YOUTH AT LCGS: Grade School Age
Children  in Worship  -   We believe that it is important for families to worship together and so, children are welcomed in worship!  But,  we do understand that an hour can be a long time for them.  Grade school age kids usually like to follow along with the service in the bulletin and help to look up the hymns in the hymnal. They enjoy coming to the  children's message each week. Sharing the peace, helping pass the offering plate and, coming to communion for a blessing (if younger than 2nd grade) are ways that grade schoolers can actively participate in worship.  Children who have not yet participated in communion instruction are welcome to receive communion at LCGS if they have been receiving communion at another congregation.  If you think they may need more to do, feel free to borrow one of the busy bags (appropriate for preschool through 2nd grade)  or pick up a children's bulletin from the Narthex.  Don't worry if you  need to step out of the sanctuary with your grade schooler from time to time. 

Sunday School - classes begin at age 3  and continue through High School.  Kindergarten through sixth grade uses the "Living the Word" curriculum which allows them to learn the story of the Bible through study and a variety of fun activities following the Narrative Lectionary used in worship.  Sunday School runs from Rally Day (in early September) through mid-June from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.  Your child can join a class at any time during the year, and there is no fee to attend.  

Communion Instruction- In the fall of second grade, children receive communion instruction at a Saturday Family Workshop led by Pastor along with members of the Altar Guild.  Children learn about the sacrament, make their own communion bread, tour the Sacristy where communion elements are prepared for worship and make banners to celebrate the occasion of their first communion.  Older students who are not yet communing are welcome to participate. 

Vacation Bible School (VBS) - offered for children who have completed preschool 3's  through grade five for a week in the summer, usually in late June.  VBS is held Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.  There is a closing program Friday evening where families are invited to come see what their children have learned through readings, song and dance.  Registration takes place in early spring, and there is a nominal fee for VBS to help offset the cost of the program materials.   

Junior Youth Group  - is for kids in third through fifth grades.  The group meets several times a year to foster friendships, do service projects and have fun together.  Events are announced on the Epistle and Sunday School newsletters.  Come to as many as you'd like.  Contact Jr. Youth Group leader for more information.