Youth

Children are invited to begin worship with the congregation. On Sundays, after the Family Message, they may leave for Children’s Chapel if you decide that is best for your family, and return before the Peace — knowing they are an important part of the body of Christ. Children’s Chapel is shaped to meet them where they are developmentally.

We do not hold a traditional Sunday school. Jesus met people where they were — in their homes, at their workplaces, around tables, and along the road. As the church, we are called to do the same: listening carefully to the needs of our families and adapting our approach so that faith can grow in meaningful and accessible ways. Our goal is not to preserve a particular program or tradition — it is to nurture faith and help children and families encounter Christ.

Our Nursery is staffed by two attendants each Sunday, welcoming children from birth to 4 years, beginning 15 minutes prior to worship and ending 15 minutes after worship. Older children are warmly welcome in worship, and are invited to Children’s Chapel after the Family Message.

Worship includes a Family Message for our children, and Children’s Worship Bags are available at both Sanctuary entrances to keep little hands busy as children learn and grow alongside the congregation.

And if your child needs to wiggle, squirm, or make a little noise — that’s welcome here too. If you’d like a little more space, there is a room at the back of the Sanctuary, by the audio-visual booth. You can still see and hear everything from there. Children in this space are required to be accompanied by a parent.

If your child is in 6th–8th grade — or older — and hasn’t been confirmed yet, we invite you to join us this year. Confirmation at Grace is a one-year program designed to grow your understanding of the Lutheran faith while working with the busy lives of middle school families.

Through games, cooking, art, drama, and service, students are invited to bring their faith to life and declare it for themselves. The group also takes part in service projects, retreats, and activities at Luther Springs.

High school students gather for a low-pressure, casual space to explore the bigger faith questions. Sessions use a variety of study materials and center on living out faith in everyday life, growing closer in friendship, and learning side by side.

In baptism, God claims us, names us, and joins us to the whole people of God. At Grace, baptisms take place within Sunday worship so the congregation can welcome each new member and promise to walk alongside them.

Families preparing for a baptism meet with Pastor Jennifer beforehand to talk through the day itself and the promises being made. Baptism is for every age — if you are an adult considering baptism, you are just as welcome to start the conversation.

Age-appropriate Bibles are presented annually during worship. Students and parents then attend a class to learn the basics of how to use this wonderful book. If your 3rd grader is ready to be gifted a Bible from our Pastor, please contact the church office.

Third graders attend a series of classes to learn the meaning of Holy Communion. They explore the first Lord’s Supper and Passover through a series of hands-on activities. First Communion takes place annually on Transfiguration Sunday.