“Is that for us?”
Two years ago, the staff team set out to deepen Peace’s investment in youth ministry. Many steps have brought us to this point, but five have been especially significant:
We centered our youth ministry programming in the west end of the building, with the new gym and Fellowship Hall serving as our primary program spaces. The west wing now has a distinct identity where students can feel ownership. We have also invested in lighting and musical equipment to create a fun, engaging environment.
We consolidated Confirmation into one large-group/small-group experience. This allows us to focus our people and physical resources and provide a stronger, more consistent experience for students.
We moved high school ministry to Wednesday nights so we can better steward our volunteers and staff while making participation easier for families who are already carpooling to church.
We discontinued Wednesday Night Worship, which freed our pastors and worship staff to support Confirmation and high school ministry with an engaging music experience designed specifically for students.
We participated in a two-year grant program focused on best practices for equipping youth to lead. That work led to the creation of a Youth Council, which now helps plan and lead ministry for our high school students.
The results have been encouraging. Our investment in youth ministry has brought renewed energy to the program and an increase in attendance. The high school ministry that once gathered 15–20 faithful students has now hosted potlucks—we’re raising good Lutherans!—for 105 students and their friends.
Last fall, as students were making their way into the Fellowship Hall for Confirmation, a group of middle school boys stopped at the doors where our greeters were stationed. They peeked around the corner and asked, “Is that for us?” Then they looked at one another, smiles stretching across their faces, and made their way into the room.
That is our hope for all of faith formation—from our youngest children to our high school seniors. We want every student to know they are in the right place and that this church is committed to keeping the baptismal promises we have made together.
You can help us live out those promises through your regular giving to Peace and by sharing your time and talents. Our faith formation directors have many short-term and long-term opportunities for volunteers to serve. You can discover a way to serve in faith formation through Discover Peace Magazine or by talking with Darya Levesque, Director of Children’s Ministry and Music; Pam Tetzlaff, Director of Youth Ministry; or Holly Marty, Director of Adult and Senior Ministry.
You can also give financially online or in person by designating a gift to faith formation. One area where we are seeking support in 2026–2027 is summer camp. This year, we are bringing students to Outlaw Ranch and the ELCA National Youth Gathering. Your gift will help lower the total cost of camp by supporting bus transportation.