Children & Youth Ministry

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Sunday morning worship remains the most important factor in the faith formation of children. At St. Mark’s we emphasize the importance of families worshipping together and affirm the place of children in our worship space. 

Young children are invited into the Grace Space every Sunday during 9:30 am worship. The Grace Space is a special place in the sanctuary designed for young children to move and play during worship. As children are nourished by play in the Grace Space, parents are freed to be spiritually nourished by participating in morning worship. 

Older children are encouraged to follow the example of their parents, learning the liturgy, praying the prayers, singing the songs, hearing the preaching of God’s Word, and sharing in Holy Communion. 

Following Sunday worship, older children (elementary and above) are invited to join in the fellowship hour for refreshments or to play in the Youth Rooms. Infants and toddlers are welcome to play in our Nursery. For Preschool-aged children we offer a very special Sunday School experience. 

Sunday School (Pre-K-6th): 10:40-11:20am

• Pre-K (Ages 2-4): Frolic is a play-based Sunday school curriculum designed for preschoolers. Frolic Preschool features age-appropriate play spaces, prayers, storytelling, music and rituals. Each week preschoolers will explore faith concepts the way they know best—through play! 
• K-6th: Each week, kids dive into the Bible and respond to the scripture lesson through story telling, asking curious questions, creative activities, and prayer. 

Youth Education takes place primarily on Wednesdays as part of our ACT ministry. As we learn in Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, the first Christians would gather together for food, community, learning, and worship. Through those gatherings they learned how to be faithful disciples and how to be the church. St. Mark's Wednesday schedule includes:

• Dinner (5-6 pm)
• Youth Education Hour (6-7 pm) for youth of all ages (description below from 6:00 to 7:00 pm. 
• Sanctuary worship (7:00-7:30 pm) we gather together as a large group for a meaningful time for music, Word, and prayer. 

St. Mark’s aims to teach children about God’s love for the world, God’s love for them, and how to love the world God has made. It is through learning these things that children grow up to be faithful adults that led healthy lives and make a positive impact on the world around them.

Wednesday Church School (Pre-K through 6th Grade)

Children in Wednesday Church School will explore the stories of the Bible to learn about the many ways God’s love is revealed in scripture and the world around them. 

Confirmation (7th & 8th Grade) 

Confirmation is a time for students to learn more about the theology of the Lutheran Church and key concepts in scripture. It is also a chance to ask tough questions and to think critically about the intersection of faith and life. In the fall of their 9th grade year students will be given the opportunity to affirm the promises of their baptism at a special confirmation service. 

High School Youth Group (9th-12th Grade)

Youth Group is an opportunity for high schoolers to nurture relationships and strengthen their faith during this exciting but challenging time of life. Youth Group is a time for community, faith development, service, and fun. Youth Group is a space to share and process the ups and downs of life in an affirming and encouraging environment. Throughout the year there several special events and outings, in addition to annual mission trips and adventures.  

For More Information

To learn more about programs for children, youth, and families, please contact the church office at 651-777-7451 or stmarks@stmarks-nsp.org.