Middle School Ministries
“Faith Formation with Youth in Grades 6-8”
In many Lutheran congregations ministry with middle-schoolers includes Confirmation. But in 21st century American Christian culture we also need to be empowering parents to accompany their own children in faith formation in the family home during this critical time in an adolescent’s development. Additionally, providing opportunities for young people to serve, to join in fellowship with peers, and to encounter God in settings beyond our congregations like outdoor ministry sites, can be critical in the child’s faith journey. Check this page for events and for links to ministries that can assist you in this process.
Alive, Alive
“An event for middle-school youth and their advisors”
In 1992, a group of congregational youth leaders from our synod envisioned a fall weekend retreat that would bring together junior high school youth for fellowship, faith formation and fun, in the beautiful fall setting of Camp Nawakwa. One of the early themes was entitled Alive, Alive, and the name soon became the name the event would carry for 20+ years. Today, we still gather at Nawakwa each fall, and while the event is later to accommodate congregational groups registering POST-Rally day, the fun, fellowship and faith formation still remain. Alive, Alive 2012 is scheduled for September 27-29, 2013.
Youth stay in cabins with their congregational peers and leaders, so this is a weekend for you to do some group building. The youth meet with trained small group leaders for interactive learning and conversation with their peers, allowing them to meet new friends from Lutheran congregations across our synod. Many have said they remain friends throughout high school and even college. Along with the small group learning opportunities, youth can enjoy games, crafts, large group music and singing, evening activities that include a campfire and dance, and worship at Upper Temple on Sunday, weather-permitting. Adult leaders can gather with their peers from other congregations for conversation, renewal, and continuing education.
LOWER SUSQUEHANNA
SYNOD
900
South Arlington Avenue, Suite 220B Harrisburg,
PA 17109
(717) 652-1852 (800) 692-7282 (PA Only) Fax:
(717) 652-2504