Young People's News & Highlights
Welcome to our resource page with information related to upcoming events, classes, opportunities, as well as college & scholarship resources for United Methodist youth and young adults
IGNITE is returning March 20-22, 2026 in Ocean City: Too many of our young people feel disconnected, unseen, and uncertain of their worth in a divided world. IGNITE 2026 responds with "Belong" - a theme that grounds youth in their identity as God’s beloved, equips them to embrace their own sacred worth, and calls them into a just and loving community with others.
"You belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” – 1 Corinthians 3:23 (CEB)
Attendees will encounter intentional worship, practical workshops, and a mission project that transforms belonging into discipleship in action. Information about joining FUMCHY youth at IGNITE is forthcoming. Stay tuned! Learn more about the event here: .www.igniteforyouth.com/
Are you exploring a call to ministry?
The Board of Ordained Ministry has shared resources for those exploring a call to ministry. Learn more here. Please email [email protected] for more information and additional guidance.
The Baltimore-Washington Conference Lay Servant Academy is dedicated to equipping leaders among the laity of the church. The Academy offers courses approved by UMC Discipleship Ministries as credit-bearing for those in the Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker, and Certified Lay Minister tracks; however, the courses are open to all. Learn more.
Connect Leadership Summit registration is open. The Connect Leadership Summit, hosted at seven locations across the Area, is designed to spark creativity and inspire lay and clergy to transform lives, churches, and communities. This year’s theme is "Living Water." In a time when many leaders are weary, systems are strained, and hope feels parched, "Living Water" invites us to return to the source, to Jesus, who offers water that quenches our deepest thirst and flows through us to nourish others. Register today.
Six young adult women ages 18-35 (one per district) will receive full sponsorship to attend the 2026 United Women in Faith Assembly, including travel and registration. Don’t miss this chance to connect, worship, and grow in leadership. Learn more. Email Kim Walker by December 31 to request to be nominated as one of the six women sponsored. Join the United Women in Faith at FUMCHY! Learn more here.
Join the BWC for our Annual Confirmation Pilgrimages on Sunday, March 8, 2026 and Saturday, April 18, 2026. You will see four historic sites and learn about your Methodist Roots. New this year: Junior Circuit Rider Program and interactive touch boxes. Please RSVP to Rev. Bonnie McCubbin. Groups are limited to 40 people from multiple churches.
"You belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.” – 1 Corinthians 3:23 (CEB)
Attendees will encounter intentional worship, practical workshops, and a mission project that transforms belonging into discipleship in action. Information about joining FUMCHY youth at IGNITE is forthcoming. Stay tuned! Learn more about the event here: .www.igniteforyouth.com/
Are you exploring a call to ministry?
The Board of Ordained Ministry has shared resources for those exploring a call to ministry. Learn more here. Please email [email protected] for more information and additional guidance.
The Baltimore-Washington Conference Lay Servant Academy is dedicated to equipping leaders among the laity of the church. The Academy offers courses approved by UMC Discipleship Ministries as credit-bearing for those in the Certified Lay Servant, Certified Lay Speaker, and Certified Lay Minister tracks; however, the courses are open to all. Learn more.
Connect Leadership Summit registration is open. The Connect Leadership Summit, hosted at seven locations across the Area, is designed to spark creativity and inspire lay and clergy to transform lives, churches, and communities. This year’s theme is "Living Water." In a time when many leaders are weary, systems are strained, and hope feels parched, "Living Water" invites us to return to the source, to Jesus, who offers water that quenches our deepest thirst and flows through us to nourish others. Register today.
Six young adult women ages 18-35 (one per district) will receive full sponsorship to attend the 2026 United Women in Faith Assembly, including travel and registration. Don’t miss this chance to connect, worship, and grow in leadership. Learn more. Email Kim Walker by December 31 to request to be nominated as one of the six women sponsored. Join the United Women in Faith at FUMCHY! Learn more here.
Join the BWC for our Annual Confirmation Pilgrimages on Sunday, March 8, 2026 and Saturday, April 18, 2026. You will see four historic sites and learn about your Methodist Roots. New this year: Junior Circuit Rider Program and interactive touch boxes. Please RSVP to Rev. Bonnie McCubbin. Groups are limited to 40 people from multiple churches.
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Trunk or Treat was a joyful success for the young people Sunday, October 26th. Thank you to all who opened their trunks to safely share treats and a bit of joy with our youth.
Thanks be to God for our Young Adults who led
Young Adult Sunday: Seeds of Hope on July 27, 2025 Elementary, Middle & High School, and Adult VBS
Closing Assembly THEY ARE AWESOME! Let's Keep Praying for and WITH THEM! |
We had an awesome Youth & Graduation Sunday on June 29, 2025 with special testimonials from high school, college, and post-baccalaureate graduates. View the service here.
Congratulations to our 2025 Confirmands and thank you to our teachers and leaders!
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UMC Scholarships & Resources
Scholarship funds are typically financial supports that do not require repayment. Different organizations have specific requirements for applying for scholarships. The following resources include scholarships, grants, and other organizations that offer support for college students.
United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
Attention students! The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation awards more than $2 million in scholarships every year to students attending UM-related schools. Higher education is possible! Visit https://umhef.org to learn more. #UMHEF #scholarships Apply by April 1, 2025 
Global Board of Higher Education and Ministry Scholarships
One major obstacle to students preparing for their calling at a college or university is a lack of financial resources. [GBHEM] is here to connect you with the resources you need to claim and flourish in your calling through higher education. Apply by March 31, 2025. 
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Other Scholarships & Resources
State of Maryland Financial Aid Grants & Scholarships
Visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission website here. 5 Places to Find Local Scholarships (from HBCU Money Guide) Here are 5 places in every neighborhood or surrounding area that offer scholarships:
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Considering College & Resources
Proverbs 1:5 "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance"
~Let the wise listen and add to their learning
We know that college "isn’t for everyone”, but knowledge is and a college or trade school education can provide an environment that fosters intellectual growth and the pursuit of knowledge. Many colleges provide a structured curriculum, expert faculty, and resources that enable students to delve deep into subjects, expanding their understanding and expertise. For those exploring college and future trades, vocations, and aspirations, consider that college encourages continuous learning and the accumulation of knowledge.
~and let the discerning get guidance
Students can be exposed to diverse perspectives, ideas, and experiences, which can challenge their assumptions, broaden their understanding of the world, and ultimately deepen their faith. Faith can increase as this exposure prayerfully leads to greater discernment. By engaging with different viewpoints and critical thinking, students develop the ability to analyze information, make informed decisions, and navigate complex situations with wisdom.
In essence, a college education provides a platform for individuals to grow in wisdom and discernment, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary for success in their personal and professional lives.
~Let the wise listen and add to their learning
We know that college "isn’t for everyone”, but knowledge is and a college or trade school education can provide an environment that fosters intellectual growth and the pursuit of knowledge. Many colleges provide a structured curriculum, expert faculty, and resources that enable students to delve deep into subjects, expanding their understanding and expertise. For those exploring college and future trades, vocations, and aspirations, consider that college encourages continuous learning and the accumulation of knowledge.
~and let the discerning get guidance
Students can be exposed to diverse perspectives, ideas, and experiences, which can challenge their assumptions, broaden their understanding of the world, and ultimately deepen their faith. Faith can increase as this exposure prayerfully leads to greater discernment. By engaging with different viewpoints and critical thinking, students develop the ability to analyze information, make informed decisions, and navigate complex situations with wisdom.
In essence, a college education provides a platform for individuals to grow in wisdom and discernment, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary for success in their personal and professional lives.
Need additional guidance on applying to college, scholarships, and more, contact us by emailing [email protected]
Title: Thankful
Date: 1894
Artist: Tanner, Henry Ossawa, 1859-1937
Notes: Henry Ossawa Tanner was the first internationally acclaimed African American artist. His art reflects the influence of the AME church, his father, and his own views on race and education. In this painting, he counters common African American stereotypes of his day, which often offensively misrepresented African Americans and their belief systems.
While many mainstream churchgoers believed the African American faith to be overly emotional and expressive, this painting stands in stark contrast to those kinds of caricatures. This piece shows an older gentleman with (perhaps) his grandson praying before a meal. In their impoverished state, they have their heads bowed in a dignified pose as they participate in a common daily ritual. It is a simple, yet effective display of two devoted subjects giving thanks for that which they do possess.
The Art Bridges Foundation owns the artwork. See https://artbridgesfoundation.org/search?instant_search%5Bquery%5D=Henry%20Tanner/
Tanner, Henry Ossawa, 1859-1937. Thankful, from Art in the Christian Tradition, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, Nashville, TN. https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=56998 [retrieved July 26, 2025]. Original source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Thankful_Poor,_1894._Henry_Ossawa_Tanner.jpg.