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From Grade 6 to 12

Welcome to Our Student Ministries Community

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.

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Xroads Mission Trip Impact the Valley with hammer to nail.
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XRoads Mission Trip – Impact the Valley

Join us for the Middle School Mission Trip 2026, a week of service, friendship, and spiritual growth. Serve those in need, build new connections, and return inspired, encouraged, and ready to live out your faith.

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Graduate Dinner
Celebration

Celebrate the Class of 2026 at our Graduation Dinner, a special evening of food, fellowship, and celebration as we honor our high school graduates and this exciting milestone in their journey.

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XRoads Mission Trip – Appalachia Service Project

Spend a week in Appalachia with the Bright Life Mission Trip 2026, helping families, improving communities, and experiencing life beyond your everyday routine. Make an impact, connect with others, and discover how serving can transform both you and those you help.

Forms

Important Forms for Students

Access essential forms for participation in our programs.

Student Ministry Release Form

Complete this form to participate in our activities.

Learn More >

Media Opt-Out Form

Opt-out of media coverage with this form.

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Policy and Child Safety

Learn about our policies and child protection procedures.

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Stay Connected with Student Ministry

Want to stay in the loop on events, programs, and updates? Leave your name and email below and we’ll keep you posted on everything happening in Student Ministry!

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    Empowering Youth Through Faith and Community

    At Floris UMC Student Ministries, we nurture middle and high school students, guiding them to shine their light in the world. Our programs foster compassion, resilience, and authenticity in a supportive environment.

    Bright Life

    High school program (grades 9-12).

    Learn More

    Family Ministries

    Programs for the whole family.

    Learn More

    XRoads

    Middle school program (grades 6-8).

    Learn More

    4:10ers

    Student leadership program (grades 7-12).

    Learn More

    Confirmation

    Information for families (grade 8).

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    Student Retreats

    Spring & fall retreat information.

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    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
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    Student Mission Trips

    Student Mission Trips

    Mission trips offer students an opportunity to serve God as well as provide a cross-cultural experience. 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.

    Upcoming Mission Trips
    Bright Life Mission Trip: June 22-28, 2025
    XRoads Mission Trip: June 22-27, 2025

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

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    Meet the Team

    Pepe Miller
    Middle School Program Director

    Pepe Miller
    Kara Stuebing
    Student Ministries Director

    Kara Stuebing
    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

    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

    Phone:703-457-1086 x244

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    Upcoming Events

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