Youth Ministry
We understand how vital it is for 6th-12th Grade Students to find belonging and acceptance. Providing a place where students grow in their faith with one another, learn to love and serve their neighbor, embrace their identity in Christ, and create long-lasting friendships is our goal. We would love for your family to be a part of our student ministry.
Filled with discussions, service projects, food, adventures, games, and the occasional retreat - our student ministry is designed to help foster friendships, grow together in faith, and serve our surrounding community. Activities are held monthly. Everyone is always welcome, and we encourage you to invite your friends. Please contact Pr. Garrett for more information or to be added to our email list.
Our Upcoming Youth Activities
Our next youth event is at Sandy Spring Adventure Park on Sunday, September 22. We have a group reservation time of 3:00 PM. However, due to travel time and an orientation, we are meeting to carpool at 1:00 PM from Pr. Garrett's home. Sandy Spring Adventure Park includes 14 courses, 7 difficulty levels, and over 200 climbing & zip-lining elements. The cost is $50 per person. Adult leaders are also welcome. Contact Pastor Garrett if you would like to attend.
Our Summer Youth Activities
One of our favorite student ministry experiences is the Youth Camping Trip! We camp out at Bear Creek Lake State Park, Wednesday - Friday, where our days are spent having fun at lake front area and evenings are spent fishing, talking, playing games, etc. The cost is around $150, including lodging and meals. There are a limited number of spaces available so the sooner you RSVP, the better. Contact Pr. Garrett for more details.
Our Hungry to Serve Youth Camp is a week long volunteer week spent visiting the Dulles South Food Pantry, JK Community Farm, Anna Sudha Community Kitchen, Mobile Hope, and Dulles South Soup Kitchen. Together, our youth will learn how these organizations feed the locally food insecure from farm to table. Contact Pr. Garrett to RSVP or with any questions. Space will be limited.
Get ready for a 2025 Summer Mission Trip through Appalachia Service Project. This Christian ministry inspires hope and service through volunteer home repair and replacement throughout Central Appalachia. The trip is open to ages 11+, or those who have at least completed the 6th grade. Dates and a location are still being determined, but will most likely occur in mid-July. The cost is around $425 for the week, including transportation, meals, supplies, and lodging. If you are interested in participating in this trip, contact Pastor Garrett today.
Youth Activities During the School Year…
In a nutshell, Confirmation is an affirmation of the promises made at baptism. Youth will explore faith through Scripture, theology, creeds, experiences, and activities. This two-year journey starts each Fall, and is a period of growth in Christian faith, concluding with a celebration where the students develop their own statements of faith. If you are interested in your youth participating in a Confirmation program in the future, please contact Pr. Garrett.
Each Wednesday morning during the school year, we host a Christian Leadership Group at 8:30 A.M. at our local Dash In. Anyone is welcome to attend. Together, we discuss and share with our student athletes what it is like to lead well, from a Christian perspective, both on and off the field. We often eat breakfast together, and if this is your first time showing up, then breakfast is on us. All are invited and welcome! Contact Pr. Garrett for more info.
Pictures from around our Youth Ministry.
ELCA National Youth Gathering
We had four young people attend the most recent ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. This was an incredible gathering of over 17,000 students and adults celebrating the theme Created To Be bold, authentic, brave, free, and disciples. Check out the worship video below to learn just how amazing the ELCA National Youth Gathering was for our young people to grow in their faith. The next ELCA Youth Gathering will be held in the summer of 2027 in Minneapolis, MN. Stay tuned as we plan to participate and join with over 17,000+ people to participate in worship, service projects, faith formation, and so much more!
Contact Deacon Alyssa or Pastor Garrett if you are interested in going or if you have any questions.