First Lutheran Church

Sunday Small Groups for Kids at First Lutheran Church meets September – Mother’s Day from 9:40-10:10am for Ages 1 to 12th Grade. The purpose is to raise up disciples who live for and love Jesus. Kids will experience God’s truth through small group teaching time. First Lutheran’s vision for children’s ministry models the words of Jesus in Mark chapter ten: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  And then he took them in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”

We are committed to share the love of God with every child and to partner with all God’s people to strengthen each one as they grow in faith, hope and love as disciples of Christ. We believe that what we do with our kids matters for eternity and that’s why we are putting kids first!

To encourage participation during Worship, we offer the following:
-Children’s Bulletins for age 3+ and 7+ are provided.

-Children’s Time is offered during each service where kids are invited up front to hear a message, based on the day’s scripture, at their level.

-Two Creation Stations are provided in the Worship Space for children to quietly be creative during the service.

-Busy Bags (books, crayons, etc) are also offered for families to take to their seats during the worship for children to use. Children’s bulletins and busy bags can be found by each door leading into the Worship Space.

FLY56 is a youth group for students in 5th & 6th grade. FLY56 meets on Wednesdays afterschool from 3:45ish-5:00pm. Any student in 5th or 6th grade is invited to attend. This new group is growing together, learning more about their faith, how to serve the community, the Bible and more. Through Bible study, discussion, games, service, and prayer we aim to guide these youth to seek God and grow in their faith.

Middle School FLYs (First Lutheran Youth) is made up of 7th & 8th grade students and invited friends. The group meets every other Wednesday night from 7:00-8:30pm, opposite Confirmation. MS FLYS is a safe place to ask questions, learn about God’s love, have fellowship with others, and grow in faith. MS FLYS participate in learning opportunities, games, and service projects.

Here at First Lutheran Church, we believe Confirmation is an important part of faith formation. It helps us understand and deepen our relationship with God and develop a better understanding of our Lutheran tradition. Confirmation gives us an opportunity to ask tough questions and teaches us to listen to God’s calling on our lives.

It helps us live in the promises of our Baptism:

• To continue in the covenant God made in Holy Baptism (discipleship)
• To live among God’s faithful people (discipleship)
• To hear God’s word and share in the Lord’s supper (worship)
• To proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ through word and deed (mission & outreach)
• To serve all people following the example of Jesus (hospitality)

Like a diamond, we believe Confirmation has many facets to it. There will be time in the classroom for instruction and to ask questions. There will be time for service projects in the community. There will be time to gather with young people from other churches to worship God and experience his goodness. There will be time to explore Lutheran traditions and what it means to be a member of First Lutheran Church. There will be time for worship and participation in worship services. Confirmation helps form relationships between the students, God, the Church, other people, and all of God’s creation.And, of course, there are some expectations that come with Confirmation:

• Regular worship attendance at one of our three services
• Participate in service to the church (usher, acolyte, mow the lawn, etc.)
• Regular Confirmation and youth group attendance
• Participation in service projects, church camp, mission trips, or regional/national youth gatherings
• An open heart and mind to follow God’s plan for you

None of this is designed to make the church intimidating or too difficult. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Through Confirmation, we hope you learn to see God at work in you and the world around you. We hope worship becomes natural. We hope you see the world through God’s eyes. And we hope you learn to be God’s hands, feet, and voice in this troubled world. This is what God’s love looks like.

Confirmation is held every other Wednesday night during the school year from 7:00-8:30 pm.

High School First Lutheran Youth, or the “FLYs” as they are affectionately termed, is made up of 9th-12th grade youth and invited friends. The purpose of FLYs is to provide high school youth with an inviting environment where ALL are welcome for Christian community, spiritual growth, positive fellowship, and opportunities for service.
HS FLYs meet regularly during the school year on Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00pm.
During the summer, the FLYs travel to experience God in various destinations as we walk alongside others in service.

Spoudazo NexGen is a music and drama ministry of First Lutheran Church for High School youth in the Fremont area. Spoudazo is a Greek word meaning, “with energy.” The 8th-12th grade youth involved in this ministry have energy and enthusiasm for the sharing of the Gospel. Beginning in May, Spoudazo meets regularly for rehearsals, Bible Study and prayer. In July, Spoudazo takes their original musical production on tour. Many Spoudazo participants are youth from First Lutheran Church, but it is also an ecumenical group involving youth from several Fremont-area congregations. Contact ginad@flcfremont.org if you have questions about the Spoudazo NexGen Ministry.

Worship Arts Ministry for Kids
WAM Kids (Students K-8th Grade) is a fun and exciting new ministry that provides opportunities for children to use their gifts and talents to glorify our God and lift up the mighty name of Jesus. We do this by providing opportunities to lead worship through singing, puppeteering, dramas, reading scripture, and more! WAM Kids will meet most Wednesdays during the school year, 4:00-5:00pm (K-4th) & 5:00-5:45pm (5th-8th). Contact amys@flcfremont.org with any questions.