Sunday School
We have kids and youth Sunday School classes that meet between worship services from 9:30 to 10:30. We gather in the fellowship hall and then split out from there. Students in Pre-K through 5th grade meet in classrooms in our School. Students from 6th through 12th grade break out to study and engage scripture and faith at the SPLAT House.
First Communion
For children in 1st grade or older, we host a 2-hour class with lunch after church on a Sunday to introduce children to the sacrament of holy communion. Children learn about special meals we celebrate during the year like Thanksgiving, and then talk about the special meal Jesus invited his disciples to regularly take part in to taste and know his presence among us. This is a great class to ask questions, enjoy the mystery of God, and get a behind the scenes tour of all the tableware we use to celebrate holy communion. This class is typically offered in late spring.
Walk thru the Bible
Walk thru the Bible is a 4-week introductory Bible class offered to students from 3rd grade and up. In this class the students will, as you guessed it, walk through the Bible! For many students this might be the first chance to really dive into scripture as well as learn some of the history and geography of the Bible. As part of class, they get a special new Deep Blue Bible to use. The Bibles are then presented to the students as part of worship at the end of class.
JumpStart
JumpStart is a pre-confirmation Bible class that is offered to 5th-6th graders. JumpStart meets every Monday at 4:00pm at the SPLAT House. In this class we look at each of the major events in the Old Testament leading up to Jesus, as well as the story of Jesus and the impact he left us with in the New Testament. This class aims to make youth familiar with the Bible before they begin confirmation class.
Confirmation
Confirmation is for 7th-8th graders and is a two-year exploration of faith using Martin Luther's Small Catechism as our guide. Class meets on Wednesdays at 4:00pm in the SPLAT House. Through the Lord's Prayer, Apostles' Creed, 10 Commandments, and the Sacraments, we talk about and practice living as disciples in the way of Jesus. We have a unit on science and faith and go on field trips to visit other churches and faith traditions. Each student has an adult prayer partner. Confirmation is one way we live into the promises made in our baptism.
Youth Group
Youth Group is a 7th-12th grade ministry where the students come together on Wednesday nights at 6:00pm for a time of fellowship, a meal donated by one of our many volunteers, play games, and participate in Bible Studies across various topics. Here we invite the students to form their own ideas of what Youth Group should be like, allowing them to make changes to formats and plan out their own events.
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School is a fun week-long adventure in the summer for the children in our congregation and community. The kids experience the Bible and the story of Jesus through exciting games, engaging science experiments, unique arts and crafts, delicious snacks, and special music. Stay tuned for the announcement of our 2024 VBS theme and schedule! Sign-up for VBS will be posted in April.
Summer Camping & Mission Trips
We have a range of summer trips each year. For our youth entering 4th-8th grade, we attend summer camp at Camp Chrysalis in Kerrville. For our Senior High entering 9th-12th, we follow a rotation of summer trips. Rainbow Trail is located in Hillside, Colorado and students get to share in a week of creativity, adventure, leadership activities, and building relationships. The ELCA Youth Gathering is a every-three-year event that happens in cities across the nation. Students gather with 30,000 other youth for service, worship, and fellowship. For mission trip years, students will get the opportunity to travel, serve, and share the Good News with others. In the summer of 2024, Senior High will be going to New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering!
