Children and Youth

Firelight Sunday School
The Firelight program brings our children, three-years-olds through fifth graders to a deeper understanding and love for Jesus. Education is held for St. John's children at 9:40 a.m. September through May. Taught by trained teachers, children participate in lessons, crafts and assorted activities. Contact Kristi Paulson for more information.

Outreach Firelight has devoted one Sunday of the year to learning about various agencies on a local, state, national and international level where the children’s offering is gifted (benevolence) each year.

Grades P3 through Grade 2 rotate from station to station where they watch the Heifer Project video make a craft and enjoy a snack relating to a foreign country.

Grades 3-5 also rotate from station to station listening to presentations about various agencies, (Community Action Council, Crisis Nursery, Children’s Christian Fund, World Hunger, the Korean Orphanages and others).

Each student is then given compassion cash dollars and a spreadsheet to determine where they wish to gift their cash dollars. This outcome provides the finance committee with the breakdown of benevolence giving for the Firelight money. Third grade students also make tie fleece blankets to donate to an agency. Enjoy the children’s stories and ask questions.

Pre-school and Lower Elementary
The hour begins for three-year-olds through second graders with "Fire-up Time". This time consists of songs of praise, offering and prayer. Class time follows with Bible story lessons presented at the age level of the child, appealing to not only the ear, but the child's taste, touch, sight, and smell as well.

Upper Elementary
The Firelight Hour for third through fifth graders is a small group experience. These students are experiencing changes that are associated with adolescence, both physical and emotional. They are given opportunities to interact, explore, experiment, and dramatize in conversation with Bible stories and their settings.

First Communion Instruction
This program is offered to students in grade 5 in February of each year. Participants meet with Pastor Helland for six consecutive Thursday evenings and are then invited to receive communion at the Lord’s table.

G.A.P.
G.A.P. stands for God Answers Prayers and is our continuation of Sunday morning education for youth specifically in grades 6-12. G.A.P takes place during the 9:40 hour on Sunday mornings. It's a time to laugh, learn, and grow together as we dive into God's word. This time together is spent in a small group Bible study format on various topics and themes relevant to the current concerns of youth today.

Ablaze
Ablaze is held each Wednesday September through May. This program gives youth in grade 6 an opportunity to study the Bible.

Affirm Confirmation Ministry
Affirm, St. John’s confirmation ministry, is offered to youth in grades 7 through the fall of grade 10. The goal of this ministry is to develop students as people of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and as life-long participants in the church. Participation in worship in a variety of ways forms the backbone of this ministry. Curriculum materials are provided for each student. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings and are taught Pastor Helland, the youth director, and trained adult teachers at 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00. In addition, other community service projects and youth outings are planned. Contact Pastor Helland at 952-469-4916 or pastor@sjlcl.org for more information.

Service to the church is included as part of Affirm Ministry. The purpose is to instill the understanding that participation in the church is never for one’s own sake alone. But rather that participation in the church is always for the sake of the church as well. Students will serve St. John’s Lutheran Church Sunday mornings on a rotating basis in the role of:

Crucifer:Carrying the cross

Acolyte:Lighting and extinguishing candles

Nursery Helper:Aiding adults in the nursery

Usher:Assisting adult ushers

Pizza, Subs, and More

Wednesday fellowship meal

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is a themed program held during the summer for St. John’s children beginning with three-year-olds. The younger children spend the morning rotating through various activities. These activities include the Bible story shared by actions or role play, music time, outdoor games, making their own treat, and creating a craft. All activities are based on a themed lesson for the day.

Children in upper elementary will follow a similar morning but designed at a more advanced level. One special part will be learning and delivering the skit to all children each day.

Middle school youth will assume the role of a small group mentor, shepherding the younger children from activity to activity. In this role they are able to participate and enjoy the day while experiencing familiar Bible stories in new way.