This page for Trinity Youth and Christian Education covers the Nursery, Church School, Triniteens, Confirmation, and Family activities

Nursery (Ages 5 and younger)

Our nursery is available at the following times:

Wednesday 6:15 – 8:00 PM, staffed by Kara Thune
Sunday 8:15 AM – 11:45 PM, staffed by Mia Kiemele & Loralee Heiser

Our Nursery is located close to the sanctuary for easy access. The room includes a bathroom, changing table, crib, and of course many toys! The worship service can be heard through a speaker system in the nursery.

Please provide snacks and/or diapers if needed by your child. We do have a few diapers on hand for emergencies.

Church School (Preschool – Grade 6)

Welcome to Trinity Church School! We are excited to be growing in faith together.

We currently have 2 sessions of Church School weekly.
Sundays 9:30 – 10:20 AM
Wednesdays 7:15 – 8:00 PM

Click here to link to the Church School calendar

What We Learn

At Trinity, we are currently using the Akaloo curriculum from Augsburg Fortress Publishing. Inspired by the New Testament Greek word "akloluthein" meaning "to follow". Akaloo encourages intentional, lifelong discipleship and learning. In addition, each class will have a‘Together In Faith’ module with interactive sessions for parents and their child.

Music

Music is a part of the Church School experience.
Preschool – Grade 2 (Sunday) have music from 9:30 – 9:45 am
Grades 3-6 (Sunday) have music from 10:05 – 10:20 am
Preschool – Grade 3 (Wednesday) have music from 7:15 – 7:30 pm
The Wednesday 4-6 graders have music occasionally and practice for the Christmas program.

The children sing in worship about 3 times a year. Plus each Christmas they put on a Christmas program for the congregation. There are 2 separate programs for the Wednesday students and the Sunday students.

Volunteers

The Church School ministry relies on the commitment and caring of many dedicated volunteers. To help keep everyone safe, all volunteers in the Church School ministry go through our Youth Protection Policy screening process. If you are interested in helping out, please contact the Family Life Coordinator.

Confirmation (Grades 7-9)

We are currently using the Faith Inkubators model for Confirmation. Confirmation is held on Wednesday nights at 7:15 PM.

During the three years we cover the following topics:
Old & New Testament (Bible)
Apostle’s Creed & 10 Commandments
Baptism, Communion, Lord’s Prayer

Youth are confirmed at the end of April in their 9th Grade year.

Click here to link to the Confirmation calendar

About Our Ministry

Each youth is assigned to a small group (same grade, same gender) with an adult small group guide. The youth request one friend they want to be paired with in the group and the groups stay together for all three years of the program to develop those relationships. Most small group guides are parents of youth currently in the ministry (although this is not required) and all guides have gone through our youth protection policy screening process.

Two Wednesdays a month, all youth meet together for a workshop event. During this time the students participate in a 30-45 minute presentation from the pastor that can include skits, Bible work, art projects, and small group discussion. Then the youth break into their small groups for 30 minutes to discuss highs and lows of their week and the presentation topic. Everyone comes back together at the end for closing comments and prayer.

One Wednesday each month is reserved for small groups to do alternating fellowship and service events that they plan as a group. Each grade level has one grade group fellowship event a year where the whole grade level comes together for games and treats.

Additional youth group activities are planned throughout the year. Watch the youth board at the church or the calendar.

Triniteens (Grades 10-12)

Senior High Time with Pastor Nate

Join Pastor Nate for a time of learning about the Bible, serving others, and just hanging out. This Senior High group meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at 7:15 in the Triniteen Room.

Lunch At First

A free lunch provided for high school students each Wednesday during the school year at First Lutheran Church (across 7th street from BHS). The lunch is prepared and provided by five Lutheran churches: Church of the Cross, Faith, First, Lord of Life, and Trinity. A free-will offering is taken. Bible Trivia is offered at each meal. Answer the question of the week correctly and your name gets entered in the weekly drawing for a fun prize. Lunch is served from 11:15 – 12:45.

Special Events

Special events such as laser tag, bowling, movie night, bonfire, and more are occasionally held. See the calendar and watch the youth board at the church.

Summer Trips

Every year a meaningful trip is offered to our senior high youth. Trip information will be posted as it becomes available. Also watch the youth board!
Click here to link to the Youth Activity calendar

Family

Annual South Dakota Vacation Cruise

Started in 2004 for families, couples, and singles. The trip usually takes place the first weekend in June. The highlight of the trip is the Crazy Horse Volksmarch – a hike up to the arm of the Crazy Horse carving in the Black Hills of SD. Lodging is at a campground with the options of bringing a camper/tent or renting a cabin for the weekend. We have a group campfire and meal on Saturday night after the hike. There is extra time for families to sight-see as they wish.

Special Events/Celebrations

Special events and celebrations for the whole congregation are held throughout the year. Watch the calendar and bulletin board for upcoming events.

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