At our YMCA, we lift up the “C” every day.

You’ll find a Bible in our lobbies. Our meetings, summer camp days, and youth sports events begin in prayer. We include weekly motivational posts on our social media and a Chaplain’s Corner in every monthly newsletter. Contemporary Christian is included in our music rotation. 

We honor our organization’s roots as a Bible study and remain committed to our Christian values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility amid a world so often in turmoil. 

Are you struggling? Do you need to talk to someone? You have friends here. We can help.

I’d like to talk to a Y chaplain

pastor counseling a person

Meet Our Chaplains

Karlis Burton

Karlis Burton

Lead Pastor, Family Dinners Church
Tim Fox

Tim Fox

Lead Pastor, Jubilee Church
Shaun Pillay

Shaun Pillay

Associate Pastor, Olive Baptist Church
Angela Stephens

Angela Stephens

Lead Pastor, Pace New Faith Church of the Nazarene
Brian Stocks

Brian Stocks

Pastor, Wellspring

Visit this page regularly for our rotating guest columns focusing on faith in real life.

The Power of Gratitude

guest column by Chaplain Angela Stephens

Did you know gratitude can change your life? It’s more than saying “thanks”—it’s a powerful mindset that shifts our focus from what’s wrong to what’s right.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Gratitude doesn’t ignore life’s challenges; instead, it magnifies God’s blessings, helping us see His faithfulness even in the hard times. . Studies even show that cultivating gratitude can improve mental health, deepen relationships, and increase resilience.

This week, try a gratitude challenge: each day, write down three things you’re thankful for. You’ll be amazed at how this small habit can reframe your perspective, deepen your faith, and bring peace to your heart.

Gratitude isn’t just a reaction—it’s a choice. Let’s choose it daily and watch God’s goodness shine through!