YOUTH AT LCGS:Middle School Age
Serving in Worship - Youth in seventh grade and older are encouraged to serve as acolytes and crucifers for worship.  These important assistants carry the cross and  lead the procession, light the altar candles, assist with the offering, and  serve during communion. Confirmation students are required to serve as part of the confirmation program.  Middle School students may also like serving as part of an usher team with a parent or other adult.  For more information on what is involved in these roles, please contact the church office. 

Sunday School - Students in sixth grade use the "Hands On" curriculum which uses lots of interactive methods to share messages from the Bible.  Additionally, each grade pays special attention to memorizing a prayer or tenet of the Christian faith we call a "building block".  Completing these building blocks each year gives our students a solid foundation on which their faith can continue to grow.    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.  Contact the Sunday School Superintendent for more information about your child's class. 

Confirmation Instruction - Youth in seventh grade (or older) may participate in confirmation instruction during the Sunday School hour.  Our confirmation instruction is a two-year program. Martin Luther's Small Catechism and other facets of Lutheran theology are interwoven with the Narrative Lectionary readings we use in worship. Students grow in faith and their understanding of the Bible, Lutheran theology, and faith practices. Following instruction, youth affirm their baptism during worship. While some believe confirmation to be a "graduation", it is anything but!  Faith formation is a life-long process. Confirmed youth are full members of the congregation, eligible to serve on ministry teams or church council and to vote in congregational meetings.  

Christians in Action (CIA) Youth Group - is for youth in sixth through twelfth grades and  meets twice a month in the lower level of the parsonage.  CIA believes it offers something youth cannot get anywhere else: that rare blend of spiritual, social and service opportunities in a safe  environment where everyone is welcome.  CIA has been spotted taking trips, going camping, watching movies, serving at the Sharing Table,  Christmas caroling, playing the most wacky games and generally having fun together.  There is no formal "joining" of youth group and all youth are welcome to attend whenever they are able! 

FreeRide  - is the synod-sponsored retreat for Middle school and generally occurs in the Fall at the North Bend Retreat Center.   The weekend includes small group studies, large group activities, high- energy worship and lots of fun!   Retreats are a great way for youth to connect with others who share their faith and begin to recognize their part in the larger church.

Vacation Bible School - Middle school youth can serve as volunteers for Vacation Bible School, held for one week in the summer, typically in late June.  Youth serve as  teacher's aids, craft helpers, snack volunteers,  and music helpers.  Registration is in the spring, and a mandatory training for youth and adult volunteers in held in June.  Service hours are available for volunteers who need them. 

Friday Night Drop In - held monthly for youth in grades 6 - 12.  Friday Night Drop In gives youth a safe place to hang out and have fun with their church friends (non-member friends are welcomed too).    The event is held from 7 - 10 p.m.  in the parsonage.  Some months, organized activities are planned, and other months we just hang out.  As you'd expect, food and fun are always included.  Youth leaders and parents chaperone the events.  No registration is required.  Grab a friend and drop in!

Youth Sunday - one Sunday a year (usually in April), the youth take over planning and leading the worship service.  You can believe it is nothing like you've ever experienced before.  Planning begins in the winter with the youth choosing a theme and then developing teams to plan out each part of the service.  The teams handle everything from choosing the texts to creating a sermon drama, choreographing a liturgical dance, crafting a children's message,  writing the prayers, and serving as ushers and communion assistants.   Music is provided by the youth praise band. It is always a touching and high-energy experience!