Basic Philosophy
Our Middle School Ministry is perfect for the busy family who's juggling multiple schedules. Flexibility and a variety of learning experiences are used to keep kids involved.
Learning through experience comes in different forms: camp, Bible studies, retreats, lock-ins, road trips to new places, visits to Lutheran colleges and field trips. All of these experiences help build relationships with God and one another, and are intended to show how to take responsibility for our faith.
We don't always play it safe with the subjects we learn about. Topics we have explored include Sin, Devil, Evil and Forgiveness, Peer Pressure and Belonging and Self Esteem.
If you prefer to do something rather than just read about it, our Middle School Ministry is for you.
Learning through experience comes in different forms: camp, Bible studies, retreats, lock-ins, road trips to new places, visits to Lutheran colleges and field trips. All of these experiences help build relationships with God and one another, and are intended to show how to take responsibility for our faith.
We don't always play it safe with the subjects we learn about. Topics we have explored include Sin, Devil, Evil and Forgiveness, Peer Pressure and Belonging and Self Esteem.
If you prefer to do something rather than just read about it, our Middle School Ministry is for you.
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Weekend Retreat ActivitiesRetreats are a big part of Middle School Ministries. It's a chance to get away from the hectic pace of a kid's life and focus on spiritual issues, building faith, forming friendships, worshipping God and learning about issues of interest to Middle Schoolers.
Our field trips this year will focus on going to non-Christian houses of worship, with a two-fold purpose. The first purpose is to help our youth better understand these other faiths and develop a respect for people who practice them. Jesus great commandment is to love one another, and respect of others is the first step in loving others. The second reason for attending these houses of worship is to better learn about our own understanding and notions of God. Sometimes one can learn best when they can compare and contrast. One of our learning goals this year is to gain a better understanding of the God we worship, and how our notion of the Trinity serves our understanding of a God whose love reaches out to us, and calls people into salvation. Field trips this year will take us to a Jewish Synagogue, Islamic Mosque, a Latter Day Saints (Mormon) meeting, a Hindu Temple, and hopefully to a Buddhist Temple and a Bahai' worship. |
Service HoursFind out what it’s like to help people really in need. The service you do for others is connected to God’s love for others and for you. Service hours are a part of the Middle School Ministries and confirmation, and can include:
• Visiting and helping the homebound • Volunteering a a local nursing home • Helping out at the church rummage sales • Working at a fundraising activity • Acolyting, Ushering or serving as a greeter or helping on Chancel Guild • Cleaning the Kitchen • Office Work at the Church • Usher • Recycle papers • Water Flowers • Clean Kitchen-Hospitality Ministry • Help with Altar Guild • Office Work • Sunday School Supplies • Update Web Pages • Data Entry • Filing • Play in Band • Sing in Choir • Play bells • Special Music • Power Point/Sound Board |
GraduationJust like any graduation marks the accomplishment a a significant course of study and dedicated work, graduation from Middle School Ministries, recognizes the accomplishments of our youth.
Traditionally this course of study has been called catechesis. Upon completion of all work required, we honor the students accomplishments in worship, and let them stand as an example to us all. We also know that students need support, and so the parents and church offer support tho help our youth succeed and grow in faith. At the beginning of the course of study in 6th grade, students, parents and the pastor are asked to sign a covenant to work together to help our youth fulfill the expectations and succeed. |
Fun ActivitiesAsk a Middle School Ministry person what their favorite part of the program is, and you'll hear a lot about the fun aspect of the program. Retreats, ski weekends, church camp, Christian concerts, and field trips are at the top of their list. Here are a few photos of the fun that is a big part of the MSM Ministry.
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Parental ParticipationThe Middle School Ministry program relies on parents being involved by helping. There are several ways this can be done—Chaperoning and or driving, providing food and meals, etc. Studies show that the role of other committed adults play a significant role in future participation in the Church and growth in faith. So when you are helping, please interact with all the youth. Your help and example is so important.
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Confirmation
Confirmation ministry is a pastoral and education ministry of the church that helps the baptized through Word and Sacrament to identify more deeply with the Christian community and participate more fully in its mission.
Confirmation:
• flows from baptism
• is the responsibility of the entire congregation
• involves a variety of people and approaches
• benefits young people best when there are a variety of models and learning
The confirmation program is built around these elements:
• Bible study
• Worship attendance
• Service Opportunities
• Church Camp and retreats
• Small group discussions on relevant age-appropriate topics
• Field trips to churches and organizations to learn more about other faiths
Once the confirmation process is complete, each confirmand makes a public confession of faith and confirms God's action in their lives. Learning to live one's faith does not end with confirmation, but requires a lifetime of effort and commitment. Confirmation is the end of the beginning.
Learn more about Confirmation on the Life Events page
Confirmation:
• flows from baptism
• is the responsibility of the entire congregation
• involves a variety of people and approaches
• benefits young people best when there are a variety of models and learning
The confirmation program is built around these elements:
• Bible study
• Worship attendance
• Service Opportunities
• Church Camp and retreats
• Small group discussions on relevant age-appropriate topics
• Field trips to churches and organizations to learn more about other faiths
Once the confirmation process is complete, each confirmand makes a public confession of faith and confirms God's action in their lives. Learning to live one's faith does not end with confirmation, but requires a lifetime of effort and commitment. Confirmation is the end of the beginning.
Learn more about Confirmation on the Life Events page