Hey, y’all!

My name is Ainsley Bond and I am the new FUMC Youth Ministries Intern! I am so excited to work at my home church this summer with our incredible youth and youth ministries staff. If you recognize my name that is probably because I was considered one of those kids throughout my life that would not go away. I was unbelievably involved in this church from the time that I was baptized, to the time I started pre-school here, children’s ministry, confirmation, and youth all the way to now as one of the staff members. I have been told that even when my parents forgot to sign me up for something, it was always a given that I was going to be there. This church was the place my brother and I were given one of the greatest gifts of our life. The Framily, which consists of four moms and four dads, the Magrytas, Vardy, Toulouse, and Bonds, who love us unconditionally. Having three parents outside of my own gave me the opportunity to have a community to go to when I needed help with something I did not feel comfortable telling my parents.

My favorite part growing up in this church was the Youth Ministries program and more importantly, the safe environment that came with it. This community was created by the extraordinary staff that has put their heart and soul into loving youth and showing up for them no matter what. The staff that specifically made this community flourish and me feel so comfortable consisted of Kat Bair, Matt Britt, and Casey Orr. They surrounded the Justin Building with love, acceptance, laughs, candor, and warmth. Being a part of this staff and developing this environment more has been something that I not only wanted but needed to be a part of. I believe it to be vitally important for kids’ development to have some sort of community of people they can trust of all ages. You cannot expect a kid will find a trusted adult when they need it if we do not establish an environment with trusted, understanding adults to be that anchor for them.

When I was in the youth program, I had so many questions I needed answered. Whether it be religious questions or not I knew that the Justin Building was a place where I would be able to ask any question I wanted to without being judged. I truly believe that this church and the staff at the Justin saved my life so it is a true honor to be an employee now and make a difference in kid’s life as was done for me.

Ainsley Bond
Youth Ministries Intern