Children, Youth and Family

 

When parents bring their children to the font for baptism, they are entrusted with important responsibilities.  They are the first priests in the lives of their children and the Children, Youth and Family ministries of St. John’s are enthusiastic partners in this journey. 

Our call is to nurture the spiritual and whole lives of children, youth and families in this faith community.  Our goal is to help connect church to home and what happens in worship to what we learn in Sunday school, confirmation and beyond.  Our prayer is that God gives us creative energy to support family faith formation and the vibrant intergenerational community we are blessed with here at St. John’s.

Trust Youth Sledding on Sunday, February 7

We’ll meet and pick up from Linden Hills UCC (4200 Upton Ave.) 12:30-2:30pm for lunch and sledding at a nearby hill.  The cost is $5 per youth for pizza and hot chocolate. Remember to bring your sled and invite your friends! RSVP to Pastor Meta by Wednesday, February 3.

Kids Sing in Worship on Sunday, February 14

Sunday school kids meet in the fellowship hall to practice at 9:45am.  After worship, parents and prayer partners are invited upstairs for an All Together Sunday school activity in preparation for Lent.  Stick around for Jazz and Jambalaya at noon!

Save the Date: Sunday School Sleepover on Friday, April 16

Be sure to check the All Together page for intergenerational events and activities this season!

SPLASH! Birth to Three Faith Formation

When your child was baptized, you made promises as parents in the presence of God and the congregation.  The Church also made promises that day. We vowed to support and pray for you as your child grows in faith.  SPLASH! is one way we can keep that promise as your child develops and you grow as parents.  This ministry includes:

  • Monthly newsletters mailed to your home that help you make faith-filled connections in everyday life.
  • An annual CD of age-appropriate music for Christian learning and growth.
  • The WE DO! Guide for Godparents, a terrific way to teach godparents and baptismal sponsors about their long-term role.
  • A Prayer Partner in the congregation that will support your family with prayers and joy as your child grows.
  • An invitation to Sunday School Music (11:15-11:30am) each week.
  • A new Sunday School class for 2-3 year olds!

SPLASH! is a great way to celebrate your child's faith formation between birth and Sunday School, making faith connections in the church and at home. You are your child's first priest and we hope SPLASH! will help you imagine ways to nuture faith wherever you are.

 
"Spark" Sunday School

We began the 2009-2010 Sunday school year on September 13 with a new curriculum called Spark, a lectionary-based resource.  Each week’s theme will reflect the stories we hear during worship and will make connections between church and home.  Registration will begin in September.  All children are welcome!

We will have at least four family Sunday school days during the year.  This is an important opportunity for parents and siblings to participate in biblical exploration together.  We hope these events increase your curiosity about faith and scripture while strengthening connections between church and home.

Read the story together as a family before worship!  Find out what your child will be learning so you can continue the conversation.  For a Spring Sunday School calendar, click here.

Confirmation of Faith

This three year class invites 6th-8th graders to consider the gift of faith they were given in baptism and how it has grown in their lives.  This year we are studying the Old and New Testaments, taking a field trip to the Temple of Aaron and retreating at Camp Chi Rho in January.  Students can celebrate confirmation during worship on Pentecost Sunday in 8th grade.  Here they are invited to confirm the gift of faith and become an adult member of the church community. For a Confirmation calendar, click here.

Youth Ambassadors

Several congregations in south Minneapolis have collaborated to form a united youth group through TRUST.  Youth Ambassadors gets together several times a year for fellowship and service opportunities.  Come meet and have fun with other Junior and Senior High youth from the community.  Activities for 2009-2010 include:

  • September 20 – Picnic & Games at Lake Harriet
  • October 10 – Feed My Starving Children & Lock-in
  • December 6 – Serve with the Aliveness Project
  • February 7 – Tubing & Skiing or Bowling
  • Summer 2010 – An Urban Mission Trip to Chicago!

Contact Pastor Meta with your interest and for more information about participation!

High School Opportunities

High School youth are invited to participate as adults during worship and in the life of the church.  All are invited to use their gifts by participating in worship on Sunday mornings:

  • Usher
  • Reader
  • Communion Preparer
  • Assisting Minister
  • Choir Member
  • Child Care in the Nursery
  • Assist with Processional

High School youth is also encouraged to participate at St. John’s in these ways:

  • Member of a Committee
  • All Together Activities and Retreats
  • Mission and Service Projects
  • Prayer Partner Program
  • Vacation Bible School Leader
  • Summer Camp