Upcoming Children, Youth, & Family Events
Faith Explorers (PreK - 6th Grade) Sunday Mornings at 9:00 am
Faith Explorers is the Sunday School program at Good Shepherd! Each Sunday morning we'll gather in the Youth Room (lower level) of the church to check in, explore scripture, and have fun together! Beginning in January, we will split into an older and younger group for faith explorers, to allow kids to explore their faith in more age-specific settings!
The recommended ages are 4 - 12 years old. We ask that kids younger than three either stay with their adults or go to the Nursery. Youth older than 12 are invited to attend the forum, or join with the older Faith Explorers group so long as they are respectful of children younger than them.
Youth Activity Nights (11 - 18 years old) Every Third Sunday Evening from 5-8 pm
Youth Activity Nights are times of fun, community, play, and worship! We'll gather together for dinner (free of cost), before playing games like Vampire Tag in the church. Then we close the night with small group discussions and a time of contemplative worship.
We gather with Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. On April 21, we will gather at Good Shepherd. Youth are invited and encouraged to bring friends!
Community Meals (All Ages!) Wednesday Evenings at 5 pm
Community Meals will resume on April 10 after Spring Break
All ages are invited to the Good Shepherd Community Meal on Wednesday evenings at 5 pm. We'll gather in Crary Hall and enjoy a simple but satisfying meal together. All meals are made to be vegetarian friendly and nourishing, and there will always be vegan options. A $1 donation is requested per person to sustain the Community Meal program.
Faith In Action (K - 6th Grade) Wednesday Evenings at 5:45 - 7 pm
Faith In Action will resume on April 10 after Spring Break
Faith In Action is a more learning and activity-based program for children. Using lessons from Illustrated Ministry and other progressive faith curriculums, Faith In Actions engages kids in asking deep questions about faith and scripture through art, games, and other creative activities. It also includes an exploration of how our faith in God calls us to practice justice in the world.
Due to some capacity changes among our standard Faith In Action teachers, we will postpone the start of Faith In Action until January 10th. Does this mean that there won't be anything for children on January 3rd? By no means! It simply means that children will be invited to join in the Our Deepest Questions group for a special intergenerational lesson!
Our Deepest Questions (7th Grade and Above) Every Other Wednesday Evenings from 5:45 - 7 pm
Our Deepest Questions will resume on April 10 after Spring Break
Our Deepest Questions is where youth and adults gather to explore the big questions of faith and living! Using a discussion group format, we learn the history of significant theological questions before adding our own curiosities and challenges. It's a fantastic time of learning and deepening our wonder about God's complex world!
Our Deepest Questions alternates on Wednesday Evening with Confirmation classes. You are encouraged to attend both! Our Deepest Questions will gather on January 3rd, 17th, and 31st this season. The topics include:
What Do We Exist To Do?
Will Good Prevail Over Evil?
Can There Be Just Wars?
Confirmation (7th Grade and Above) Every Other Wednesday Evenings from 5:45-7 pm
Our Deepest Questions will resume on April 17 after Spring Break
Good Shepherd is beginning a Confirmation program intended for youth in 7th grade and above, but open to anyone! Confirmation classes take place on Wednesday Evenings, alternating with Our Deepest Questions, but anyone is invited and encourage to participate so long as they agree to center the voices of the youth.
Confirmation classes will take the form of the Lutheranism 101 forums from the fall. So if you liked those forums, you'll like these classes!
