New Youth Director Brings Energy, Purpose, and a Heart for Service to Roscoe United Methodist Church

Roscoe United Methodist Church has a new face leading its youth ministry, and if early impressions mean anything, the congregation has found itself a natural fit. Colby Cross, a lifelong member of RUMC and Harlem High School graduate, stepped into the Youth Director role in early July—and he’s already shaping the program with a mix of enthusiasm, faith, and a clear vision for the next generation.

Cross, 20, grew up in Machesney Park after his family moved north from Indiana when he was an infant. He graduated from Harlem in 2024, earned his associate degree from Rock Valley College, and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history at Northern Illinois University with plans to become a high school or college-level teacher. His path toward youth ministry wasn’t originally part of the plan, but when the church announced the opening, Cross knew immediately it was where he belonged.

“I didn’t really have a strong youth director growing up,” Cross said. “When they said they wanted someone who would include the youth in everything, build them up, and grow the church that was exactly what I wanted to do.”

Cross’s “why” is simple: make church a place kids want to be, not a place they feel forced to attend. He hopes to create an environment where faith, fun, and community blend naturally—where learning about God feels engaging, not obligatory.

His focus is on middle school and high school students, grades 6–12, and he’s already planning monthly events to keep kids active, connected, and involved. A Six Flags trip kicked off the summer, and the program will officially restart on August 16 with a back‑to‑school night full of games, food, and fellowship. Weekly youth group meetings will follow every Sunday evening from 6:00–7:30 p.m.

Cross also wants youth to take ownership within the church itself—ushering, helping with communion, volunteering during services, and participating in church-wide events. His hope is that involvement now will lead to lifelong engagement later.

“If the youth get involved, they feel inclined to stay involved when they’re older,” he said. “I want them to feel like RUMC is their home.”

The church community has embraced him quickly. Cross’s mother serves as the Christian Education Director, so many members have watched him grow up. Now, they’re watching him step confidently into leadership.

“People stop me in the hallway and say, ‘It’s awesome to have you here—you’re going to do great,’” Cross said. “I’m blessed to be part of this community.”

Outside of church, Cross is deeply rooted in local sports. He coaches freshman football at Harlem under Coach Jim Morrow and helps with varsity on game nights. He laughs when asked whether he’ll stand on the Harlem or Hononegah sideline during the rivalry game his orange-and-black loyalty remains intact.

Cross also enjoys frisbee golf, refereeing, umpiring, and spending time with his dog, Bruce. He and his girlfriend, a Rockford University volleyball player, have been together nearly six years.

As Cross builds out the youth program, he’s also working with church leadership to establish RUMC Youth social media channels and a media consent process for families—ensuring events can be shared safely and responsibly with the community.

For families interested in getting involved, Cross encourages simply showing up.

Sunday services are held at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., and youth group begins again August 16, with weekly gatherings every Sunday evening.

“If you haven’t tried it, you can’t knock it,” Cross said. “Show up. It’s going to be fun. We have awesome volunteers and an awesome group.”

Roscoe United Methodist Church appears to have found not just a youth director, but a leader who understands the community, cares deeply about its young people, and brings a fresh, genuine passion to the role.

And for the kids of Roscoe, that’s exactly the kind of energy that builds a lasting ministry.