2010 Youth Mission Tripmission_trip_van_group_shot_web
Grace youth in grades 7 through 12 participated in the Grace youth mission trip, July 14-17, spending four days and three nights in a Springfield neighborhood. The youth partnered with Changing Lives Now, Inc., an organization that helps the poor change their lives by transforming the world they live in with a message of hope and salvation. This was the second year Grace partnered with Changing Lives Now. Grace youth ministered to the children of the neighborhood with a custom-designed Heroes of the Bible Vacation Bible School. They ministered to the families of the neighboorhood with door-to-door evangelism and prayer through Adopt-a-Block and Doors of Hope. They picked up trash in the neighborhood.They worked on light construction projects at a home for women who need a place to stay and heal. They also ministered to at-risk teen girls by volunteering at the Pregnancy Resource Center. The youth also took part in a trying homeless situation that placed them in the shoes of the children they faced every day of the trip. Click here to view photos.

Youth Sunday SchoolTaking_Root_logo_72dpi_image_slider
Grace offers Sunday School for youth. Fifth through twelfth graders meet every Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sunday School classes focus on various studies from the Ten Commandments to church history to the environmental impact of Grace.

2010 Summer Sunday School
The theme for summer Sunday School was "Taking Root: Growing in Faith, Feeding Our Neighbors." Classes began on June 6 and continued through July 25, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Youth gathered in the Grace sanctuary with adults and children for a time of music, Scripture memorization and gathering of offerings. Then, the youth met in the fellowship hall to learn more about world hunger and how they could show God's love to those who suffer from hunger.

Faith Journey
At Grace, we believe that faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from God — given freely, neither earned nor deserved. For some individuals, faith is first realized in baptism. Others realize it first in a conscious process of conversion. Whenever faith begins, its development continues for a lifetime. Taking the Faith Journey means living out a commitment to make Jesus Christ the Lord of Life.

Faith formation activities at Grace begin with instruction and encouragement for parents of newly baptized children. Faith Journey catechism classes begin with preschoolers and continue through twelfth grade. Curriculum includes Luther’s youth_offeringSmall Catechism (Ten Commandments, Apostles’ Creed, Lord’s Prayer, Sacraments and Confession). It also includes the study of the Bible, church history, and leadership and witnessing skills. Students also are taught stewardship, Christian morality and personal spiritual disciplines. Classes are held during the Sunday School hour. The Youth Faith Journey program for youth (fifth through twelfth grade) is coordinated by Becky Shivler. For more information, contact Becky Shivler at 399-6257, ext. 109.

Social and Service Activities
Fifth through eighth graders may participate in middle school small group, which meets once a week and studies various topics related to the Bible. Ninth through twelfth graders also may participate in high school small group, which meets once a week and studies various topics. This is an opportunity for our youth to build relationships with Christian peers. The youth also have an opportunity to participate in various service activities. For more information, contact Ransom Kent, youth minister, at 399-6257, ext. 110.

Confirmation
Sophomores who regularly attend Grace Sunday School and other youth ministry activities are eligible to participate in the rite of Affirmation of Baptism, traditionally called Confirmation, on Pentecost Sunday. For more information, contact Pastor Beverly DeBord at 399-6257, ext. 103.