youth | Grades 5-12
Wednesday Youth Programming begins september 11, 2024 with worship at 6:30pm and orientation at 7pm.
Faith formation helps us find our place in God’s unfolding story throughout our lifetime as we dwell in God, connect in community, and engage our callings. We dwell in God as we worship, explore the Bible and Christian beliefs and practices, and pray together. We connect in community as we meet in small groups – whether they are groups for children and youth. And we engage our callings as we connect with Mount Olivet’s community partners and learn how to listen for God in our lives.
5th-6th Programming
Meets Wednesdays at 7-7:45pm
Youth Room
Led by Beth McGrew-King
In 5th-6th grade, we start the year with a focus on community building, so students get to know each other and build trust within their small groups and the larger group. Throughout the program year, we will explore key stories and themes of the Bible through hands on activities and small group conversations.
More than just gaining Bible knowledge, we hope students experience the Bible as a living Word FOR them. For the 2024-2025 program year, students will focus on the stories of the Old Testament.
Key Dates:
Worship Leadership Retreat: Friday, October 25 from 5-8pm. Sign up HERE.
Fall Elective: For three weeks (11/13, 11/20, 12/4), 5th-6th students choose an elective learning track: Youth Choir or Curious Stories. Students who love singing are invited to join Angela Gritton for youth choir rehearsals and to sing in the Advent Concert on Sunday, December 8 at both services. Students who don’t enjoy singing are invited to explore curious Old Testament Bible stories like Jonah and Balaam’s donkey. Whichever track students choose, they must stick with it for the three weeks.
7th-8th Programming
Meets Wednesdays at 7-7:45pm
Fireside | Community Room
Led by Rich Holleque & Dan Roff
Welcome to 7th and 8th grade confirmation, where we will be asking deep questions about the Bible, Lutheran history, and our lives as people of faith.
Why do we worship a Triune God, and why does it make a difference? Who was Martin Luther and how did/does the Reformation impact church and society?
Why do we call ourselves Lutherans and what does that mean – in our own hearts and minds and for our neighbors?
Key Dates:
Welcoming Retreat: Friday, October 25 from 5-8pm. Sign up HERE.
Fall Elective: For three weeks (11/13, 11/20, 12/4), 7th-8th students choose an elective learning track. Students who love singing are invited to join Angela Gritton for youth choir rehearsals and to sing in the Advent Concert on Sunday, December 8 at both services. Students who don’t enjoy singing will have an alternate programming available. Whichever track students choose, they must stick with it for the three weeks.
9th Confirmation
Meets Wednesdays at 7-7:45pm
Fireside | Community Room
Led by Rich Holleque
In 9th grade, students will focus on what it means to live into their baptismal promises: to live among God’s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
Key Dates:
Confirmation Retreat: Friday, February 21, 2025 - Saturday, February 22, 2025
Confirmation Sunday: Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 10:45am
10th-12th (Youth Group)
Meets Wednesdays at 8-9pm
Youth Room
Led by Rich Holleque
Senior High Youth Group is a welcoming community of all 10-12th graders. We structure our meetings around regular Wednesday night gatherings, retreats, youth council and summer trips with an emphasis on asking deep questions of faith and life. We are rooted in acceptance and love for our neighbor with regular student led devotions on Wednesday nights exploring these themes. There are many ways to get involved in the youth program at Mount Olivet. For more info reach out to Rich Holleque.
Key Dates:
Senior High Lock-In: Saturday, December 14, 2024