SJL Youth GATHER with peers and mentors, GROW in relationship with Jesus and one another, and GO into the world as the hands and feet of Jesus with the good news of the Gospel

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Youth Sunday School

A weekly opportunity for youth in grades 7-12 and their friends to spend time in God’s Word
Meet each Sunday morning between services from 9:30 – 10:30 am
Opening begins in the sanctuary before moving to “The Brick”
Being led this year by Josh Burkhard and Jeff Fauver

Senior High Youth Night

Designed for students in grades 9-12 and their friends
Meet each Sunday evening from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.
A weekly opportunity for fellowship and application of God’s Word to everyday life. Youth Nights feature a mix of large group games, topical Bible studies, prayer, and (of course!) snacks. Off-site outings, special events, and service projects are planned throughout the year, about once a month.
Being led by Anna Kruger and Josh Burkhard

Senior Seminar

Who: 12th grade students & friends, led by Anna Kruger and Josh Burkhard
When: Sundays, 5:15-6:00pm
Where: The BRICK
What: Seniors are invited to come early to Youth Nights to study Callings for Life: God’s Plan, Your Purpose by Pastor Jeff
Leininger, participate in the planning/leading of Youth Night games/studies, and take time to pray for underclassmen.

Youth Sundays

Who: 7th-12th grade students
When: Sundays throughout the school year, about every other month
Where: 8:00 and 10:45am worship services
What: Students will serve during worship services by reading Scripture and prayers, ushering, greeting, singing with the
Joyful Praise band, and/or wherever else needed.

Girls Small Group

Designed for girls and their friends in grades 8-12
Meet each Wednesday from 3:00 to 4:30 pm; drop in when you can, stay for part or the whole time
Join Anna Kruger for a casual afternoon around God’s Word and a great cup of coffee (or frozen hot chocolate, latte, mocha—you name it!)
Students are welcome to bring their homework
Around 4:00 there will be a time of devotion and prayer

Retreats, Travel & Special Events

NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING 2025: a summer retreat for LCMS youth from across the nation

New Orleans, Louisiana
Saturday, July 19- Wednesday, July 23
for students entering grades 9-12

APPALACHIAN SERVANT EVENT: a summer mission trip for students entering grades 9-12:

- Friday, July 11- Wednesday, July 23, 2025
- Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Asheville, North Carolina
- Check out the ASE website for details: washingfeet.org
- The Appalachian Servant Event is the longest running high school servant event in the LCMS. Since 1981, students have travelled to Asheville, North Carolina every summer to serve in the name of Jesus by completing construction projects on the homes of those in need. Painting, flooring, roofing, building stairs and ramps, and hand digging septic sites are typical work experiences.

Winter Whiteout Weekend in Petoskey, MI
Friday (after school)- Sunday in Early March (TBD)

Youth Parent Newsletters & Forms