Children, Youth & Family Ministry (CYF)
At Elk River Lutheran Church we aim to be remarkable in our faith formation. Our ministries, from Preschool through Senior High, nurture kids and their families in their faith journey by integrating them into the overall life of the church. Please scroll through this page to see what some of those offerings look like and reach out with any questions (contact form at the bottom of this page). All are welcome and you do not need to be a member of ERLC to participate.
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CYF NIGHT
Fellowship - Learning - Fun for All Ages
Kids Connect
All students, preschool through 6th grade, are invited to engage in fun and age–appropriate activities most Sundays during the middle of the worship service. Students will leave the sanctuary and gather in the Fellowship Hall during the reading and sermon time to have their own lesson, Bible reading and prayer. It’s a great time to learn about God and make new friends! Watch for the invitation to come during both worship services on Sundays. |
CONFIRMATION
What is Confirmation?
In our Lutheran tradition, many of us are baptized as babies, so Confirmation serves as an opportunity to learn and grow into a more mature faith, culminating in the fall of our student’s 9th-grade year when they make a public affirmation of their faith. Pastor Nathan leads our weekly Wednesday gatherings which include lessons from the Bible, application to daily life, and small group discussion. We want students to learn about the Bible, church, and faith, but one of our primary goals is to build relationships between our students to make Confirmation a safe, fun, learning environment.
In our Lutheran tradition, many of us are baptized as babies, so Confirmation serves as an opportunity to learn and grow into a more mature faith, culminating in the fall of our student’s 9th-grade year when they make a public affirmation of their faith. Pastor Nathan leads our weekly Wednesday gatherings which include lessons from the Bible, application to daily life, and small group discussion. We want students to learn about the Bible, church, and faith, but one of our primary goals is to build relationships between our students to make Confirmation a safe, fun, learning environment.
What is the Confirmation schedule like?
We meet most Wednesday nights during the school year from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm in the Community Room (lower level).
We meet most Wednesday nights during the school year from 6:30 pm-7:30 pm in the Community Room (lower level).
- In most months, we’ll have two to three “regular class nights” that include a lesson, fun interactive activity/game, and small group discussion.
- One Wednesday night per month we’ll have a special activity (service project, fun night, or outing), and most months we’ll also have a CYF Night.
- CYF Nights go from 6:00 pm-7:45 pm and include a meal, large group learning (often with a special guest presenter), and then small group learning time. CYF Nights are designed for families to attend together. Only during the small group time do we intentionally divide into groups by age, including an adult group.
6TH GRADERS
Greetings Future 6th Grade Students and Parents,
We are excited to be expanding our Confirmation classes at Elk River Lutheran to include 6th graders this fall. This means we hope you and your student will join us for Confirmation, which will start in September.
We are excited to be expanding our Confirmation classes at Elk River Lutheran to include 6th graders this fall. This means we hope you and your student will join us for Confirmation, which will start in September.
Why include 6th graders in the Confirmation program now?
Elk River schools follow a middle school model where 6th graders attend the same schools as 7th and 8th graders, so this change brings us in line with what Elk River and surrounding school districts are already doing. We also believe that developmentally 6th graders will benefit from the social and learning opportunities available with Confirmation.
Elk River schools follow a middle school model where 6th graders attend the same schools as 7th and 8th graders, so this change brings us in line with what Elk River and surrounding school districts are already doing. We also believe that developmentally 6th graders will benefit from the social and learning opportunities available with Confirmation.
CONFIRMATION REGISTRATION
Parents, please register your students with form link below so we have the appropriate contact information. There will be a meeting for both parents and the 6-9th graders on Wednesday, September 18th from 6:30-7:30pm. We will discuss the curriculum and plans for a winter retreat!
SAVE THE DATE
Wednesday, September 18 at 6:30 pm -- Confirmation Parent/Student Orientation Meeting in the Community Room at Church
We will be sharing more specific information, including how to register for Confirmation, in a few weeks. If you have urgent questions, please reach out to Pastor Nathan at the church (via Email or 763-595-1216). Thank you for being a part of this faith community. We look forward to a wonderful year of Confirmation here at Elk River Lutheran.
We will be sharing more specific information, including how to register for Confirmation, in a few weeks. If you have urgent questions, please reach out to Pastor Nathan at the church (via Email or 763-595-1216). Thank you for being a part of this faith community. We look forward to a wonderful year of Confirmation here at Elk River Lutheran.
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH
High School students continue to gather in the Youth Room on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30. We spend some of our time talking about God, the Bible, and real faith in our real lives. We also spend time serving our neighbors, playing games and growing together as a community. I’ve been impressed at our teenager’s connections and willingness to welcome everyone. High schoolers, come check out this group - friends are always welcome!
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Even though our primary platform for partnership on Cheyenne River is construction-based, the heart of our ministry is relational. Students will have the chance to spend meaningful time with community members and hopefully leave their trip with a better understanding of the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe.
Total Trip Cost is $775
This amount may decrease depending on van rentals and the number of students that sign up. There will be three fundraising opportunities that are REQUIRED for students to be part of the trip (even if they don't want or need the funds for their trip).
We will be going with the organization called Next Steps Ministries. For more info on our trip, click here: https://nextstepministries.com/mission-trips/pine-ridge-south-dakota/
Total Trip Cost is $775
This amount may decrease depending on van rentals and the number of students that sign up. There will be three fundraising opportunities that are REQUIRED for students to be part of the trip (even if they don't want or need the funds for their trip).
We will be going with the organization called Next Steps Ministries. For more info on our trip, click here: https://nextstepministries.com/mission-trips/pine-ridge-south-dakota/
SUMMER BIBLE CAMP
SUMMER FESTIVAL CAMP
This is a favorite for many of our students! It’s only 3 nights, so the cost is about perfect for most families as well. Join Pastor Anne as we partner with many other congregations and gather at Gustavus Adolphus College for this sweet camp experience. Campus-wide games, club style worship, and challenging speakers create a great time while deepening our faith journeys. Cost is $275
LUTHER CREST BIBLE CAMP
Luther Crest Bible Camp – Alexandria, MN
There are so many options for different experiences and age groups. Full schedule is available on their website, which is where you could register as well. Cost is $280-829 depending on the length of the camp and what experience you choose. Located on the shores of Beautiful Lake Carlos near Alexandria, Luther Crest offers innovative, Christ-centered experiences that are fun, safe, spiritually filling and open to all! Visit their website for details on their programs and camps. www.luthercrest.org |