Middle School Programming Senior High Programming
The mission of Youth & Family Ministry at St. James Lutheran Church is “to equip the saints for work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:12)
St. James’ vision for youth is:
Provide an opportunity for youth to grow their faith in Christ
Develop adult-to-youth relationships that foster trust and respect
Offer a balanced program of educational, spiritual, recreational, and service activities
Nurture the growth of each student's relationship with Jesus Christ through study of Scripture
Integrate youth in the life of the church congregation through participation in, prayer for, and service to the church
Serve the community and world out of unconditional, Christian love
Model Christ through words, actions, and attitudes
Keep youth safe while participating in activities
The goals are to help young people develop a living relationship with Jesus Christ and to create a grace-filled environment where questions are welcomed and celebrated.
Confirmation
Recognizing that youth learn more by their parents’ example than anything else, parents of 6th-8th graders are asked to participate in two five-week Confirmation sessions with their child each year. These classes are fun, interesting, and involve no memorization. Grandparents, other adult relatives, or other caring adults are invited if parents cannot attend. In addition, each student is assigned a mentor from the congregation to meet with during a five-week unit involving both group and one-on-one activities. Confirmation takes place Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m. Other Confirmation requirements for 6th-8th graders include: regular attendance at worship and Sunday School, participation in an annual retreat, and completion of 15 worship notes and 10 service hours per year. 9th grade senior confirmands must attend one five-week final unit. Their parents attend only the first week’s orientation. A fun, theme-oriented banquet will be served in honor of 9th graders and their parents one week before they are confirmed on Reformation Sunday.
Sunday School
Sunday’s Cool
Adventures, Middle School Sunday School, meets each week at 9:45 a.m. 
This is an active
exploration of faith through lively discussions and fun activities. Whether
it’s talking about friends, school, books, movies, how to get along with others,
the dangers of drugs, or many other topics, there is something important for
everyone.
Service Projects
Service opportunities are offered to support young people as they grow into their roles as workers and leaders in the church. Middle School students lead the NEAR Food Drive every fall, serve meals at Loaves & Fishes, package food at Feed My Starving Children, and are encouraged to help out with congregational events, work in the nursery, lead VBS, and assist in worship as musicians, communion assistants, readers, and assisting ministers.
Social Events
Youth Ministry at St. James is not all service and mission. Middle School Youth have a social event each month designed to foster fellowship and fun. Bowling, snow tubing, a trip to a water park- all provide opportunities for youth to interact and grow in relationship with each other and the church.
Social Events: Senior High Mystery Night
Senior High youth meet at the church on the third Saturday of the month. They bring whatever money, appropriate attire/equipment suggested and go where? That’s the mystery. Only the group leaders know the plans ahead of time. With everyone in the dark until the actual activity begins, it fosters an atmosphere of togetherness in the group and makes for some great adventures.
Sunday School: Round Table Discussions
Round Table Discussions are held on the Third Sunday of the month at 9:45 a.m. in Pastor Michelene’s office. This is a chance for Senior High youth to gather for Bible study, prayer, fun, and fellowship. Youth are encouraged to help with Sunday School, work in the Library, or attend Adult Education opportunities during the Education Hour.
Youth and Family Ministry Mission Trip
Each year the Senior High Youth have the opportunity to participate in a mission trip. The objectives of the trip are:
To engage youth, their families, and other adults from the congregation annually in hands-on missionary service.
To engage the entire congregation annually in the support of missionary service.
To help participants explore the relationship between service and gospel proclamation, and their role as Christian missionaries.
To immerse participants in a multicultural environment for work, worship, and play, and build cross-cultural relationships between St. James’ members and others.