Youth Lock-In Unites Eight Churches in Worship, Fellowship and Service
Over Labor Day weekend, more than 40 youth and adults from eight churches across the Mid-South and South Districts came together at Belton First United Methodist Church for a lock-in filled with worship, fellowship, and service.
Participating churches included Wellspring, Elm Mott, Lakeview, Hutto Discovery UMC, FUMC Clifton, FUMC Mexia, Belton FUMC and Journey of Faith. Their youth brought energy, and a spirit of connection to the gathering.
The event kicked off with high-energy worship led by Rev. Anna Shipley, Rev. Macie Liptoi and Rev. Jordan Cramer. Rev. Jennifer Chickering delivered a powerful message reminding everyone that they are beloved children of God—right now, without conditions or strings attached.
Throughout the evening, youth connected through games brought by each church, sparking laughter and new friendships. Whether gathered around pool tables, playing ping pong or sharing card games, students built bonds that crossed church lines and district boundaries.
“The vision was to create a space where youth could come together beyond their own congregation to experience worship, fun, and fellowship as part of a larger faith community, without having to drive to the metroplex,” said Chickering, who serves as the HTC’s children and youth area coordinator in Belton. “We watched youth step out of their comfort zones to build friendships across church lines, whether through games, shared snacks or working side-by-side in mission. It was moving to watch them embrace the truth that they are children of God, enough just as they are.”
On Monday morning, the group gathered for communion before heading into downtown Belton for a scavenger hunt. Before departing, a representative from the Texas Department of Child Protective Services spoke about the challenges youth face in foster care. Inspired by the message, participants assembled 100 hygiene kits, 50 snack bags and wrote dozens of encouraging notes for children in foster care—immediately putting their faith into action.
This gathering was a joyful reminder of the power of worshiping, serving and growing together as the body of Christ. As youth returned home, they carried with them new friendships, deeper faith and a renewed sense of purpose.
“Our hope is that events like this help spark deeper relationships between churches, creating ongoing opportunities for youth to worship, serve and grow together,” said Chickering. “By investing in shared ministry locally, we’re equipping young people to see themselves as leaders in the church today, not just the church of tomorrow.”