YOUTHministry

at st. pAul's

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  • 1st-4th grade

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  • middle school

    5th-8th grade

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  • high school

    9th-12th grade

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WHY YOUTH GROUPS?

Engaging in youth group activities helps young people build a strong foundation of faith, foster friendships, join in meaningful discussions, grow through service projects — and just have fun together! At St. Paul's, we're pleased to offer youth groups at all age levels from first grade through twelfth, each customized with Bible learning, activities, and social opportunities that are age-appropriate and thoughtfully designed. 

SPY STARTERS

1st-4th grade youth group

SPY = Saint paul's youth

SPY Starters is kids’ introduction to the youth group experience — their first steps into a community of faith, friendship, and fun. Just for 1st–4th graders, it’s all about building strong foundations through music, games, and meaningful connections. Parents, help your kids plug into a place where big memories and faith experiences begin.

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  • SPY Starters Events | 2025-2026

    • Wednesday, August 27 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | School building (art room, lower level hallway, playground — weather permitting)

    • Wednesday, September 24 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | School (art room, LL hallway, playground)

    • Congregational Retreat | October 3-5 | YMCA Trout Lodge (Read more)

    • Wednesday, October 29 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | School (art room, etc.)

    • Wednesday, November 19 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | School (art room, etc.)

    • Wednesday, January 28 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | School (art room, etc.)

    • Thursday, February 26 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | School (art room, etc.)

    • Thursday, March 26 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | School (art room, etc.)

    • Wednesday, April 29 | 5:30–7:00 p.m. | School (art room, etc.)

    • Congregational Christmas Caroling | Date TBA (likely a weekend, 4-12 days before Christmas)

  • We can't wait to see you at our next SPY Starters event!


    To attend, children must be pre-registered for each SPY Starters night. Parents, we need your help for a fun and safe event; please sign up to chaperone and help us reach a 9:1 adult-to-child participation ratio. 


    kids' REGISTRATON



    chaperone sign-up

  • Get connected with our SPY Starters youth group and learn more:


    Youth Coordinator Envelope  Becky Blake | Associate Pastor Envelope  Lawton Thompson

SPY MIDDLE SCHOOL

1st-4th grade youth group

SPY = Saint paul's youth

St. Paul’s middle school youth group is a monthly opportunity for students in grades 5–8 to gather around a time of devotion, games, snacks, and service. Youth group is a place in the midst of a busy schedule where students can rest in God’s Word and grow in faith and fellowship with one another. It’s a space where young believers begin to live out their baptismal identity, rooted in Christ and connected to His Church.

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  • SPY Middle School 2025-2026 events | During construction for our ministry expansion, our 5th–6th graders and 7th–8th graders will meet separately for youth events due to space limitations while our gym is under construction.


    SPY Middle School | 5th/6th grade events

    • Friday, September 5 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. | Youth Room & Fellowship Hall

    • Congregational Retreat | October 3-5 | YMCA Trout Lodge (Read more)

    • Friday, January 9 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. | Youth Room & Fellowship Hall

    • Friday, March 6 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. | Youth Room & Fellowship Hall

    • Congregational Christmas Caroling | Date TBA (likely a weekend, 4-12 days before Christmas)


    SPY Middle School | 7th/8th grade events

    • Congregational Retreat | October 3-5 | YMCA Trout Lodge (Read more)

    • Friday, November 7 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. | Youth Room & Fellowship Hall

    • Friday, February 6 | 6:30–8:00 p.m. | Youth Room & Fellowship Hall

    • Missouri District Gathering/Confirmation Retreat | Friday, April 17 thru Sunday, April 19, 2026

    • Congregational Christmas Caroling | Date TBA (likely a weekend, 4-12 days before Christmas)

  • We can't wait to see you at our next SPY Middle School event!


    To attend, children must be pre-registered for each SPY Middle School night. Parents, we need your help for a fun and safe event; please sign up to chaperone and help us reach a 9:1 adult-to-child participation ratio. 


    REGISTRATOn link | coming sooN



    chaperone sign-up | coming soon

  • Middle School Sunday School (Grades 6–8) 


    Location | School (See school lobby signs for classroom listing)


    Grades | While our SPY Middle School youth group includes students in grades 5–8, our Sunday School classes are grouped differently. Grades 6–8 meet together for a dedicated time of Sunday School learning and discussion, while 4th and 5th graders share a Sunday School class of their own.


    6th-8th Grade | In this discussion-based Sunday school class, students explore God’s Word together and learn to see the world through the lens of Scripture. It’s a space for tweens and teens to ask questions, wrestle with truth, grow in faith, and remain strong in their identity in Christ — all while being themselves. Each week, we dig into what the Bible says and explore its truths together.

  • Confirmation is an important milestone in the life of a middle school student. Find detailed information on our Confirmation instruction, classes, and important dates:


    about confirmation

  • Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade youth in the congregation are encouraged to participate in worship life at St. Paul's by serving as acolytes for our special seasonal services, such as Thanksgiving, Hanging of the Green, Christmas, and New Year's worship.


    For schedule information and to be included in our acolyte ministry, please contact youth coordinator, Becky Blake.


    CONTACT

  • Get connected with our SPY Middle School youth group and learn more:


    Youth Coordinator Envelope  Becky Blake | Associate Pastor Envelope  Lawton Thompson

SPY HIGH SCHOOL

9th-12th grade youth group

SPY = Saint paul's youth

Our high school youth ministry is built around the belief that teens are not just the future of the Church — they are the Church right now. In a season of life filled with questions and growth, we aim to provide a steady place of belonging, purpose, and spiritual formation through community, Scripture, and Christian service.

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  • RECONNECT, REFRESH, REFOCUS


    Weekly on Wednesday nights | 5:30-7:00 p.m. | Youth room

    2025: August 20 to November 19


    St. Paul’s high school youth group is space each week for high school students to gather on Wednesday evenings in the youth room for a relaxed evening centered around Bible study, games, snacks, and service. High school hangouts are a place in the midst of a busy week where students can rest in God’s Word and fellowship with one another. It’s a time to be refreshed in Christ, encouraged by community, and equipped to live out their faith in daily life.


    Youth are welcome to bring homework if needed — this is a flexible space to refresh, reconnect, and refocus in the middle of a busy week. Please note that no signup or registration is needed. 

  • Sunday mornings | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Youth room


    Each Sunday, St. Paul’s offers a dedicated Bible study just for high school students — an honest, discussion-driven space where faith meets real life. Weekly studies dive into Scripture with clarity and relevance, tackling today’s questions and even some of the tough topics teens are wrestling with.


    Bible classes are led by a rotating team of synodically-trained Lutheran teachers, pastors, and youth coordinators who are experienced in working with high schoolers.


    High school Bible study is not a presentation or lecture, but a conversation where we explore God’s Word together.

  • UPDATES ON INSTAGRAM


    Follow us and catch the latest at StPaulsDesPeresYouth

  • High school students, join us on mission in the summer of 2026! Watch for trip announcements to follow soon. 

  •  "My Best Social Media Presence" 

     Video Watch video of Holly Brand's presentation at St. Paul's.

    • St. Paul's youth ministry was pleased to welcome special guest speaker Dr. Holly Brand  — a psychologist, professor, author, and Christian speaker— who shared her insight and expertise on balance, wisdom, and Godly discernment in teen's use of social media today. The video is offered for St. Paul's families, with the permission of the speaker.

     

    "You Matter Tour" 

      Alternate Microphone  Listen to audio of Heather Ruesch's presentation at St. Paul's.

    • Candid * Real * Current | St. Paul's brought nationally-recognized speaker and author, Heather Ruesch, to present her "You Matter" program to families, teens, tweens and the Lutheran community. Ruesch spoke about life issues, sexuality, and creating a culture of Biblical integrity. Listen to the recording for a refresher of the important topics outlined. 

  • Get connected with our SPY High School youth group and learn more:


    Youth Coordinator Envelope  Becky Blake | Associate Pastor Envelope  Lawton Thompson

  • youth ministry | LET's CONNECT

    Youth ministry is a key focus of our mission at St. Paul’s, reflecting our commitment to nurturing faith in the next generation. We welcome your questions and are here to support your youth in getting connected.


    Youth Coordinator Envelope  Becky Blake

    Associate Pastor Envelope  Lawton Thompson