Children & Youth
Children & Youth
SUNDAY SCHOOL
All children are welcome at Gloria Dei’s Sunday School. We meet Sunday mornings from September – May at 9:00am in the Narthex. Before breaking into age groups, we gather for our opening (with parents, too) that includes singing and an introduction to the theme of that particular Sunday or season of the church year. Depending on the age group, the focus is on Bible stories and crafts, or that Sunday’s scripture readings in light of today.
INTERGENERATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL
On the first Sunday of the month, September – May, we gather with adults for Intergenerational Sunday School. This time with people of all ages includes singing, bible stories, dramas, crafts, and conversations, intended to equip parents (and other adults) and kids with materials and tools to practice faith at home during the week. We have two themes for the 2025-2026 season, with a different focus each month.
We Believe focuses on the three parts of the Nicene Creed as we celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the meeting of the Council of Nicaea in 325. We will look at what we confess in our creeds about God creating, becoming human, redeeming the world, and making us holy as the church.
Travelers – Going with God will teach us all about God’s call to love immigrants and refugees as we travel alongside our foremothers and forefathers who followed God to a better future.
No experience necessary! Join us for songs, Bible stories, and a craft or activity starting at 9:00am in the church Narthex. All are welcome, including newcomers. We hope to see you there!
CLASS FOR FIRST COMMUNION
The age when children begin to receive Holy Communion varies among Christian denominations and even different Lutheran churches, from infants to confirmation age. At Gloria Dei, we believe that all are welcome at the Table of the Lord. At the same time, we find it beneficial for young children and their parents to have some instruction about the sacrament, especially when they begin asking questions about it, or express the desire to receive it. Parents often know when the time seems right for their children and prior to that are encouraged to bring children forward for a blessing during communion. First communion instruction for children and their parents is offered when needed. Please let Pastor Carlson know if you are interested.
YOUTH CONFIRMATION CLASS
All students in grades 6 and up are welcome to attend our youth confirmation class. This class follows a two-year curriculum. With one year focusing on the Bible, and one year on Luther’s Small Catechism. During the 2025-2026 school year we will be focusing on the biblical story of God and God’s people in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Contact Pastor Carlson for more information.
YOUTH GATHERINGS
As part of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA, Gloria Dei youth participate with youth from around northeastern Minnesota in the Junior High Gathering (fall) and Senior High Gathering (winter). These gatherings involve worship, bible study, service, food, and friendship with youth from other Lutheran churches in the area. Also, every few years, our youth attend the ELCA National Youth Gathering. Information about these can be found at www.nemnsynod.org.
SUMMER CAMP
Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry provides opportunities for Christ-centered spiritual growth, leadership development, and outreach in God’s great Northwoods.
It is an outdoor ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that provides a variety of year-round and summer programs out of 2 sites in Northeastern Minnesota: Camp Vermilion and Camp Hiawatha. No matter what our age, participating in outdoor ministry – church camp – can significantly impact faith. Gloria Dei encourages kids and families sign up for a week of camp this year! This is a wonderful ministry Gloria Dei supports with an annual financial commitment. In addition, we provide camperships to help reduce the cost for all participants registering through Gloria Dei. More information can be found at www.vlmcamps.org.
Wherever you are on your journey, you are welcome here!
Growing in Faith
