Living Together in Faith Youth

Faith Formation is for all ages and stages in life!

The church is called to serve and provide for our youngest participants and their families to help them grow in faith and love of God.

At Bay Shore, we have expectations, goals and milestones for our youth participants. By experiencing hands on faith activities and worship, our young people learn and see the goodness of God and become more engaged.

A. Sixth through Eighth Grades

1. 1. Enroll in our ABC class – Affirmation of Baptism (3 years)
      1. Cover 1 year on Old Testament
      2. Cover 1 year on Gospels
      3. Cover 1 year on the remaining New Testament books
      4. Within these three years, we also cover Luther’s Small Catechism: 10 Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, Apostles Creed, Sacraments—Baptism and Communion

MILESTONE: At beginning of Sixth Grade, receive Lutheran Study Bible (and copies of the Message Bible around as well)

Other Goals:

1. Complete 5 hours of service each year (anywhere, not just at Bay Shore)
2. Participate in acolyting in worship
3. Serve as lectors.
4. Attend Youth Group Outings APART from ABC time
5. Participate in Family Christmas Program
6. We offer one week of confirmation camp each year
7. Serve as VBS helpers
8. Our students are welcome to join both the Chancel Choir and the Handbells/Ringers.

MILESTONE: Confirmation Sunday in the fall of 9^th Grade. We have a special worship service, with gifts and celebratory reception

GOAL: By 8^th grade, our students will know 10 commandments, Lord’s Prayer and Apostles Creed, can read the hymnal well, know the resurrection story and what it means for our faith, will know key bible stories and can explain them to others, and begin understanding the concept of grace at their level.

B. Ninth through Twelfth Grades

We will offer Bible Studies, more centered on themes.

Encourage that their required service hours be done here at the church (most schools require them)

Attend Youth Group Outings

MILESTONE: ELCA Youth Gathering Outing every three years, which includes fundraising…., what do they receive? 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering

MILESTONE: Youth Service Trips every two years.

Other goals we have:

1. Senior High Camp experiences
2. Serve as lectors, and also serving as crucifer and communion assistants
3. Help with Little Lambs, our worship service walk out program
4. Serve as VBS helpers
5. Participate in the Family Christmas Program
6. Share their musical talents (singing or instruments) with the Chancel Choir
7. Receive finals gifts as encouragement.

MILESTONE: Graduation Sunday for 12^th graders and other graduates.

MILESTONE: Godspeed Sunday in early August for those “Going Away”

1. Youth Sunday every year, at least one, centered on the most recent experience
2. Encourage serving at Lutheran or other Christian camps 
3. GOAL: Students will move into a more hands on learning, growing faith, able to question but also learn skills for communicating faith with others, understanding God’s Love even more.

 C. College-Aged Students

1. 1. Care packages in the Fall
   2. Connect with others on breaks
   3. Begin attending Lutheran Campus ministries wherever they are
   4. Young Adult Gatherings
   5. GOAL: Students will know that their home church continues to think of them, encourage them, and desire that they experience their faith in different settings to foster deeper engagement and possible church leadership as a lay person, or even as clergy.