John Arvoy, youth pastor at Bristol United Methodist Church (BUMC), wants the community to be aware of recent changes in the youth program at the church’s Open Door Center. The after school teen program will no longer be affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Elkhart.

The outreach to teens will now be called the “Bristol Teen Club,” sponsored solely by BUMC. Adult volunteers will include members of the church and other interested members of the community. Adult volunteer applications are being accepted.

The Bristol Teen Club will meet at the Open Door Center (ODC) from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week during the school year. On regularly scheduled school day closings, the center is open from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. It is open to all youth from grades six to twelve. There is no fee to join, but participants will be asked to fill out a registration form. More information can be obtained by calling John Arvoy at 202-4584 or by dropping by the ODC during the above hours.

The Bristol Teen Club is intended to provide an after-school place for teenagers to engage in various activities or just “hang out.” Volunteers will be on hand to help with school homework. Computers and a printer are available, and sports time in the BUMC gym is provided on most days. Other available activities include Wii games, pool tables, ping-pong, air hockey, and carpet ball.

Arvoy stated that the separation from the Boys and Girls Clubs was a friendly agreement, and they will continue to cooperate in the future for the growth of the teens in the area. Arvoy is hopeful that they will be able to provide a summer program which will run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 to 4:00 PM.

The youth pastor also noted that the Open Door Center is being used more frequently for various community events and activities, in addition to the Bristol Teen Club and the Wednesday night meetings of the Bristol UMC youth group. On Sunday mornings, Betania church conducts Hispanic services there at 11:00 a.m., and an exercise class meets from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings.