Gethsemane’s youth ministries are open to all teens interested in deepening their Christian faith and forming a supportive community with their peers. The heart of our ministry’s success is caring volunteers and eager support from the rest of the congregation.
Our mission is to show young people that they are cared for and loved by Jesus, and to give them opportunities to experience Jesus in a way that will allow their faith to grow throughout their lifetime.
Through activities, learning, serving, and leading, we provide opportunities for youth to experience and share Christ in their lives. Students do not need to belong to Gethsemane to participate in any of our programming or events.
DAVANNI'S YOUTH FUNDRAISER
Tuesday, May 13
What's better than enjoying a delicious pizza or hoagie? Supporting Youth Ministry while enjoying a delicious pizza or hoagie! Davanni's in Minnetonka is donating 20% from orders on the evening of Tuesday, May 13th to support our GLC Camp Scholarship fund. Pick up a fundraising ticket from the front desk at church or click the button below. Fundraising tickets must be shown to the Davanni's staff for us to get 20% from the order (excludes deliveries). Thank you and enjoy!
CONFIRMATION
The confirmation ministry is a 3 year program which typically starts in 6th grade but can be adjusted as needed. Gethsemane partners with parents to provide students an opportunity to learn, grow in faith, serve others, form Christian relationships, and prepare them to affirm their baptismal promises in October of their 9th grade year.
Students meet in-person each Wednesday for large group learning time, followed by small group meeting time.
Confirmation meets following the Wednesday evening meal and begins at 6:30 PM. They meet during the school year from September to mid-May.
Sunday mornings students take turns assisting in worship.
Each year includes retreats, lock-ins, fellowship opportunities, and service events.
Each summer, students are invited to attend a Lutheran camp together:
6th grade: a week at Green Lake Bible Camp
7th grade: BWCA Canoe trip with Wilderness Canoe Base
8th grade: trip to Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp to participate in the Compass Points Adventure Experience
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH (9th-12TH GRADE)
Our senior high youth are invited to participate in all areas of ministry and explore how they would like to deepen their faith. Youth are encouraged to be active participants and leaders throughout the church in various roles, from teaching Sunday School to serving on church council. We strive to annually send a teen as a voting delegate to our ELCA Synod Assembly. We offer retreats and summer service experiences for high school students as well!