by Matthew Shineman, SUS Director of Communications
When Fishing Creek Salem UMC looked ahead to the fall of 2025, one thing was clear: the youth ministry needed a spark. After a difficult spring – graduating seniors, declining attendance, and the departure of the youth pastor – the church found itself at a pivotal moment. Energy was low and families were uncertain of their engagement. As one leader put it, “We needed some fast action to just stop the bleeding.” Today, as we look back from the end of November, that spark has a name: Transform!
A Vision Takes Shape
The idea began with a simple but daring suggestion from church member Fred Miles, who had stepped forward to help stabilize youth ministry during the transition. “Why not have an outdoor concert,” he proposed, “with our kids hosting it and inviting youth from other churches? It could be a one-day mini-retreat with some flash – something they could be proud of.”
That idea became Transform! – an afternoon of music, games, worship, and connection built around Romans 12:2: “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” During the summer, Fred researched local Christian bands and presented several options to the youth. With the approval of Pastor Randy Zeiler, the youth chose Remix Worship, a band of Harrisburg-area worship leaders, and planning quickly went into full force.
A Multi-Church, Multi-Denominational Effort
Seeing an opportunity for something bigger, Fishing Creek Salem invited other United Methodist congregations navigating similar youth-ministry challenges. Paddletown St. Paul’s, Lewisberry UMC, St. Paul Manchester, and Grace Lemoyne were all welcomed, and the invitations spread even wider. Emails were sent to a dozen local churches, posters were put up, and flyers were handed out at National Night Out. Pastor Randy helped by promoting the event through District channels, and by early September, anticipation was building.
September 7: A Day That Changed Everything
With a handmade 12’ x 16’ stage assembled in the worship grove, a borrowed canopy overhead, and a full afternoon of activities prepared, Transform! kicked off under perfect skies. Youth arrived to find games of volleyball, gaga ball, spikeball, ladder ball, and cornhole. Group charades, led by Pastor Randy, sparked laughter and teamwork. Walking tacos were devoured, and when the music began, the grove filled with energy as Remix Worship led a 90-minute concert woven around three short, interactive messages from Pastor Ryan Whisel of Paddletown UMC.
In total, about 40 youth, supported by 15 parents and 15 volunteers, filled the space – many from different churches, schools, and even denominations. But the goal wasn’t just fun for fun’s sake. “Honestly,” Fred shared, “I wanted the kids to discover that they could have fun with youth from other churches. I wanted to create a positive neuro-connection with our youth ministry.” Judging by the laughter, the mingling, and the lingering conversations long after the music faded, the goal was met.
Momentum Where There Once Was None
Looking back now, the most remarkable outcome wasn’t the size of the crowd – it was the shift in spirit. “Parents and kids were skeptical that anything positive was going to happen,” Fred said. “But now, when I approach youth and parents about an upcoming event, they know we are legit and (for now) want to be a part of it. We just have to keep it going.”
The event also forged new ministry partnerships. Youth from Paddletown and Wesley UMC in Marysville came ready to connect, and plans for future collaboration began almost immediately.
Looking Ahead: Winter and Spring 2026
The success of Transform! didn’t end with the final song. It launched something bigger: a new youth ministry cooperative on the West Shore now known as Connexus.
Plans are already underway for what comes next:
- December 29 – New Year’s Eve Eve Eve (at FC Salem): A fun-filled evening with volleyball, games throughout the church, pizza-making, a movie, a brief worship time, and New Year’s toasts.
- Spring 2026 – “Spring Break” Event at the West Shore YMCA: Swimming, games, and what organizers affectionately describe as “other tomfoolery.”
The hope is to host at least four large youth events each year, with smaller local gatherings growing out of them. Long-term, Transform! is intended to become an annual tradition, and organizers are even considering moving the event to a neutral location so no single church appears to “own it” – a truly cooperative experience.
A New Chapter Begins
What began as an effort to “stop the bleeding” has become a movement toward renewed connection, shared ministry, and genuine hope. Looking back on September’s Transform! and forward to the winter and spring ahead, one thing is clear: Youth ministry at Fishing Creek Salem – and across the West Shore – has entered a season of transformation. And it all started with a simple idea, a willing team, and the belief that God could turn a moment of uncertainty into a spark of new life.