Students

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From Grade 6 to 12

Student Ministries embraces the youth of Floris UMC and its community with the love of Christ. We encourage young people to be lights in their world through compassion, resilience and authenticity.

Student Ministries includes Bright Life (grades 9-12) and XRoads (grades 6-8). Both programs connect students and passionate leaders while exploring faith and life. Learn more about Family Ministries.

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Student Programs

Get Involved!

We are thrilled to have you serve in Student Ministry! You have many opportunities to use your gifts to invest in the lives of children.

We have a place for all parents to connect and engage! Use your skills and abilities to serve with us and help your children grow spiritually. Every family is welcome!

For more information, contact Kara Stuebing at kstuebing@florisumc.org.

Student Ministry Volunteer Opportunities
Student Mission Trips

Mission Possible

Mission trips offer students an opportunity to serve God as well as provide a cross-cultural experiences. They intentionally develop and deepen relationships between peers, between students and leaders and, most importantly, between students and God. A vital component of mission trips is time for worship, allowing students the space to experience God.

Find out if one of our mission trips is right for you.

For more information, contact Kara Stuebing at kstuebing@florisumc.org.>>

Meet the Team

Christen Garland
Grow Ministries Coordinator

Christen Garland
Pepe Miller
Middle School Program Director

Pepe Miller
Kara Stuebing
Student Ministries Director

Kara Stuebing
Grow Ministries Coordinator

Christen Garland

Christen grew up in Kentucky and has lived in Northern Virginia since 2011. She enjoys cooking, eating, gardening and painting. She also practices boxing, tae kwon do and capoeira. 

Christen is an analytics enthusiast who thrives on solving problems and figuring out the mystery. Her son takes after her, and they can spend hours together playing strategy games.

Christen loves to hike in the mountains, to feel the wind on her face. It feels like God is kissing her cheek.

Job Responsibilities: Christen supports Student and Children’s Ministries by coordinating the administrative details for programs, events, communications and life groups. She also maintains the church database as it relates to Student and Children’s Ministries.

Email:cgarland@florisumc.org

Middle School Program Director

Pepe Miller

Pepe spent his younger years in Tennessee or on military bases, but he somehow settled in Northern Virginia. He graduated from George Mason University after studying psychology and conflict resolution. He is married to Kelly, and they have three wonderful children.

Pepe started working at Floris UMC in December 2016 as the interim middle school coordinator and transitioned to the middle school program director in March 2017.

First job: Working with the Youth Conservation Core

Idea of a perfect day: Spending time with family doing something outdoors

Email:pmiller@florisumc.org

Phone:703-793-0026 x129

Student Ministries Director

Kara Stuebing

Kara grew up in Pennsylvania and earned a degree in Religious Studies from Penn State University. After graduation, she started working in youth ministry in Northern Virginia. Kara has continued to serve in children and youth ministry roles in Northern Virginia United Methodist Churches. Kara and Darin have a daughter and a pet tortoise named Maddie.

Job responsibilities: Kara oversees student ministries. She works with staff and volunteers to implement a dynamic program to help middle and high school students explore their faith.

First job: Lifeguard

Favorite Bible verse: Romans 5:8

Idea of a perfect day: An open water swim in clear water where you can see marine life, followed by a meal on the beach.

Email:kstuebing@florisumc.org

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