Providing opportunities for youth 7^th – 12^th grade to explore and develop the ethical and spiritual aspects of their lives and make a positive difference in the world.

The MHUCC Youth Group is a ministry of a progressive, open and affirming church. Our diverse group includes teens from our church families, and from other churches, and youth are not involved in organized religion at all. Everyone is welcome here!

We offer several different types of events and activities, many of which are inspired and lead by youth group members.

Friday evening meetings, once a month from 6pm – 9pm: These are our largest events and typically include invited speakers and discussions on topics selected by the group, service projects, games, and dinner.

Weekend (usually Saturday) service projects: volunteering with local organizations such as the San Diego Food Bank, San Diego Canyonlands, Friends of Cats, etc.

Visits to other faith communities: last year we visited the Buddhist Temple of San Diego. For the 2024-2025 year we hope to meet with Muslim and Jewish groups.

Sunday morning meetings, every week from 10am – 11am: On three Sunday’s each month there is an opportunity to meet with the entire church community in the sanctuary and then leave the service for our own youth group program – typically a mixture of social catch-up, planning for future events, and a discussion about the Christian faith. One Sunday a month (typically the 3^rd Sunday) the youth stay in the sanctuary and contribute to the service as readers, ushers, musicians, etc.

Youth Bible Study, the other Friday evenings, 6pm – 7pm: An opportunity to explore the most influential book ever written and discuss the spiritual and ethical issues it raises.

Service trips: weekend or week-long opportunities with reputable and well-established organizations. For the 2024-2025 year we are planning a service and retreat weekend at Pilgrim Pines in October, a weekend trip to Mexico to build a home for a young family, working with Casas de Luz, in February, and a week-long 2025 summer trip to work with the Navajo Nation in Tsaile, AZ, with Sierra Service Projects. These meaningful opportunities are offered a affordable prices and scholarships are available. If our trips are oversubscribed preference is given to youth who have regularly participated other service projects.

Confirmation: for youth that decide to formally join our church we follow curriculum provided by the UCC (“Confirm not Conform”). Topic are incorporated through the year, principally during Sunday meetings. Youth choose to be confirmed in June, alternate years