Youth

Come and check out the conversations and activities that keep our youth engaged with this world, each other and God!

Confirmation classes are for grades 8-9 and meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. during the school year.  An overview of the Bible, including the Old and New Testament is covered, as well as learning the Small Catechism, which entails The Ten Commandments, The Apostle's Creed and The Lord's Prayer.  The material is taught by our pastors and facilitated by small group adult leaders.  Fellowship and Service Events are components of the program as well. Typically, youth publically confirm their faith in the fall of the 10th grade year at a special worship service.

The Youth Program at Bethlehem is led by our Youth Directors, Jelsa Flatland and Sam Livingston, who have regular office hours for you to call or drop by. Or you can email them by clicking here.

There are many activities designed for each age group. These activities provide times for you to get together with your friends at church. Many activities have no costs and some activities are fund-raisers which give you a chance to earn money to pay for those activities that do have additional costs.

Halloween parties, Bible camps, youth gatherings and midnight bowling are just some of the opportunities. Bring your ideas and energy to help build a great youth program.

 J.A.M. (Jesus and Me) is open for 3rd and 4th graders.

• J.A.M. is scheduled for the FIRST Sunday of each month from 2:00pm-3:30pm in the youth room. We will have bible study, play games and hang out with friends. Activities such as sledding, picnics and pool parties are scheduled throughout the year, so keep your eyes and ears open for other events!
  

W.N.A. (Wednesday Night Alive) is open for 5th through 7th graders.

• Your regular gathering is on Wednesdays, 5:30pm-6:45pm during the school year. Current programming includes pizza for $1.00 per slice and soda for $0.50, play and sharingtime, and faith-growth activities. Other activities are scheduled throughout the year, such as pool parties, picnics, and retreats. Give your suggestions to your Youth Director.

T.I.T.A.N.S. (Totally In Thought About News of Salvation) is open for 8th and 9th graders.

• You meet on Wednesdays after confirmation- from 8pm to 9pm. This is a great time for hanging out with friends at the end of the day, learning more about each other, and sharing your faith.
• Recent events some members of this group have participated in include the Castaway Retreat in Detroit Lakes and a summer trip to St. Louis and ValleyFair.

God Squad is open to 10th through 12th graders.

• Every SECOND Sunday of each month from 2pm-3pm. God Squad meets to hang out and discuss anything you want! The location changes from month to month, so watch the bulletin, Tidings, Youth Newsletter and listen for announcements for scheduling of events.
• Recent summer activities:
  • Minneapolis, MN --> Volunteered at a Chinese Reunion for families that adopted Chinese children.
  • St. Louis, MO --> Volunteered at a crisis nursery for children whose caregivers needed assistance.
  • ValleyFair --> A day of rides and adrenaline.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How do our young people pay for activities?
  • The youth groups are given several opportunities throughout the year to raise money, which is held in their personal account to be spent on youth activities.  The Youth Board also gives a scholarship for events to each active youth member.  And some activities are funded entirely by the Youth Board.
• How do they sign up to work?
  • Sign up sheets are posted on the Youth Bulletin Board, located in the hall across from the front entrance (west end) of the sanctuary OR contact the Youth Director.
• How do they travel to events?
  • Parents are encouraged to volunteer as drivers/chaperones to help the Youth Director and Youth Board members.

Send other questions to Jelsa here.

Funds for Fun, Fun for Funds:

• Many fund-raisers are team-building activities giving you a change to work with friends and to make new friends.
• Some of the regularly scheduled fund-raisers are as follows:
  • Lenten potluck suppers
  • Easter breakfast
  • Christmas wreath sales
  • Taco-in-a-bag supper served the night of the Sunday School Christmas program rehearsal.
• Ten percent of fund-raising money is tithed by the youth to a deserving cause chosen by our youth.
• Fifty percent of the money raised goes to your individual account.
• Forty percent of the money goes to the youth budget to provide programming for the entire group.
• Beyond money earned by individuals with fund-raising, there are scholarships available for some youth events.