Youth Group for 2025-2026

All events are open to current 6-12th grade youth! Most youth events are held in the lower level of the MICAH building at 680 State St. or at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 1444 Liberty St SE in Salem.

Questions or want to connect? Message Jenny at pastorjenny@opendoorchurches.org!


October

October 5: Gaming Group, MICAH building, 12:30-2:00 pm

October 12: Belonging Workshop + Youth Group, St. Paul’s Episcopal, 12:30-2:30 pm

October 19: Pumpkin Patch visit at EZ Orchards, 12:30-2:30 pm

November

November 2: Gaming Group, MICAH building, 12:30-2:00 pm

November 9: Youth Group, MICAH building, 12:30-2:00 pm

November 16: Open Door Churches Potluck, MICAH building, 12:30-2:00 pm

December

December 7: Gaming Group, MICAH building, 12:30-2:00 pm

December 14: Christmas Party! Time TBD

December 21 + 28: Enjoy time with your family!

January

January 4: Gaming Group, MICAH building, 12:30-2:00 pm

January 11: Youth Group, MICAH building, 12:30-2:00 pm

January 18: Family Promise Service Project, St. Paul’s Episcopal. 12:30-2:30 pm

February

February 1: Gaming Group, MICAH building, 12:30-2:00 pm

February 8: Youth Group, MICAH building, 12:30-2:00 pm

February 15: Youth Group, St. Paul’s Episcopal, 12:30-2:30 pm

March

March 1: Gaming Group, MICAH building, 12:30-2:00 pm

March 15: Laser Tag, St. Paul’s Episcopal, 12:30-2:30 pm

March 22 + 29: Enjoy spring break with family!

April

April 5: Enjoy Easter Sunday with family!

April 12: Youth Group, MICAH building, 12:30-2:00 pm

April 19: Nature hike to Minto Brown with Salem Youth Collective

May

May 3: Gaming Group, MICAH building, 12:30-2:00 pm

May 10: Enjoy Mother’s Day with your family!

May 17: Youth Group, MICAH building, 12:30-2:30 pm

Life is busy. Why does this kind of space matter for me?

Teenagers need spaces where they feel safe, accepted, and understood—and we can create that when teens, parents & adults work together!

1. A Place to Be Yourself

You’re figuring out who you are, and that can feel messy sometimes. In this youth group, you don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not. It’s a space where your questions, doubts, and unique personality are welcome.

2. Belonging, No Matter What

Everyone wants to feel like they belong somewhere. In this youth group, it doesn’t matter what you look like, who you love, or where you come from—you’re accepted just as you are.

3. Ask Big Questions

Do you ever wonder, Why do bad things happen? What’s my purpose? or How does faith fit into everything I care about? In youth group, you can talk about those big, tough questions without being told what to think.

4. Faith That Makes Sense

It’s not just about memorizing rules or stories. It’s about connecting faith to real-life stuff, like justice, climate change, and treating people with kindness. You’ll learn how your beliefs can help make the world a better place.

5. Support When Life Gets Hard

If you’re stressed, anxious, or just having a tough time, this is a place where people care about you and want to help. Your mental health matters just as much as your spiritual growth.

6. Faith That Cares About Everyone

You might see things in the world that feel unfair or wrong—youth group is about finding ways to make a difference. It’s about a faith that’s active, not just words, and helps others in real, meaningful ways.

7. Real Connections

You’ll meet people who “get it,” whether that’s other teens going through similar stuff or adults who care and want to support you without judging you.

Kellan-David
he/him
loves dry ramen
”I love all things Disney.”

Melissa Wager
she/her
loves chips & guacamole
”I’ve been a vegetarian since I was 10 years old.”

Sydney Jolly
she/her
loves cheez-its
”I’ve been to over 50 concerts!”

Jenny Smith
she/her
loves chocolate & caramel ice cream
”I played trombone for a year in middle school.”

Meet the Team

Rob Keller
he/him

Aaron Smith
he/him