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Volusia-Flagler Family YMCA

VOLUSIA FLAGLER FAMILY YMCA

CHRISTIAN INITIATIVE

WHAT IS
CHRISTIAN INITIATIVE?

Understanding the YMCA Christian Initiative
The YMCA Christian Initiative directly supports our core mission: to actively put Christian principles into practice. We achieve this by developing programs that foster a healthy spirit, mind, and body for everyone in our community.

YMCA: CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES IN ACTION & COMMUNITY IMPACT

At the YMCA, we are guided by core Christian principles, fostering an environment rooted in love, care, and service. We are committed to “loving our neighbor” and “treating others as you want to be treated.” This guides every interaction we have. We strive to know, care for, and listen to our members and program participants, serving humbly with the love of Jesus.

Faith and Prayer in Practice
Our dedication to faith is powerfully demonstrated through prayer. At the YMCA, you’ll witness us beginning meetings and events in prayer, providing spiritual comfort to the injured, and giving heartfelt thanks for meals, achievements, and the positive transformation of lives in our community.

Meeting Community Needs, Inspired by Jesus
The YMCA actively addresses community needs with profound care and concern, mirroring the compassionate approach of Jesus.

Ensuring Accessibility & Support
We believe everyone deserves access to our services. That’s why we offer YMCA scholarships to those in need, ensuring financial barriers never prevent participation.

Leveraging Resources for Crisis & Family Support
Our facilities strategically leverage our facilities and specialized training to serve the community, especially during critical times:

  • Direct Care for First Responder Families during emergencies.
  • Shelter Provision for emergency response teams.
  • Emergency Transport for storm victims using our buses.
  • Specialized Services for Foster Families.

Discover how the YMCA’s Christian values drive meaningful community engagement and support. Join our mission today!

WE ARE CHRISTIAN AND THEREFORE INCLUSIVE OF OTHER FAITHS

Inclusivity: Christian Values Embracing All Faiths
A fundamental Christian principle for us is to welcome everyone. We actively uphold the right for all individuals to practice faiths different from Christianity. Consequently, members, staff, and volunteers are never required to be Christians.

OUR CHRISTIAN INITIATIVES

Key YMCA Christian Initiatives & Programs
Our core Christian initiatives focus on fostering spiritual growth and community connection. These include special prayer services, the important work of our volunteer chaplains, and regular messages for members and staff. Additionally, we host community-wide Prayer Breakfasts during significant holidays like Easter and Thanksgiving.

A HISTORIC SYMBOL
THE MEANING OF THE EMBLEM

Explore the rich history of YMCA outreach and ministry, beautifully encapsulated within our iconic YMCA emblem. Each component of this historic symbol reflects our enduring values.

THE GREEK LETTERS CHI & RHO (XP)

The letters Chi (Χ) and Rho (Ρ) are the initial Greek letters of “Christos,” meaning Christ. In early Christianity, these symbols represented both the name of Christ and the broader Church.

DOUBLE CIRCLE

One circle symbolizes the completeness and unity of the total of life and God’s created order. The other circle symbolizes a wedding ring, friendship and love without end, among individuals. Within these circles or rings, the rest of the emblem is placed.

YMCA Logo

TWO TRIANGLES

One stands for the trinity within the Godhead: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The other, the trinity within man, that of the spirit, the mind and the body.

THE BIBLE

“That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” – John 17:21

This scripture passage was set forth as the foundation for the YMCA.

Finally, the complete assembly of all these component parts gives the YMCA its remarkable emblem.

Prayer Request Form

At the YMCA, we believe in the power of prayer. Share your prayer requests with us confidentially, and our dedicated team will uplift them. Please complete the form below.

    Click Below to Meet Our Chaplains

    Our YMCA Chaplains are trained, compassionate listeners dedicated to serving individuals from all walks of faith. They provide confidential support, spiritual care, and encouragement during life’s challenges. Our chaplains also connect you with valuable resources and community programs, offering a quiet conversation, guidance, or a sense of belonging with respect and care.

    Chaplains - Mitch Moyer

    Mitch Moyer

    Location: Deland Family YMCA

    Mitch was born in Pittsburgh, PA then moved to Volusia County in 1963. Graduated from DeLand High School, FSU and Stetson University. He worked for Volusia County Schools for thirty five years including having the honor of being principal of DeLand High School for twenty of those years. He retired in January 2022 as Director, Student Transportation Services.

    Mitch has been married to Beth Womble Moyer for forty seven years. They have two adult children and four grandchildren with a fifth on the way!

    The YMCA has been and continues to be an important part of my life. Prior to retirement, The Y was my daily stop early each morning before going to work as part of my commitment to personal health. Now, even though my schedule has changed slightly, the Young Men’s Christian Association remains a foundational component for me as I continue my pursuit of lifelong wellness along with the added value of serving as a Volunteer Chaplain. Due to our YMCA’s commitment to maintaining the “C” or Christ in this impactful community organization, I have been granted this opportunity to share my faith in Jesus Christ, what He has done for me and my family and what He wants to do for DeLand and beyond!

    Chaplains - Jon Greene

    Sandy Shiver

    Location: Deland Family YMCA & Deltona Family YMCA

    After spending much of her adult life in Atlanta, Georgia, Sandy Shiver returned to Florida four years ago and now resides in DeLand. She attended Colonial High School in Orlando, subsequently working for Disney and UPS before joining Eastern Airlines.

    Sandy settled in Atlanta, living there for over 40 years with her husband, Bill, of 41 years. Her extensive professional experience, deeply rooted in sales and customer service, consistently focused on her passion for helping others.

    Becoming a Christian profoundly transformed Sandy’s life, as she embraced God’s word and its profound meaning. She has actively participated in and led numerous Bible studies, served as a leader in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), and contributed to the Roswell, GA Mt. Pisgah Disaster Relief Team. More recently, Sandy became a Level 2 Certified Community Chaplain in DeLand.

    Currently, Sandy serves with the Jesus Club at DeLand High School. She eagerly anticipates continuing her impactful role as a Volunteer Chaplain at both the DeLand and Deltona YMCAs.

    Her dedication to serving God and her community brings Sandy immense fulfillment and joy.

    Chaplains - Jon Greene

    Jon Greene

    Location: Port Orange Family YMCA

    A proud native of Volusia County, Jon Greene grew up in DeLand and attended both DeLand HS and Spruce Creek HS. During his college years at Daytona State and UCF, Jon served as a beach lifeguard, courageously performing hundreds of rescues over eight summers. Following this, he established successful businesses in real estate and mediation, consistently driven by his desire to help others. For instance, in real estate, he contracted with the federal government to guide distressed homeowners through the foreclosure crisis into new living situations. His mediation practice, conversely, centered on resolving disputes across County, Circuit, Family, and Appellate court levels. Playing a pivotal role during crises holds deep personal significance for him, underscoring his belief that family is paramount.

    Jon has been a dedicated member of the Port Orange YMCA since 2011. Currently, he serves as both a volunteer Chairman and a Chaplain, consistently demonstrating a profound compassion for those in need. Furthermore, he regularly attends and sometimes leads a small group Bible study, sharing the love of the Lord and the transformative power of “The Word” with those seeking spiritual knowledge. Jon deeply values the YMCA and its mission, continuously praying that Jesus’s love remains ever-present within its walls.

    Newsletter

    Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our Christian Initiative Newsletter

    Receive updates on YMCA Christian programs, chaplain messages, community events, and inspiring stories.