Vicar Vetrano, left, leads the group in a game that helps students learn the Ten Commandments. Who knew church could be so much fun? Trips, game nights, retreats, and small groups are a vital part of the new Middle School Youth program at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. At the core of the program is a series of lively, interactive and meaningful sessions where the students strengthen relationships with one another and grow spiritually through small group discussion, Bible study, devotions, and prayer.

Vicar Justin Vetrano and Nathan Erb, Resurrection’s Director of Christian Education, have developed the new three-year course as part of a lifelong faith journey that includes Christian Confirmation. Vetrano defined Confirmation as “the time in a person’s life when he or she confirms what has occurred in baptism. Our new Confirmation program at Resurrection is not just time spent in a classroom. Continuing through and beyond the program, we want to focus on three aspects of Christian life: social, spiritual, and service.”

Middle-schoolers gather in small groups with an adult faith mentor to discuss the day’s Bible message. An enthusiastic group of over 50 boys and girls from grades six, seven and eight meet at the church every other Tuesday night. They begin each session by joining their small group with others of the same age. Each small group is led by a confirmation guide, an adult volunteer who serves as a faith mentor. “The goal of the small groups is to create relationships between the students and with caring adults.” Vetrano said. “Small groups talk about their weeks, dig a little deeper into the topic of the day, and then creatively share with the large group what they’ve just learned.”

Resurrection’s new Confirmation program engages students with interesting skits, games, songs, and videos. On the spiritual level, each session includes a large group teaching format where students learn more about God and experience what it means to be a Christian. Students bring their own Bible and a highlighter to mark key passages, as well as their Living Faith journal and lesson book. “We use a variety of teaching methods to convince the students of God’s love for them and to encourage a relationship with Jesus,” Vetrano explained. “These activities include games, stories, songs, videos, discussions and whatever the confirmation staff can think of to make the time together effective and meaningful.”

The service component of the program takes place beyond the Tuesday sessions. “Service happens when we combine social with spiritual and we live our lives according to our faith. This moves us to help other people who are in need,” Vetrano said. “Our students will engage in service to the church through choir, acolytes, and service to others through community events and mission events sponsored by Resurrection and THE LIFE.”

Erb emphasized the priority the church places on lifelong Christian education. “Resurrection and THE LIFE does its best to provide great opportunities for youth and children to grow in their faith. We use the FaithWeaver(c) Sunday School Curriculum for all ages; from infants to high school. This way the entire family can study the same lesson, discussing great stories and truths from the Bible. We’re all growing in faith-together.”

Resurrection and THE LIFE is a Christian community of faith, committed to proclaiming the Good News of God’s love for humanity and offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages.throughout the year. Resurrection’s main campus is located at 420 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, at the corner of Clinton Rd. All are invited to worship at 5:30 PM on Saturdays and at 8:30 and 11 AM Sunday mornings, with Christian Education at 9:45 AM. For more information, please visit www.resgc.org or phone the church office, 5163.746.4426..