Xavier "Xavi" Saenz is CCUMC's Young People's Minister
Xavier “Xavi” Saenz has joined the staff of Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church (CCUMC) as the Young People’s Minister. Saenz, who grew up in Delta County and is founder of Delta Pride, will develop youth and children’s ministries and programs that will welcome youth and children from throughout Cedaredge and Delta County who are seeking a connection to a church that is open to all across race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, economic status, and mental and physical abilities.
“I’m excited to encourage kids to get involved in the church,” Saenz said. “I want to create a place where youth can open up toward finding the positives in their struggles, where they can talk about their problems and find the silver linings.”
Saenz will coordinate weekly youth gatherings on Sundays, special events, an annual retreat and an annual work trip to serve others. He will lead a children’s ministry that will include Sunday school, Vacation Bible school and occasional special events for children and families.
The emphasis of all these programs and activities will be on youth and children learning the loving Way of Jesus while growing in faith and serving others in their community. They will experience a strong sense of God’s unconditional love for each person and the world and have fun doing so.
“Where the youth and children go, others will follow,” Saenz said. “When they are helping others in the community, they will sparkle and bring the spark of love from the church and to the church.”
Saenz brings close to 15 years of experience working with older adults in a nursing home, experience he said translates to working with people of all ages. “You have to understand each person as an individual and find ways to break through to those who have a tough shell because they are afraid to be hurt,” he said. “I like being part of people’s lives and people’s stories.”
He often worked with youth and youth groups that volunteered at the nursing home and has coordinated youth events through Delta Pride. He served as activity director responsible for recreation times at the living center. He has experience in marketing and management serving as assistant manager of a manufactured home community in Clifton and also has experience in communications, food service, social service and is currently furthering his education in psychology and biblical studies.
Most recently Xavi was honored as Person of the Year 2022 for Cesear Chavez Day Annual Event.
All youth are invited to CCUMC’s youth group on Friday evenings (bi-weekly) from 6-9 pm.
For information, contact Xavi at XSaenz@CedaredgeCUMC.com or 970-856-3696