Youth News: Sept 2026
Confirmation Classes Begin 9/20
Confirmation classes for students in grades 7-8 will begin the third Sunday of September. Classes continue to rotate through three church locations. A separate email will be sent to Confirmation eligible families. The first class will be held at St James Limerick. You can find the class schedule here on the blog or in the Church App youth & kids calendar. (A .ics file is available upon request.)
Youth Nights and Other Activities
Join us on September 18 for Youth Night!
We’re looking forward to expanding our Youth Ministry offerings by including regularly scheduled Youth Nights along with our other retreats and activities. Youth Nights will be hosted the 3rd and 5th Fridays of the month from 6-9pm, onsite most of the time, but there may be some offsite opportunities too. We’ll include dinner, active games and a light devotional.
Check out our Youth Events Calendar for the full lineup. This calendar is available as a printable PDF, on the Church App: Kids / Youth, or via a .ics file to import to your own calendar.
I am looking for parents to partner with me at the Youth Nights! You don’t have to commit to all of them, we’ll come up with a schedule that provides some flexibility for everyone. (Clearances must be on file at the church; ask me for more details.)
ELCA Youth Gathering - Informational Meeting 9/20
We’re going to the Gathering! Every 3 years, thousands of high schoolers and their adult leaders from across the ELCA come together for the ELCA Youth Gathering. It’s not just an event but a movement in which faith ignites and community comes alive. Through inspiring speakers, experiential learning and transformative connections, young people experience the church in bold, unforgettable ways. Ea ch night, participants share a unique faith experience through high-energy worship and powerful storytelling. The Gathering is an opportunity to ask big questions, grow in faith and be part of something bigger than yourself. The ELCA Youth Gathering exists to accompany young people in their faith journey. Through experiential learning, worship, and intentional community, participants will be both affirmed and challenged in their faith.
We’ll be heading to Minneapolis MN. Students in grades 8-12 are eligible to attend. Join us for an informational meeting after worship on 9/20 in Room 11. (start time roughly 10:30). I will go over what The Gathering is, how we’ll get there, what it will cost (scholarships are available) and more. Registration opens on Oct 21 and closes early November (for the lowest pricing).
Our congregation has supported sending students to The Gathering for many years and we look forward to taking a new crew to this extraordinary faith-building event.
Fall Youth Retreat!
We’re returning to Bear Creek Camp again this fall! Youth in grades 6-9 are invited to join us for an overnight retreat at Bear Creek Camp in the Poconos! I am part of the leadership team from our synod to produce an adventure including hiking, games, fire pit, faith conversations and more! Bear Creek Camp features heated cabins with bunks for sleeping and in-house bathrooms. I’d love for your kids to join me!!
Friends are welcome; they don’t need to be Lutheran; they can be part of another Lutheran church. If they belong to a Lutheran congregation, we’d love them to attend with their church, but they can register with us if there isn’t anyone from their church attending.
I am looking for at least 1 male parent-partner (with clearances on file) Additional male or female partners is a bonus.
Contact Janet Hilsmier to register. ($80 per person, discounts available for adult chaperones - talk to Janet Hilsmier.)
Trunk or Treat
Join us for Trunk or Treat on Sunday Oct. 25 from 4-6PM. In years past, we’ve encouraged our Confirmation students and Sr High students to host a trunk - come up with a theme, dress up, decorate a vehicle and hand out candy! Or host with your family! Teens are also invited to help us in food service and bounce-house guarding. Look for sign ups in the coming weeks.