Gethsemane offers various activities and programs for youth with an emphasis on fellowship, discipleship, outreach and service.
Sunday School, for age 3 – Grade 12, is held every Sunday throughout the school year. Bible stories are explored using multiple learning styles such as art, drama, and creative writing. Monthly, grades 6-8 lead worship at an area nursing home with Bible readings, puppets, and song.
First Communion is available to all children as they are ready with no age restrictions. Parents determine when to begin home instruction under the supervision of the Pastor and the Director of Learning & Family Ministries. Materials and support are provided.
Confirmation is for 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Special attention is given to connecting faith to students’ everyday life through the curriculum, large and small group activities, and discussions. They meet on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. during the school year, with a combination of learning, service and fellowship events. Parents serve as small group guides. Program includes an annual winter retreat at Lutheran Memorial Camp. Students are confirmed in fall of 9th grade year on Reformation Sunday.
K.O.O.L.(Kids of Our Lord) (Grades 1-5) gather together monthly for fellowship and service. Activities center around a yearly theme, such as prayer. Parents are invited to be involved with their children.
Senior High Youth (Grades 9-12) meet regularly for fellowship and service. Fundraisers and financial support from the congregation give the youth the opportunity to participate in the National Youth Gathering every three years and a servant event trip each year. During 2005, the Sr. High Youth spent a portion of their servant trip in Southeast Ohio painting and helping re-build an area devastated by flooding, and then spent several days in New York City, where they had a unique opportunity to visit Ground Zero and meet a parent that lost an adult child on 9-11-2001. The congregation was able to join with our Youth on Rally Sunday as they presented a deeply moving video and readings of their reflections on this trip.
Vacation Bible School is offered for children age 3 - grade 5. Events include Bible stories, crafts, games and song.