Christ United Methodist Church logo
Two teen girls stand next to each other outside during Christ UMC's All-Church Retreat at Beersheba Springs Assembly in Tennessee.

ORBIT YOUTH MINISTRY

God, help everything we do revolve around you!

Welcome to Orbit Youth, where we strive to live out our motto every day. Here, you’ll find a variety of students, grades seven through twelve. We have athletes, band members, debate club members, LaCrosse players, theater stars, and Chick fil-A team members. No matter what your interests, everyone is welcome and there are plenty of ways to plug in during the week. We hope you can join us!

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

We are called to make our churches safe places from abuse for our children, youth, and other vulnerable persons. Christ UMC, with the help of Davis House Advocacy Center, provides comprehensive and mandatory training for all volunteers and staff that work with children and youth. Volunteers are also required to have a background check completed. Please click below for a copy of our current policy. If you have questions, please contact Paul Bonner at paul@christumcfranklin.org.

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

 

We are called to make our churches safe places from abuse for our children, youth, and other vulnerable persons. All volunteers that work with children and youth are required to attend training on safe sanctuaries and have a background check completed. Please click below for a copy of our current Safe Sanctuary Policy. If you have questions, contact Paul Bonner at paul@christumcfranklin.org.

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

God, help everything we do revolve around you!

Welcome to Orbit Youth, where we strive to live out our motto, above, every day. Here, you’ll find a variety of students, grades seven through twelve. We have athletes, band members, debate club members, LaCrosse players, theater stars, and Chick fil-A team members. No matter what your interests, everyone is welcome and there are plenty of ways to plug in during the week. We hope you can join us!

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

We are called to make our churches safe places from abuse for our children, youth, and other vulnerable persons. Christ UMC, with the help of Davis House Advocacy Center, provides comprehensive and mandatory training for all volunteers and staff that work with children and youth. Volunteers are also required to have a background check completed. Please click below for a copy of our current policy. If you have questions, please contact Paul Bonner at paul@christumcfranklin.org.

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

 

We are called to make our churches safe places from abuse for our children, youth, and other vulnerable persons. All volunteers that work with children and youth are required to attend training on safe sanctuaries and have a background check completed. Please click below for a copy of our current Safe Sanctuary Policy. If you have questions, contact Paul Bonner at paul@christumcfranklin.org.

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

God, help everything we do revolve around you!

Welcome to Orbit Youth, where we strive to live out our motto every day. Here, you’ll find a variety of students, grades seven through twelve. We have athletes, band members, debate club members, theater stars, and Chick fil-A team members. No matter what your interests, everyone is welcome and there are plenty of ways to plug in during the week. We hope you can join us!

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

We are called to make our churches safe places from abuse for our children, youth, and other vulnerable persons. All volunteers that work with children and youth are required to attend training on safe sanctuaries and have a background check completed. Please click below for a copy of our current Safe Sanctuary Policy. Contact Paul Bonner at paul@christumcfranklin.org with questions.

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY

We are called to make our churches safe places from abuse for our children, youth, and other vulnerable persons. Christ UMC, with the help of Davis House Advocacy Center, provides comprehensive and mandatory training for all volunteers and staff that work with children and youth. Volunteers are also required to have a background check completed. Please click below for a copy of our current policy. If you have questions, please contact Paul Bonner at paul@christumcfranklin.org.

SAFE SANCTUARY POLICY
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WEEKLY FELLOWSHIP

SUNDAY MORNINGS

Upstairs Youth Classroom  •  9:15am

 

Youth Sunday School is a place for students to build friendships, ask honest questions, and grow in faith together. Through conversation, scripture, and shared experiences, young people are encouraged to discover how God is present in everyday life.

Teens sit in a circle in the Youth classroom on Sunday morning at Christ UMC in Franklin, TN.

JOYFUL NOISE YOUTH CHOIR

Choir Room  •  Sundays at 4:30pm

 

Our youth choir participates in a variety of worship services and an annual choir tour. During the school year, the rehearsal schedule follows the Orbit Youth schedule. For more information, contact Rev. Anne Hook at anne@christumcfranklin.org.

SUNDAY EVENING YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship Hall/Small Sanctuary  •  5:30pm

 

Youth Fellowship begins at 5:30pm during the school year, with a slightly different schedule in the summer months. We typically have a meal, large group time, small group breakouts, and always a fun game or two. Check the youth calendar below to see which Sundays we meet.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS

Fellowship Hall/Small Sanctuary  •  5:30pm

 

We offer short-term interest groups and bible studies throughout the school year, as well as a monthly service opportunity. Check the youth calendar below for our next service night. We will likely have other mid-week activities on the calendar. During the summer, we offer regular Wednesday night gatherings as well. 

WEEKLY FELLOWSHIP

SUNDAY MORNINGS

Upstairs Youth Classroom  •  9:15am

 

Youth Sunday School is a place for students to build friendships, ask honest questions, and grow in faith together. Through conversation, scripture, and shared experiences, young people are encouraged to discover how God is present in everyday life.

Teens sit in a circle in the Youth classroom on Sunday morning at Christ UMC in Franklin, TN.

JOYFUL NOISE YOUTH CHOIR

Choir Room  •  Sundays at 4:30pm

 

Our youth choir participates in a variety of worship services and an annual choir tour. During the school year, the rehearsal schedule follows the Orbit Youth schedule. For more information, contact Rev. Anne Hook at anne@christumcfranklin.org.

SUNDAY EVENING YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship Hall/Small Sanctuary  •  5:30pm

 

Youth Fellowship usually begins at 5:30pm, but times change during the summer. We typically have a meal, large group time, small group breakouts, and always a fun game or two. Check the youth calendar below to see which Sundays we meet.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS

Fellowship Hall/Small Sanctuary  •  5:30pm

 

We offer short-term interest groups and bible studies throughout the school year, as well as a monthly service opportunity. Check the youth calendar below for our next service night. We will likely have other mid-week activities on the calendar. During the summer, we offer regular Wednesday night gatherings as well. 

WEEKLY FELLOWSHIP

SUNDAY MORNINGS

Upstairs Youth Classroom  •  9:15am

 

Youth Sunday School is a place for students to build friendships, ask honest questions, and grow in faith together. Through conversation, scripture, and shared experiences, young people are encouraged to discover how God is present in everyday life.

Teens sit in a circle in the Youth classroom on Sunday morning at Christ UMC in Franklin, TN.

JOYFUL NOISE YOUTH CHOIR

Choir Room  •  Sundays at 4:30pm

 

Our youth choir participates in a variety of worship services and an annual choir tour. During the school year, the rehearsal schedule follows the Orbit Youth schedule. For more information, contact Rev. Anne Hook at anne@christumcfranklin.org.

SUNDAY EVENING

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship Hall/Small Sanctuary  •  5:30pm

 

Youth Fellowship usually begins at 5:30pm, but times change during the summer. We typically have a meal, large group time, small group breakouts, and always a fun game or two. Check the youth calendar below to see which Sundays we meet.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS

Fellowship Hall/Small Sanctuary  •  5:30pm

 

We offer short-term interest groups and bible studies throughout the school year, as well as a monthly service opportunity. Check the youth calendar below for our next service night. We will likely have other mid-week activities on the calendar. During the summer, we offer regular Wednesday night gatherings as well. 

CURRENT FALL-SPRING YOUTH CALENDAR
CURRENT SUMMER YOUTH CALENDAR

ANNUAL TRIPS 

Five teens give the hand signal for love while wearing gear after doing a zipline tour during their Costa Rica youth trip.
Teen boy riding the Zipline while on a mission trip to Costa Rica.
Teen girl stands and paints on a ladder at a local school they worked on in Costa Rica.
Teens pose in front of mural at the school they helped work on during their youth mission trip to Costa Rica.

SUMMER TRIP

Our youth have the opportunity to participate in various local, regional, and international service, immersion, and mystery trips. Previous destinations have included Camp Barnabas (Purdy, MO) and Mountain T.O.P (Grundy County, TN), to name a few. In the summer of 2026, they visited Costa Rica  with Strong Missions and hope to return every two years. 

Christ UMC's Youth Minister, Paul, and a teen dance during a silent disco during a youth winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, Tennessee.
Five teen girls take a break outdoors during the silent disco at a youth winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly.
Silent disco full of colorful lights and dancing teens during the winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, Tennessee.
Large group of teens and adult travelers split into small groups for discussion during winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, Tennessee.

WINTER RETREAT

Each January, our youth gather for a special time at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, TN, to reflect and deepen connections with each other and with God through focused curriculum, activities, and worship. This is always a favorite event for our youth.

Christ UMC's youth choir poses for group shot in front of the organ of a church they visited on a Joyful Noise Tour.
Christ UMC's youth choir sings for seniors at a retirement home during a Joyful Noise Tour.
Christ UMC's Youth Choir poses for a group shot with their Director on a Joyful Noise Tour.
Christ UMC's Youth Choir rehearsing before Sunday morning worship after their return from their Joyful Noise Tour.

JOYFUL NOISE TOURS

Our youth choir takes an annual regional summer trip, spreading God’s love and hope through music to children in need, senior citizens, and the unhoused. Upon return, they share their music and witness at a Homecoming concert for the Christ UMC congregation. Previous tour destinations have included Dallas, Asheville, and Chicago. We plan to tour the Lake Tahoe area in 2027.

ANNUAL TRIPS 

Five teens give the hand signal for love while wearing gear after doing a zipline tour during their Costa Rica youth trip.
Teen boy riding the Zipline while on a mission trip to Costa Rica.
Teen girl stands and paints on a ladder at a local school they worked on in Costa Rica.
Teens pose in front of mural at the school they helped work on during their youth mission trip to Costa Rica.

SUMMER TRIP

Our youth have the opportunity to participate in various local, regional, and international service, immersion, and mystery trips. Previous destinations have included Camp Barnabas (Purdy, MO) and Mountain T.O.P (Grundy County, TN), to name a few. In the summer of 2026, they visited Costa Rica with Strong Missions and hope to return every two years. 

Christ UMC's Youth Minister, Paul, and a teen dance during a silent disco during a youth winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, Tennessee.
Five teen girls take a break outdoors during the silent disco at a youth winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly.
Silent disco full of colorful lights and dancing teens during the winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, Tennessee.
Large group of teens and adult travelers split into small groups for discussion during winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, Tennessee.

WINTER RETREAT

Each January, our youth gather for a special time at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, TN, to reflect and deepen connections with each other and with God through focused curriculum, activities, and worship. This is always a favorite event for our youth.

Christ UMC's youth choir poses for group shot in front of the organ of a church they visited on a Joyful Noise Tour.
Christ UMC's youth choir sings for seniors at a retirement home during a Joyful Noise Tour.
Christ UMC's Youth Choir poses for a group shot with their Director on a Joyful Noise Tour.
Christ UMC's Youth Choir rehearsing before Sunday morning worship after their return from their Joyful Noise Tour.

JOYFUL NOISE TOURS

Our youth choir takes an annual regional summer trip, spreading God’s love and hope through music to children in need, senior citizens, and the unhoused. Upon return, they share their music and witness at a Homecoming concert for the Christ UMC congregation. Previous tour destinations have included Dallas, Asheville, and Chicago. We plan to tour the Lake Tahoe area in 2027.

ANNUAL TRIPS 

Five teens give the hand signal for love while wearing gear after doing a zipline tour during their Costa Rica youth trip.
Teen boy riding the Zipline while on a mission trip to Costa Rica.
Teen girl stands and paints on a ladder at a local school they worked on in Costa Rica.
Teens pose in front of mural at the school they helped work on during their youth mission trip to Costa Rica.

SUMMER TRIP

Our youth have the opportunity to participate in various local, regional, and international service, immersion, and mystery trips. Previous destinations have included Camp Barnabas (Purdy, MO) and Mountain T.O.P (Grundy County, TN), to name a few. In the summer of 2026, they visited Costa Rica with Strong Missions and hope to return every two years. 

Christ UMC's Youth Minister, Paul, and a teen dance during a silent disco during a youth winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, Tennessee.
Five teen girls take a break outdoors during the silent disco at a youth winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly.
Silent disco full of colorful lights and dancing teens during the winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, Tennessee.
Large group of teens and adult travelers split into small groups for discussion during winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, Tennessee.

WINTER RETREAT

Each January, our youth gather for a special time at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, TN, to reflect and deepen connections with each other and with God through focused curriculum, activities, and worship. This is always a favorite event for our youth.

Christ UMC's youth choir poses for group shot in front of the organ of a church they visited on a Joyful Noise Tour.
Christ UMC's youth choir sings for seniors at a retirement home during a Joyful Noise Tour.
Christ UMC's Youth Choir poses for a group shot with their Director on a Joyful Noise Tour.
Christ UMC's Youth Choir rehearsing before Sunday morning worship after their return from their Joyful Noise Tour.

JOYFUL NOISE TOURS

Our youth choir takes an annual regional summer trip, spreading God’s love and hope through music to children in need, senior citizens, and the unhoused. Upon return, they share their music and witness at a Homecoming concert for the Christ UMC congregation. Previous tour destinations have included Dallas, Asheville, and Chicago. We plan to tour the Lake Tahoe area in 2027.

ANNUAL TRIPS 

Five teens give the hand signal for love while wearing gear after doing a zipline tour during their Costa Rica youth trip.
Teen boy riding the Zipline while on a mission trip to Costa Rica.
Teen girl stands and paints on a ladder at a local school they worked on in Costa Rica.
Teens pose in front of mural at the school they helped work on during their youth mission trip to Costa Rica.

SUMMER TRIP

Our youth have the opportunity to participate in various local, regional, and international service, immersion, and mystery trips. Previous destinations have included Camp Barnabas (Purdy, MO) and Mountain T.O.P (Grundy County, TN), to name a few. In the summer of 2026, they visited Costa Rica with Strong Missions and hope to return every two years. 

Christ UMC's Youth Minister, Paul, and a teen dance during a silent disco during a youth winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, Tennessee.
Five teen girls take a break outdoors during the silent disco at a youth winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly.
Silent disco full of colorful lights and dancing teens during the winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, Tennessee.
Large group of teens and adult travelers split into small groups for discussion during winter retreat at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, Tennessee.

WINTER RETREAT

Each January, our youth gather for a special time at Lakeshore UMC Assembly in Eva, TN, to reflect and deepen connections with each other and with God through focused curriculum, activities, and worship. This is always a favorite event for our youth.

Christ UMC's youth choir poses for group shot in front of the organ of a church they visited on a Joyful Noise Tour.
Christ UMC's youth choir sings for seniors at a retirement home during a Joyful Noise Tour.
Christ UMC's Youth Choir poses for a group shot with their Director on a Joyful Noise Tour.
Christ UMC's Youth Choir rehearsing before Sunday morning worship after their return from their Joyful Noise Tour.

JOYFUL NOISE TOURS

Our youth choir takes an annual regional summer trip, spreading God’s love and hope through music to children in need, senior citizens, and the unhoused. Upon return, they share their music and witness at a Homecoming concert for the Christ UMC congregation. Previous tour destinations have included Dallas, Asheville, and Chicago. We plan to tour the Lake Tahoe area in 2027.

UPCOMING TRIPS

Please note: When partipating in a youth or children overnight event, Christ UMC requires a travel waiver be completed and notarized. Waivers are kept on file for a given amount of time for each youth/child.

Youth trip location logo.
Youth trip location logo.

SUMMER 2027 MISSION TRIP: TBD

June–July 2027

 

Calling all youth—come join us this summer on a fun and purpose-filled mission opportunity. This summer's trip will likely be at either Mountain T.O.P, serving rural neighbors in Tennessee by improving their housing, or Camp Barnabas in Missouri, serving at a summer camp for special needs children.

 

Planning is underway! As we get closer and plans are finalized, more details about the mission trip will be shared. Registration information and links will also become available as details are confirmed. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to sign up!

 

INFO & REGISTRATION
TRAVEL WAIVER

UPCOMING TRIPS

Please note: When partipating in a youth or children overnight event, Christ UMC requires a travel waiver be completed and notarized. Waivers are kept on file for a given amount of time for each youth/child.

Youth trip location logo.
Youth trip location logo.

MOUNTAIN T.O.P 2027 

June–July 2027

 

Calling all youth—come join us this summer on a fun and purpose-filled mission opportunity. This summer's trip will likely be at either Mountain T.O.P, serving rural neighbors in Tennessee by improving their housing, or Camp Barnabas in Missouri, serving at a summer camp for special needs children.

 

Planning is underway! As we get closer and plans are finalized, more details about the mission trip will be shared. Registration information and links will also become available as details are confirmed. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to sign up!

INFO & REGISTRATION
TRAVEL WAIVER

UPCOMING TRIPS

Please note: When partipating in a youth or children overnight event, Christ UMC requires a travel waiver be completed and notarized. Waivers are kept on file for a given amount of time for each youth/child.

Youth trip location logo.
Youth trip location logo.
INFO & REGISTRATION
TRAVEL WAIVER

MOUNTAIN T.O.P 2027

June–July 2027

 

Calling all youth—come join us this summer on a fun and purpose-filled mission opportunity. This summer's trip will likely be at either Mountain T.O.P, serving rural neighbors in Tennessee by improving their housing, or Camp Barnabas in Missouri, serving at a summer camp for special needs children.

 

Planning is underway! As we get closer and plans are finalized, more details about the mission trip will be shared. Registration information and links will also become available as details are confirmed. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to sign up!

YOUTH CALENDAR

Throughout the school year and summer, Orbit Youth offers many exciting events and trips, just for teens. You can view these on our abridged calendar below. To see the full church event calendar, or open a printable Youth schedule, click the appropriate button below. And be sure to check out our Facebook page for timely information on other upcoming events! If you have any questions pertaining to Orbit Youth, please contact Paul Bonner at paul@christumcfranklin.org.

Youth

Churchwide

PRINTABLE FALL-SPRING SCHEDULE
PRINTABLE SUMMER SCHEDULE
PRINTABLE FALL-SPRING SCHEDULE
PRINTABLE SUMMER SCHEDULE
VIEW FULL CHURCH CALENDAR
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
VIEW FULL CHURCH CALENDAR
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

YOUTH CALENDAR

Throughout the school year and summer, Orbit Youth offers many exciting events and trips, just for teens. You can view these on our abridged calendar below. To see the full church event calendar, or open a printable Youth schedule, click the appropriate button below. And be sure to check out our Facebook page for timely information on other upcoming events! If you have any questions pertaining to Orbit Youth, please contact Paul Bonner at paul@christumcfranklin.org.

Youth

Churchwide

PRINTABLE FALL-SPRING SCHEDULE
PRINTABLE SUMMER SCHEDULE
VIEW FULL CHURCH CALENDAR
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

YOUTH CALENDAR

Throughout the school year and summer, Orbit Youth offers many exciting events and trips, just for teens. You can view these on our abridged calendar below. To see the full church event calendar, or open a printable Youth schedule, click the appropriate button below. And be sure to check out our Facebook page for timely information on other upcoming events! If you have any questions pertaining to Orbit Youth, please contact Paul Bonner at paul@christumcfranklin.org.

Youth

Churchwide

PRINTABLE FALL-SPRING SCHEDULE
PRINTABLE SUMMER SCHEDULE
VIEW FULL CHURCH CALENDAR
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
Logo for Davis House Child Care Advocacy in Franklin, TN.

Davis House recognizes this organization as a Partner in Prevention when it comes to helping prevent child abuse in our community! They have taken steps to protect children in their care and in our community by training adults on how to recognize and respond to abuse.

Davis House recognizes this organization as a Partner in Prevention when it comes to helping prevent child abuse in our community! They have taken steps to protect children in their care and in our community by training adults on how to recognize and respond to abuse.

Davis House recognizes this organization as a Partner in Prevention when it comes to helping prevent child abuse in our community! They have taken steps to protect children in their care and in our community by training adults on how to recognize and respond to abuse.

Logo for Davis House Child Care Advocacy Center in Franklin, TN.

Davis House recognizes this organization as a Partner in Prevention when it comes to helping prevent child abuse in our community! They have taken steps to protect children in their care and in our community by training adults on how to recognize and respond to abuse.

Davis House recognizes this organization as a Partner in Prevention when it comes to helping prevent child abuse in our community! They have taken steps to protect children in their care and in our community by training adults on how to recognize and respond to abuse.

Logo for Davis House Child Care Advocacy Center in Franklin, TN.

Davis House recognizes this organization as a Partner in Prevention when it comes to helping prevent child abuse in our community! They have taken steps to protect children in their care and in our community by training adults on how to recognize and respond to abuse.

Logo for Davis House Child Care Advocacy Center in Franklin, TN.

Davis House recognizes this organization as a Partner in Prevention when it comes to helping prevent child abuse in our community! They have taken steps to protect children in their care and in our community by training adults on how to recognize and respond to abuse.