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' REGISTRATION



    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

5th-8th 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, youth 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-youth participation ratio. 


    Drop-off and pick-up | Parents, all youth must be signed in and signed out at the time of their arrival and departure, inside the main entrance of the church.


     


    7th/8th youth REGISTRATION & chaperones


  • 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.

  • Summer 2026 Mission Trip

    Hosted by St. Paul’s High School Youth


    St. Paul’s youth will be heading to Niagara Falls for a mission trip from July 25 to August 2, 2026. The core mission work will take place between July 26 and July 31, with a fun activity day planned for either July 31 or August 1.


    Teambuilding & Preparation

    To build community and prepare for the trip, participants will attend five evening teambuilding sessions throughout the year. These will be held from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on the following Sundays: 

    •  October 19, November 23, January 25, April 12, and May 17.


    Cost & Fundraising

    The total cost of the trip is $1,400, with $800 paid by each participant and the remaining $600 covered through group fundraising efforts. A $400 deposit is due by October 12, 2025, and the final $400 payment is due by April 12, 2026. Fundraising events include:

      •  Doublegood Launch: November 30, 2025

  •   •  NLSW Chick-fil-A Night: January 28, 2026
  •   •  Jambalaya Fest: February 18, 2026
  •   •  Car Wash: June 14, 2026
  •   •  Luggage Tag Sales: June 28, July 5, 12, & 19, 2026


    • Mission Work

    Participants will serve the Niagara Falls community by partnering with local organizations. Projects may include distributing food and clothing, assisting with home repairs, beautifying public spaces, and leading youth programs at a community center. Evenings will be filled with fellowship, community exploration, and a visit to Niagara Falls itself.


    YouthWorks, the organization coordinating the mission site, has been active in Niagara Falls since 2003 and continues to support meaningful service opportunities for youth groups across the country.


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