings for 2026 with a time of fellowship and growth in our faith. We will meet at church at 6:00 p.m. and then head to Prehistoric Putt Lincoln to connect, play, and laugh together. We plan to play two rounds of mini golf, and dinner will be provided.

Cost: $10
If financial assistance is needed, please text Pastor Jay at 402-202-0759.

At every youth ministry gathering, we will spend time in devotional reading and prayer. Friends are always welcome—please invite them!

God bless,
Pastor Jay
On behalf of the Youth Ministry Team

01/06/2026

This Wednesday at Youth Ministry

I pray that your 2026 is off to a wonderful start—filled with peace, purpose, joy, laughter, and above all, love!

Here’s what’s happening this Wednesday:

Dinner / St. Mark’s Artistic Kids: 5:15 PM

Worship (Chapel): 6:00 PM

Youth Ministry: “Be Still and Know” 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Join us in the Youth Center as we connect with one another through fun activities, small groups, food, and fellowship! This week, we’ll be diving into Pastor Jeff’s sermon series, “Three Simple Rules,” focusing on “Do No Harm.”

We can’t wait to see you and continue growing together in Christ!

With gratitude,
Pastor Jay on behalf of the Youth Ministry Team

01/02/2026

Youth Ministry This Weekend!

This week in Sunday School:
“Three Simple Rules for the New Year”
Rule #1: Do No Harm — loving God, others, and ourselves (yes, even when we mess up).

We will meet in Youth Center briefly at 9 am and 10:30 am on Sunday and then sit with one another in the Sanctuary to worship!

+Confirmation starts back up Sunday, January 11th.

Wednesday Nights are back starting January 7!
Join us for a midweek reset filled with food, faith, and fellowship:
• Dinner: 5:15 PM
• Worship: 6:00 PM (Chapel)
• Groups: 6:30 PM (Youth Center)

Peace and Love,

Pastor J on behalf of youth team

12/19/2025

Seven Days to Bethlehem

Here are some readings, reflection questions, and prayers you can enjoy on your own—or even better, share together with your loved ones.

Day 1 (December 19th) Hope Promised (Isaiah 9:2, 6–7)
Reflection Question:
Where do I need God’s light and hope in my life right now?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being my Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. Shine Your light into my life and help me trust in Your promises. Amen.
________________________________________
Day 2 (December 20th) – The Promised Savior (Micah 5:2)
Reflection Question:
How does God use small or unexpected things to accomplish His plans?
Prayer:
God, thank You for keeping Your promises, even when I don’t see the whole plan. Help me trust You in every situation. Amen.
________________________________________
Day 3 (December 21st) God With Us (Isaiah 7:14)
Reflection Question:
What does it mean to me that God is always with me?
Prayer:
Immanuel, thank You for being with me in every moment—happy, hard, and ordinary. Help me remember I am never alone. Amen.
________________________________________
Day 4 (December 22nd) The Angel’s Message (Luke 1:26–38)
Reflection Question:
How can I respond to God with faith, like Mary did?
Prayer:
Lord, give me a willing heart to say “yes” to You, even when I don’t fully understand. Help me trust Your plans. Amen.
________________________________________
Day 5 (December 23rd) Mary’s Praise (Luke 1:46–55)
Reflection Question:
What are three things I can thank God for today?
Prayer:
God, my soul praises You. Thank You for Your love, mercy, and faithfulness in my life. Help me live with gratitude. Amen.
________________________________________
Day 6 (December 24th) The Birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1–7)
Reflection Question:
Why do you think Jesus came in such a humble way?
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for coming into the world for me. Help me make room in my heart for You, not just at Christmas, but every day. Amen.
________________________________________
Day 7 (December 25th) Good News of Great Joy (Luke 2:8–20)
Reflection Question:
How can I share the joy of Jesus with others?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of great joy through Jesus. Help me share Your love and peace with everyone I meet. Amen.

Address

8550 Pioneers Boulevard
Lincoln, NE
68520

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