Methodist Youth Fellowship-MYF - Norwalk First United Methodist Church

About MYF

Growing Together in Faith

Our Jr. and Sr. MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) brings teens together each week during the school year for great food, fun games, meaningful friendships, and faith-filled conversations. Through engaging Bible-based lessons, service opportunities, and honest discussions, we encourage youth to grow in their relationship with Jesus while discovering His unconditional love for all people. Throughout the year, we also enjoy special events, retreats, mission opportunities, outings, and our popular 5th Quarter gatherings after the Trucker home football games. MYF is open to all students grades 5-12, regardless of church background or denomination. Whether you are exploring your faith for the first time, or looking to grow deeper in your walk with Christ, you will find a welcoming community where everyone belongs, everyone is valued, and everyone is invited to grow in faith together.

Our Youth

Life in MYF

Amy and Scott Krichbaum

About Our Leaders

Amy and Scott Krichbaum have a deep-rooted love for Jesus Christ and for Norwalk First United Methodist Church. Amy is a lifelong member of the congregation and grew up as an active participant in MYF. Scott joined the church in 1995 when he and Amy were married. Together they have raised their twin daughters, Carmen and Scarlett in the church. Both became members, were active in the youth group, and continue to serve faithfully in the life of the church.

Professionally, Scott serves as the Parts Manager at Don Tester Ford, and Amy is an educator with Norwalk City Schools. Together, they graciously stepped into the leadership of MYF during a particularly challenging season in the life of our church. While the future held many uncertainties, our congregation remained committed to investing in our young people, recognizing that nurturing the next generation is essential to the strength and the future of the church.

Amy and Scott answered that call without hesitation. What began with only a handful of youth has grown into a vibrant ministry of at times over 25 students, all gathering to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, grow in their faith, build lasting friendships, and simply enjoy being together.

Their leadership has created a welcoming and safe environment where every student is valued, encouraged and loved. Through engaging activities, meaningful Bible lessons, service opportunities, and genuine relationships, they have inspired young people to live out their faith with compassion, confidence, and joy.

The impact of Amy and Scott's ministry will be felt for years to come. As these young people leave for college, begin careers, and one day raise families of their own, they will carry with them the lessons of faith, service, and Christian love that were modeled so faithfully by Amy and Scott. Their willingness to answer God's call has become a lasting blessing to the youth of our church, the congregation, our community and generations yet to come.

Game Night Gatherings

Fifth Quarter

5th Quarter is one of our favorite youth traditions, open to all middle and high school students after every home football game. It's a place where everyone is welcome to enjoy food, fun activities, games and time with friends in a safe, caring, and faith-filled environment. Whether you're visiting for the first time or have been coming for years, you will find a group that welcomes you with open arms. More than just a place to gather after the game, 5th Quarter is an opportunity to build meaningful friendships, experience the love of Christ, and discover that you belong. Win or lose, it is our hope and prayer that each young person leaves knowing they are loved by God, welcomed by our church family and valued for who they are.

Throughout the Year

Annual Events

MYF hosts a variety of events throughout the year. There is always something to look forward to.

Fall

Friendsgiving

A Thanksgiving-themed gathering where the youth group shares a meal, gratitude, and good times together before the holiday season.

Winter

Christmas Party

A festive celebration with gift exchanges, holiday treats, and seasonal activities to ring in the Christmas season together.

Year-Round

Movie Night

A casual evening where teens gather to watch a movie, share snacks, and enjoy a laid-back night of fellowship.

Fellowship

Game Night with Congregation

An intergenerational evening of board games and card games where youth and adult members of the congregation come together for laughter and connection.

Recreation

Bowling

A group outing to the lanes for an evening of friendly competition, good conversation, and plenty of fun.

Spring

Cinco de Mayo Luncheon

A festive luncheon hosted by the youth group, featuring great food and a spirit of celebration as the school year winds down.

Summer

Family Picnic

A summertime gathering for MYF families to share a meal outdoors, play games, and enjoy quality time together.

Summer

Car Show

Youth volunteers help out at the annual Cruisin' God's Way Car Show, a summer tradition that brings the church and community together.

Making a Difference

Community Service

Serving others is a core part of who MYF is. Our teens put their faith into action through a wide range of service projects throughout the year.

Community Dinner

Our MYF youth often times can be found faithfully serving at our monthly Community Dinner, lending a hand wherever they are needed. From preparing food and setting tables to serving meals, cleaning up and engaging in conversation with our guests, they joyfully share Christ's love through acts of hospitality and service. These experiences help them grow in compassion, humility, and an understanding that serving others is one of the most meaningful ways to live out their faith.

Care Packages

Our MYF youth enjoy sharing Christ's love through the creation of care packages for our college students and members of the armed forces. Filled with snacks, personal care items, notes of encouragement, and prayers, these packages are a simple but meaningful reminder that they are loved, remembered, and supported by their church family. Through this ministry, our youth learn that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference and bring hope and encouragement to others, no matter the distance.

Donny's Closet Fundraising

Through Donny's Closet, our MYF youth discover the joy of serving others with compassion and dignity. They collect and organize personal care items, raise funds to help keep the shelves stocked, and volunteer to welcome and assist shoppers. Along the way, they gain a deeper appreciation for the everyday necessities that many people struggle to afford, learning that even basic hygiene products should never be taken for granted. This ministry nurtures grateful hearts while inspiring youth to be the hands and feet of Christ by serving others with kindness, respect, dignity and love.

Project Feed (Kent, OH)

Our MYF youth also participated in PROJECT FEED in Kent, Ohio, where they joined volunteers in assembling more than 27,000 meals for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. Through this hands-on mission experience, they witnessed how working together can make a global impact, providing nourishment, hope, and the love of Christ to those facing hardship. It was a powerful reminder that even a few hours of service can help change lives around the world.

5th Sunday Services

Our MYF youth are an active part of worship through our 5th Sunday Services, where they serve as Greeters, Ushers, and Liturgists. They also enjoy sharing their personal testimonies, reflecting on mission trips and acts of service that have strengthened their faith and deepened their relationship with Christ. Through worship, service, and fellowship, our youth continue to grow as compassionate leaders and faithful disciples inspiring our church family with their enthusiasm and servant hearts. Our congregation always looks forward to hearing their stories, celebrating the ways they are growing as disciples of Christ, and being inspired by their compassion, courage, and willingness to serve.

Get Involved

Join Us

Ready to learn more about MYF? We would love to hear from you. Reach out to the church office and we will help you get connected.

Email: adminasst@norwalkfirstumc.com
Phone: 419-668-1938