Middle school youth group seeks members

CUMBERLAND – A new middle school youth group has been launched at the Arnold Mills United Methodist Church, 690 Nate Whipple Highway.

Led by Kenneth and Susan Cardoso of Briarwood Lane, the fledgling organization is not restricted to church members, but is open to area youth in grades 6 through 8.

The new group’s foundation is structured around four pillars of faith: serving the church and community, respecting others, growing in faith and enjoying a good time, Ken Cardoso explained.

The new group’s mission strives to provide an opportunity for “young Christians to continue to grow in their relationship with Jesus by sharing time with other kids and offering their talents to help others,” Cardoso said.

Balance is another tenet of the new group’s credo.

“We want to devote some time to fun and games,” Ken points out.

The Cardosos, parents of three boys, Atticus, 13, Joaquin, 9, and Pedro, 5, practice a leadership style requiring individual group members to demonstrate responsibility in planning and conducting the group activities. The Cardosos don’t dictate, but guide, the group, they explain.

“We just love working with the kids,” Ken said, of the couple’s involvement.

Among past activities are a touch football game and Christmas party, which included the making and delivering of Christmas cards to residents at the Oakland Grove Nursing Home in Woonsocket.

Future plans include a trip to the Yawgoog Valley ski area for some tubing and organizing a collection drive of clothing and personal hygiene items the group will donate to an organization they select.

The group meets once per month, but has no set schedule. The time and location of meetings is dissimenated through email.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about, or joining, the new youth group may email the Cardosos at