Holy Trinity Lutheran Church - Children and Youth

Caring for each other ..... sharing in the community

Children and Youth

The mission of Holy Trinity's Youth and Family Ministry is to nurture everyone in their faith journey through caring and sharing community programs. We start our spiritual journey with faith formation. The things that we value, how we worship, why we worship and even how we relate to each other are defined by what we believe. The Youth and Family programs at Holy Trinity fulfill educational needs by developing young minds through sound Bible-based curriculum, proven leadership and practical programming. Younger children develop friendships and sound Christian values while teens practice their skills in Christian reasoning and moral reflection as they give attention to their personal horizons. Educational alternatives and a vast variety of opportunities keep everyone in tune with God.

Sunday School
We offer Sunday School classes at 9:15am each week from September thru May for ages 3 years through adult. This year the Preschool age kids will report to Classrooms 3 & 4 at 9:15am. Kindergarten through 6th grade parents will check in their youth to the C.L.C. at 9:15 where they will gather for music and prayer and then will be divided up into groups and will have interactive learning through various stations such as drama, arts and crafts, cooking, games, etc. The station leaders are teachers that will teach the lesson and the youth will have shepherds (the assistants) who will go along the side of each of the groups to help them to the classes and in the classes. At 10:15am the parents will pick up their youth in the C.L.C. 7th-8th grade will meet in Classroom 9 and the Sr. High Youth will meet in the Sr. High Youth Room. The adults will meet in Classroom A.

We believe that Christian Education is a lifelong process and we can never stop learning. Children under the age of 3 who have been baptized at Holy Trinity will receive Christian Educational material through the mail as part of a curriculum entitled "Splash".

For more information about Sunday school, contact our Youth and Family Ministry Director, Darcy Mittelstaedt at 480-963-4127 ext. 14 or e-mail: darcy@htlutheran.com

Click here to see our Sunday School Photo Album.

Senior High Youth Group
Our high school youth group meets during the school year on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 until 8:00pm. The first half of each meeting is dedicated to hanging out, games, or chatting with friends. During the second hour we announce and discuss upcoming events and participate together in a devotional study and conversation. Each year the youth group participates in a variety of different activities, including group outings, regional conferences and mission trips. For more information on Sr. High Youth Group, contact Darcy Mittelstaedt.

Click here for photos of different youth group activities.

Junior High Youth / Confirmation-Saints and Sinners
Confirmation has a NEW NAME!!! Saints & Sinners is the Junior High Youth Group here at Holy Trinity. Why Sinners? Because we know that none of us is perfect. Why Saints? Because we know that in Christ we are a new creation!!! Although we are sinners, and by God's power to make us saints, we live out our faith in this world. Saints & Sinners meets on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00pm, for relationship building, learning, and having fun. At the end of their 8th grade year, students make an affirmation of their faith at a special worship service. Go to Holy Trinity's on-line calendar to find out when and where other events are planned. Or, to get more information about Saints & Sinners/Confirmation opportunities, contact Pastor Scott.

First Communion
First Communion classes at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church are offered at the Second Grade level for two weeks in the Spring, usually beginning in February. The curriculum is from Augsburg Fortress entitled "The Welcome Table". There is a family book along with a child's book that talks about what Holy Communion is. In the two weeks, the youth along with their parents, make bread, watch a video called "Grandma's Bread" and make banners for their First Communion. They receive their First Communion on a Sunday at the 9:15am service.

Holy Trinity also offers a one time class for older youth who haven't been instructed n receiving Holy Communion and they too will receive their First Communion along with the other kids. If your child hasn't been instructed in First Communion and would like to take Communion, please contact either Darcy Mittelstaedt or Pastor Scott.

Vacation Bible School
Holy Trinity offers Vacation Bible School each summer. It is a fun-filled week for all children 3 years old through 5th grade. We would love to have kids 6th grade and older participate as helpers and teachers. Children will strengthen their relationship with Jesus through Bible stories, singing, crafts, games and even snacks. Invite your friends and neighbors so we can spread God's word! VBS will be June 14-18, 2010. The theme is "High Seas Adventure."

Adventure Camp
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church offers an Adventure Camp in the summer for students who have completed 3rd through 6th grades. Join us on this Adventure! This camp will be held at Canyon Point Campground near Payson, AZ. - 2010 Adventure Camp is July 12 through 15th. Please call the office at 480 963-1427 for more information.

Teen Girls Bible Study
This Bible Study group meets on Thursday evenings to discuss the hot topics our teen girls are faced with today and how those topics relate to the Bible. Contact the Holy Trinity office for information on dates and times.

DivorceCare for Kids
DivorceCare for Kids is a special nondenominational program designed to help children heal and grow positively following the separation or divorce of their parents. The group meets weekly for 13 weeks combining games, crafts, activities, music and videos to create a fun atmosphere where children feel comfortable and accepted. At the weekly meetings, kids will make friends who understand how they feel and share similar experiences. Best of all, children will learn how God's love can strengthen them and help turn tears to hope and joy.

Parents are encouraged to be involved with their children as they go through these classes. They will receive a weekly "Parent Page" describing what the child has learned and how to have follow-up discussions during the week. DivorceCare for Kids follows the same schedule as the adult DivorceCare program, allowing parents and children to progress through the healing process together. Contact the Holy Trinity office for information on dates and times for the next session.