Children and Youth

We love kids and youth! Most of the time our world teaches young people that they need to be more adult-like, but Jesus taught that what adults really need is to be more child-like. Children are humble, curious, joyful, and trusting. At Immanuel we don't believe that “children are the future of the church” - we believe that children are members of our community now, and that they already have gifts and skills and passions that can glorify God and build up others.

"But Jesus called for them and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”

~ Luke 18:16-17

Our church also believes that children are one of God’s most precious gifts and one of life’s most important responsibilities. That’s why we provide so many opportunities for young ones to learn and grow, and have a comprehensive Safe Church policy to ensure every child can thrive in a place that is safe and supportive.

Children's Word

Each week during the 9:00am service, children age 2 to grade 5 are invited to join us for Children’s Word. After a special time together up front with a pastor, our young people head down near the gym, where they play, hear that week’s story from the Bible, and pray together. This gives children a chance to worship in age-appropriate ways, while also providing parents an opportunity to be fully present in worship. All our children return to worship in the sanctuary in time for families to receive communion together.

Godly Play

Based on the power of storytelling and asking questions, Godly Play is a widely used curriculum for young children who do not yet read. Each week, our young ones get the chance to explore biblical stories through drama, props, and the all-important question: "I wonder...?" Play and imagination are powerful tools to help nurture and grow a lifelong faith. We meet every Sunday 10:30am-11:15am. Come join us as we wonder together!

Faith Quest

Bigger kids ask bigger questions, and Faith Quest is designed to be a time to ask - and explore - those big questions! This group meets every Sunday 10:30am-11:15am and is intended for friends who are able to read. Together we look at Bible stories, thinking about their meaning and what they have to do with our lives today. We know that faith is an adventure and something we practice, and we're glad to be on the quest together.

Confirmation

When you’re a young child, faith is mostly about your parents, but as we grow older, each of us has to grapple with what we believe and claim our faith for ourselves. Confirmation is a two-year process that helps students in grades 8 and 9 do exactly that. Over the course of those two years, we study the Old and New Testaments and learn about how Lutherans understand and practice faith. Along the way we discuss how to read the Bible, debate how to reconcile faith and science, talk about whether violence is ever justified, and learn about other faith traditions. During our class sessions students are encouraged to question, doubt, debate, and be honest. Life and faith both involve a lot of questions. This is a safe place to explore them.

Youth Group

Our Youth Group is built on a few simple ideas: food, community, and faith. It's a safe place for students in grades 7-12 to be themselves, and to feel welcome just as they are. We gather once a month on Sunday evenings to share a meal, have some fun, and support one another. Along the way, we talk about big things in our lives, like how to balance all the things that demand our time, the challenges of navigating technology, and how to actually live our values. At Youth Group, everyone is included, and everyone has a place.