Junior high
At St. John's we strive to help 6-8th graders journey through a stage of life that is both exciting and, often times, confusing. Our desire is for our junior high students to live a life full of support from God, their family, and their family of faith at church. We want to equip our youth to be engaged as they embrace Jesus Christ.
Wednesday evening
Thrive
6:30–8 PM
First four Wednesdays of the month
September through early May
We don't just live... we Thrive! Large- and small-group program preparing students for the Rite of Confirmation through fun and fellowship and mission and outreach events, while growing in personal faith through prayer, scripture, and Lutheran beliefs. Small group of 5-10 youth and 2-3 adults (Guides), formed by gender and grade, stay together for three years.
Thrive Guides are background-checked adults who lead a small group, providing a caring and nurturing environment for each group and individual. Guides lead discussion and provide structure and discipleship.
THRIVE SCHEDULE
Learning event
First, third, and fourth Wednesdays
Small-group time, followed by large-group presentation
Group-building event
Second Wednesday
Service, social, or team-building as a small group
Guide Huddle
Fifth Wednesday
Guides meet as a group for a one-hour meeting. Youth do not meet on fifth Wednesdays.
Registration is required for Thrive. Cost is $30 per year, which includes a Bible the first year and a t-shirt each year. If you are new to Thrive (especially if the school year has already started), we ask that you arrange a time to meet briefly with staff for an orientation to answer any questions and fill out forms.
Contact: Amy Rademacher
Summer
During the Summer—Memorial Day through Labor Day—formal programing takes a break, but there are still plenty of opportunities for students—retreats, camps, serving in worship, and more. Sign up to receive e-mails from the junior high program for the latest information on upcoming events and service opportunities! Contact Amy to sign-up!
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones is a Family Ministries program that recognizes critical faith development stages in a child’s life. It provides faith-based child and parent education from baptism to graduation through a series of stepping stones. At these critical stages we, as the body of Christ, come alongside parents to offer teaching, support, and encouragement.