Youth
What do I believe? Does church really matter? What does the Bible say? What does God have to do with me? With the world? With anyone? How does Jesus make a difference in my life? What does being a Christian mean? A Lutheran?
At OSL, students ask questions, explore the answers, and, yes, even have fun in three different grade-level groups.
6th Grade: ReForm
6th graders meet together on Sunday mornings as a peer group under the guidance of adults who invite thoughtful conversation and creative exploration of faith and life. Students are asked questions and challenged to think about God and faith in new and exciting ways. Using engaging material and activities this is an opportunity you don't want to miss out on. How do you join in? Just show up on Sunday morning at 9:55, or click here to request more information.
7th-9th grade: Home-made Confirmation
Make no mistake: this is not your parents’ confirmation. OK, it is like your parents confirmation in that things like the Bible, the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and other important pieces of our faith are on the topic list. But that is where the resemblance ends. Confirmation at OSL is an experience created by our pastors and Youth Ministry staff. Confirmation gatherings are a combination of large and small group time. Large group is an interactive time of learning that covers our topic in a variety of ways. Small group time is all about relationships – relationships with mentors, peers, and God. In small group, faith is explored through sharing life, questions, and knowledge (Yes, students know stuff! Mentors might even, too!).
Confirmation happens on Wednesday nights during the school year from 6:30-7:45. Click Here to request more information.
NEW! Photos from Faith Fest 2011: "Shine" are online. Check here!
Beyond Confirmation
For 7th-9th graders, confirmation is the main show, but there are other things! Sunday morning gatherings for each grade build on and expand the confirmation conversation while other activities and events take place throughout the year. Watch for it or you might miss out!
High School
On Wednesday nights during the school year, high schoolers gather to socialize and connect faith to everyday life. Whatever group you find yourself in at high school, at OSL those groups fall away and youth come together as a united community.
Each month high schoolers engage in an exploration of faith and life through fellowship (fun times!), service to others, worship, and discussions on important issues they choose.
In the summer, high school students are out on trips...mission trips, high adventure trips, and youth gatherings if it is the year for one. Warning: these trips are not for the faint of heart. Life-transforming experiences may occur.
Summer 2012 trips. June 10-15, Atlantic Mountain Ranch. July 17-23, ELCA Youth Gathering.
Click here to catch up with OSL High School Youth Group on Facebook.
Click here to follow OSL High School Youth Group (@OSLSFyouth) on Twitter
What else?
Beyond Wednesday nights, students tend to be all over the place doing things like serving communion, playing and singing in the youth band, teaching Sunday school, reading scripture in worship, and getting out into the community through serving. Plugging into the regular life of OSL is just one more way students are connecting.
Photos of OSL's Youth Band, I Kinda Like Mangoes, are online here (use password osl). Check them out!
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