Youth of Union is a ministry where ALL are welcome. We strive to reach and welcome all students in 6th – 12th grades with the love of Jesus by meeting them where they are, loving them for who they are, and guiding them on their own faith journey. We believe that the community or “tribe” that is the church has a calling to come alongside parents/guardians and their students to help navigate both life and faith.
For more information contact Union’s Youth Director, Mr. Thomas Walsh.
Thomas Walsh
Director of Youth and Recreation Ministries
Please feel free to reach out at any time for any reason.
Email: Thomas@UnionIrmo.org
Thomas's cell phone number: 803-212-5285
Student Leadership Team:
Youth of Union's Student Leadership team acts as an advisory committee to Thomas Walsh, Director of Youth Ministries. This team is an official committee of the Church and serves in leadership roles within the Youth Ministries and throughout the Church.
Faith Formation (Sunday School):
Sunday mornings are a time where students are spit into groups based on grade to study, learn, and grow in their faith through lessons that look at what Scripture is saying and how we can apply those messages to our lives in a practical manner. There is also a component of Biblical study that aids in learning the different stories and texts from Scripture to help in creating more well-rounded and educated followers of Christ. We meet at 10am in the Underground (bottom level of Education Building next to the prayer garden).
Common Ground:
Sunday nights are a time where our focus is on one main thing: the common ground we share that is found through our identity in Christ. We strive to make sure everyone who attends our events feels welcome, seen, and loved for who they are and where they are in both their life and faith journey. We play whole-group games, share fellowship over dinner, have a brief lesson, and then go to discuss what we've heard further in small groups based on grade and gender. This is a place and space where all are truly and wholly welcomed. We begin at 5pm in the FMC Gym and wrap up at 7:15pm in the Chapel (next to the cemetery).
Youth of Union Small Group leaders are amazing adults who are committed to pouring into the lives of our students and being part of their daily and spiritual lives.
Confirmation:
Students typically begin Confirmation classes in the 6th grade but are welcome to join anytime thereafter as the Spirit guides them!
Confirmation classes run September thru April, with Rev. Faye Jones, and run in conjunction with Sunday Morning Youth Discipleship. Confirmands are encouraged to participate in all other Youth of Union activities.
Leaps of Faith Dance Team:
Leaps of Faith is a liturgical dance team that performs in worship services and is open to all 6th - 12th grade students with or without prior dance experience. Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 pm in the Sanctuary. Led by Linda Caldwell and Gloria Stansell, Leaps of Faith is a beautiful way to contribute to worship services for those who feel led to worship through movement.
Youth Basketball:
Basketball season begins in October each year and runs through February of the following year. Youth of Union Basketball offers teams for both boys and girls, grades 4th-12th. The fee to play is $25, but financial assistance is available to any who need it. No prior basketball experience is required to play. Basketball at Union is an outreach and a ministry that we value highly as a means to help young athletes grow in both their spiritual disciplines as well as their basketball skills.
Electronic waiver for every youth. (Providing permission to transport and treat minor children.)
We have a new spot for all things Youth of Union: The Band App! This app is a one-stop shop for everything: communication, events (registrations still on church center), photos, etc. Create an account using the link above.
Registration for our Fall Retreat is officially open! We can't wait to spend this special time together. Cost for students is $200. Registration closes on September 14, so be sure to sign up before the deadline. Financial assistance is available. If you need assistance or have any questions, please email Thomas here. We can't wait to see you there!
Check the link above for the most up to date information on our upcoming youth events.
Teams will range from 4th-12th grade for both girls and boys.
You don’t need to have any prior experience, just a heart to compete and learn the game! Cost for registration is $25 per player (financial assistance available if needed). Sign up on Sept. 14th by clicking the image above!
If you have any questions, please contact Thomas (here).
Join us for a Youth of Union Worship Night this Sunday, September 13 from 5-7:15pm with Salem UMC Youth!
Come worship, connect, and spend time with other students as we grow together in faith.
Archkela Lane
Assistant Director of Youth and Recreation Ministries
Please feel free to reach out at any time for any reason.
Email: Archkela@UnionIrmo.org
For youth 6th grade through 12 grade. Check out the Fall 2026 calendar with the link below! If you have any questions, please contact Jaime Dow, our Children and Youth Music Director, here. Typically they meet on Sunday evenings, 4:45-5:30pm, in the youth "Underground" space in our Education Building.
