Our Mission
Through worship, service, outreach, and community, our mission is to encourage teens in their development of a personal relationship with God as they learn to trust His word, let Him lead, and live a life that reflects Him.
About Us
Romans 15:13 reads "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." That is also our hope for Peace Youth. The teenagers of today live in a world much different than when you and I grew up. With drugs, violence, divorce, and sexual activity being daily aspects of a teen's environment, now more than ever they need peace, stillness, and hope. The teens of our community need a place to experience the love and grace of God, and to be in a healthy, loving Christian environment. Our goal is to have an exciting, interactive, and very real ministry to the teens of south Orlando.
Through engaging worship, experiential small group discussions, crazy games, and Christian fellowship we aim for our Sunday night gathering "Encounter" to be a real and tangible experience of spiritual growth each week. We also provide weekly mid-week small group night with a coffee-house vibe called "Common Ground" for those who are serious about worship, getting deeper into the Word of God, and discovering just how relevant it is to our lives today.
But that's not all we do. We have many adventurous activities, including day events and retreats with our 4 "inner-ministry" groups - C4 (middle school boys), Braid (middle school girls), DORKs (high school girls), and SWAG (high school girls).
Each year we head out on three mission trips, a week long Spring Break trip for 4M, a week long for high schoolers in the summer, and a five day trip for middle schoolers. Our ministry provides an atmosphere of fun, fellowship, and an opportunity for spiritual growth. It is our hope that as our youth's faith grows and matures; it overflows from them and into the lives of the other teens around them.
Again, like Paul says in Romans 15:13, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." That's exactly what we are called to do as Christians, and that is our hope for this ministry. Thank you for checking out our website. If you would like any more information regarding Peace Youth or Peace United Methodist Church, feel free to email us at peaceyouth.umc@gmail.com.
Peace in Christ,
Peace Youth
Meet Our Counselor Team
Emma
Interim Director of Student Minsitries
Main Small Group & Ministry Involvement: All of them :)
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite TV/Movie: Princess Diaries 2
Hobby: Anything Disney
Favorite Bible Verse: "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." - Phillippians 4:13 and " Fear not for I am with you. Do not be afraid." - Isaiah 41:10
Favorite Thing About Peace Youth: Mission Trips and building community with one another
Heidi
Main Small Group & Ministry Involvement: 9th & 10th Grade and DORKs
Favorite Color: PURPLE
Favorite TV/Movie: This is Us and The Mandalorian
Hobby: Spending Time with Friends
Favorite Bible Verse: "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Favorite Thing About Peace Youth: THE KIDS ARE AMAZING!!! They are fun spirited people who are growing in their relationship with Christ and the people around them. I feel honored to be a part of their journey!
Vivian
Main Small Group & Ministry Involvement: Middle School Girls
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite TV/Movie: Elf, Chicago Fire
Hobby: My true loves are my family & friends and enjoying their company and my zen = yoga!
Favorite Bible Verse: "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
Favorite Thing About Peace Youth: Their energy, diversity, and passion for life! I have learned more from Youth than them from me.
Jannett
Main Small Group & Ministry Involvement: 11th & 12th Grade
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite TV/Movie: Modern Times - Charlie Chaplan
Hobby: Crochet
Favorite Bible Verse: They will wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Favorite Thing About Peace Youth: "My favorite thing about youth are the kids! They bring me joy and happiness."
Jim
Main Small Group & Ministry Involvement: Middle School Boys
Favorite Color: Dark Blue
Favorite TV/Movie: Star Wars
Hobby: Movies, Beach, Enjoying a meal with friends
Favorite Bible Verse:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." - Jeremiah 29:11
Favorite Thing About Peace Youth: The students!! Their open and honest hearts!
Jaiman
Main Small Group & Ministry Involvement: Middle School Boys
Favorite Color: Greens
Favorite TV/Movie: The Princess Bride, The Good Place, Twilight Zone
Hobby: Reading, writing, cross stitch
Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 32
Favorite Thing About Peace Youth: The Multitude of directions the conversation can take on any given night and the depth of understanding that middle schoolers are capable of. The kids show me things that I might not ever have thought of on my own.
Jon
Main Small Group & Ministry Involvement: 11th & 12th Grade, Common Ground
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite TV/Movie: House MD/The Martian
Hobby: Motorcycling and creative writing
Favorite Bible Verse: "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1
Favorite Thing About Peace Youth: Weekly Common Ground time