Our Ortega Youth Ministry exists to help students love God and know God. We want our students to have a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, be bold in their beliefs, live a transformed life, and share their love and joy found in Jesus with everyone they meet. Join us!
join us
View the drop-down menu below
for more information on our weekly gatherings:

Come hang out for donuts, games, worship, scripture and fun!
Join us for Bible Study in the Youth Room from 10AM-11:30AM.
The Glaze is our Sunday morning youth service. We kick things off with hangout time and doughnuts, then move into worship, engaging activities, and a message that’s relevant .
JANUARY 4, 11, 18, 25
FEBRUARY 1, 8, 15, 22
MARCH 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Once a month epic night of fun! Invite a friend!
A fun, high energy youth night with games, hangouts, and a real-life message. Locations may vary, but the goal is always the same: connection, faith, and fun. Invite your friends!
JANUARY 25
MARCH 8
APRIL 12

Large Group Games,
A Devotional and Small Groups!
The Mix is our midweek youth night where no two Wednesdays look the same. We mix up the games, activities, and energy each week, then break out into small groups for meaningful discussion and connection.
JANUARY 7, 14, 21, 28: 6:45-8pm
FEBRUARY 4, 11, 18, 25: 6:45-8pm
MARCH 4, 11, 18, 25: 6:45-8pm
JANUARY 4:
Come to the theatre after church and watch the movie “David” Cinemark Southside @ 12:30pm
Tickets are $5 and available for entire families.
JANUARY 11:
WINTER RETREAT DEPOSIT
of $100 DUE
JANUARY 25:
ENFUEGO
5:30-7:30pm. Details TBD.
FEBRUARY 13 – 16
WINTER RETREAT!
Come with us to Camp Glisson! Ortega Youth joins forces with Crossroads UMC to put on an epic retreat. A time for students to get away from the distractions of normal life, a chance to really lean into God’s word. Surrounded by community, making memories through crazy games, team challenges and growing closer to God through worship, relevant messages and small group discussions.
Cost: $250. Don’t miss the moment.
MARCH 8:
ENFUEGO
5:30-7:30pm. Details TBD.
MARCH 29:
5TH SUNDAY
Every 5th Sunday, students attend service with their families.
MARCH 29:
EASTER EGG HUNT!
After 5pm, Details TBD, Invite a friend!
APRIL 12:
ENFUEGO
5:30-7:30pm. Details TBD.
APRIL 26:
GAME NIGHT
5:30-7:30pm.
LIFE GROUPS
We have Life Groups specifically geared for our Ortega Youth! Life Groups are a great way to find community and make a big church feel more friendly. Groups simply do life together – laughing, eating, playing games, fellowshipping, supporting each other and growing in all seasons of life. We encourage you to get connected with a Life Group to build new friendships and grow in your journey with Christ.
Life Groups and the Youth Service meet
during the school year and during the summer.
See the Youth Events Calendar for more details.
WORSHIP
Sundays 10:30AM in the Sanctuary
For more information contact the Director of Recreation & Youth Ministries:
Melissa Millican, Melissa@ortegachurch.org
YOUTH EVENTS AND RETREATS
At Ortega Youth, we love our special events and annual retreats! During the school year we attend multiple weekend retreats: Epworth By The Sea, Rock The Universe, Winter Retreat, Middle School Retreat, Confirmation Retreat and Senior’s Weekend at The Farm! In the summer, we spend a week in the woods hiking on the Appalachian Trail, participating in a mission trip where we strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus, Youth Week and more!
For more information contact the Director of Recreation & Youth Ministries:
Melissa Millican, Melissa@ortegachurch.org
ADULT LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE TEAM
We are always looking for volunteers! The first order of business is to complete an application available from the Youth Director. All volunteers are required to consent to a background check (and pass!) before working with our students. Second, look at our weekly gatherings and special events calendar and check out the volunteer opportunities available to you.
Sunday School Volunteers: Do you have a heart for helping students dig into the Word of God and encouraging them to grow in their faith? If so, we need you for our Sunday morning class!
Wednesday Night Volunteers: Wednesday nights are when our youth come together to have fun and hear a message relevant to what’s going on in their lives. Our adult counselors help in a number of ways, including facilitating small group discussions, games, setting-up/breaking down, serving on our audio/visual team and more!
Life Group Leaders: We need adult leaders for our Youth Life Groups! Life Groups are where our students come together to find community and develop authentic, godly relationships. Students learn to trust, support and pray for one another as they study scripture and discuss their everyday challenges.
Special Events: We have many special events happening throughout the year, such as the Pumpkin Patch, Trunk or Treat, Easterfest, Vacation Bible School and more! We are always looking for youth and adult helpers at these community events!
For more information contact the Director of Recreation & Youth Ministries:
Melissa Millican, Melissa@ortegachurch.org


