Students
Student Ministries exist to create
followers of Jesus through discipleship, service, and worship. Our goal is to keep students “connected” to the love of Christ, letting them know they have a church family that welcomes them with loving arms ... no matter what. Our weekly programs foster and enhance relationships between students and adults who care for them. Throughout the year, students engage in worship, missions, and discipleship while learning practical ways to share their faith at school and within their communities. We encourage every student to develop a "Real Faith in Real Life". We challenge them to be the "church beyond the walls of the church." Our ministry team consists of more than 30 adults who value authentic relationships and help students express a real faith in real life.
"The Student Ministries really helps ground them with a strong foundation. It's a great way to connect to that age group and stay current with what's up in my teenagers' world. It's also a great way to model involvement for my boys. It's a lot easier to get out the door when we are all involved ... and it's just plain fun!" - Renee Schramm, Sunday Night Live Adult Leader and Mother of three students
"These are the kind of young people we want our own kids to spend time with...responsible and really fun." - Anna Cyran, Sunday School Adult Leader and Mother of two students
Simpsonwood UMC is a "Safe Sanctuary" church.
Connect with us online
Meet our Student Ministry Staff
Matt Parker- Director of Student Ministries Extension: 305
Matt Parker is Director of Student Ministries at Simpsonwood United Methodist Church. He has served this ministry since May, 2001. He directs all ministries to middle school, high school, and college students.
In addition to his responsibilities at Simpsonwood, Matt is active within the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, helping with the New Church Development Team and Connectional Ministries. He serves on the leadership team for the Youth Ministry Institute, a developmental program for new youth workers in the North Georgia Conference and has led workshops on youth ministry. He also is a member of the LaGrange College Alumni Association.
Matt holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services from LaGrange College. In February 2009, Matt enrolled at Asbury Theological Seminary where he is currently working on his Master of Divinity degree and is scheduled to graduate in December 2012. Matt is a certified candidate for ministry in the Atlanta-Roswell District.
Prior to joining SUMC, Matt was a part of the youth ministry staff at Roswell UMC in Roswell, Georgia, where his family has attended since 1983. Matt is married to the former Michele McCarthy, and they have two daughters, Kayla and Ashlyn.
Michelle Wehrheim- FLC Administrative Assistant Extension: 330
Michelle joined the staff at Simpsonwood in 2007. Michelle is responsible for the administrative tasks of the youth ministry and also oversees scheduling and group reservations for the Family Life Center at Simpsonwood. Growing up as the daughter of a high school football coach, Michelle possesses a toughness that is unmatched and continues to be active in the local community. Michelle is a long time member of Simpsonwood and has been married to John for over 25 years. Together they have two children: Chris (25) and Jenny (23).
Student Ministry Interns
Taylor Adams
Hannah Fletcher
If you need additional information about specific Student Ministry activities, e-mail Matt Parker, Director of Student Ministries, or call (770)441-2181, ext. 305.
Get Involved!
We want parents to serve and explore the “good news" of Jesus Christ with their students. If you'd like to be part of our Student Ministries' team, e-mail Matt Parker, Director of Student Ministries, or call (770)441-2181, ext. 305.