Youth

Middle and high school students following Jesus together, here in the Gorge.

Get involved FAQs
Three students jumping for joy on a hilltop at sunset, with Mount Hood behind them

Engaging students in the life and mission of Jesus.

The heart of HR Alliance Youth

What is Youth Ministry?

HR Alliance Youth exists to be a community of Jesus followers who are striving together for the faith of the gospel. Our mission is simple: we want to engage students in the life and mission of Jesus.

Students don't learn the Way of Jesus alone. Each week they gather with friends and trusted adults to worship, open the Scriptures, ask honest questions, and practice following Jesus in everyday life at school, at home, and around Hood River.

  1. Practicing the Way of Jesus,Students learning to be with Jesus and become like him
  2. in community,Striving together, side by side with friends and leaders
  3. for the sake of others.Joining Jesus in his mission, near and far

Meet Pastor Melissa

Melissa Richardson leads HR Alliance Youth. She loves walking alongside students as they ask big questions, build real friendships, and discover what it looks like to follow Jesus in their own lives.

She also partners with parents, because students grow best when home and church are pulling in the same direction. If you have a question about youth group, an upcoming event, or how your student can get connected, Melissa would love to hear from you.

Melissa Richardson

Youth Pastor Email Melissa

What we do

Weekly youth groups

Middle school and high school each have their own night, with games, worship, teaching, and time to talk in smaller groups. New students are always welcome, and friends are too.

Middle school Mondays
Doors
6:00 pm
Program
6:30 to 8:00 pm
High school Tuesdays
Doors
6:00 pm
Program
6:30 to 8:00 pm

Both groups meet in the HRAC Youth Center, 2650 Montello Ave, Hood River.

Events and retreats

Throughout the year, students get away from everyday distractions to focus on Jesus and grow closer as a group, through retreats, conferences, and events. We also encourage students to be actively engaged in missions, with an international mission trip offered about every three years.

See upcoming events

Serve with students

Do you have a heart for teenagers and the goodness of Jesus? We're looking for faithful adults to invest their time in our middle and high school students, as leaders, mentors, and friendly faces on youth nights.

I'm interested in serving

Upcoming youth events

See all youth events

Frequently asked questions

Who can come to youth group?

Any middle school or high school student is welcome, whether they've been part of HRAC for years or have never been to church. Middle schoolers meet on Mondays and high schoolers on Tuesdays. Bring a friend!

How do I hear about upcoming events?

For upcoming events and current information, sign up for email updates by emailing melissa@hralliance.org. You can also find every youth event in the calendar above.

Where is the Youth Center?

The HRAC Youth Center is on our church campus at 2650 Montello Ave in Hood River. Doors open at 6:00 pm on youth group nights.

Can I volunteer with students?

Yes! We're always looking for adults who want to invest in students. Fill out our quick serving form and Pastor Melissa will be in touch.

Are there resources for parents?

Here are a few podcast recommendations from Pastor Paige, our Children's Pastor and a mom of two teenagers.

Stay in the loop

Get youth news and event updates in your inbox. Just email Melissa and ask to be added.

Sign up for updates In Community