Youth & Family
Ministry
Youth & Family Ministry exists not only for the youth in your family, but also the adults!
Sure many of our faith formation opportunities are for youth, from ECHO Worship on Wednesday nights to High School Ministry on Sunday nights. But we also exist to bring families into faith formation, through conversation starters to book studies.
See what we have for your youth and find opportunities for you as a parent/guardian to form your own faith as well!
Forms and Volunteer Opportunities
Check out the list below for upcoming events and sign-ups!
Welcome to our Youth & Family Ministry! We’re excited to invite you and your family to join us in a variety of events and activities designed to build faith, foster community, and create lasting memories. Whether it’s through service projects, fun outings, or meaningful worship experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and grow together in faith. Our ministry is all about bringing families closer to each other and to God, and we can’t wait to have you be a part of our vibrant and welcoming community!
RAINFOREST FALLS- VBS AND DAYCAMP 2026
Youth: Completed Fifth thru Twelfth Grade 8:45 - 4:00pm
Youth serve as leaders in the morning and have a leadership camp in the afternoon.
ELCA YOUTH GATHERING 2027
Every three years, thousands of high schoolers and their adult leaders from across the ELCA come together for the ELCA Youth Gathering. It’s not just an event but a movement in which faith ignites, and community comes alive. Through inspiring speakers, experiential learning, and transformative connections, young people experience the church in bold, unforgettable ways. Each night, participants share a unique faith experience through high-energy worship and powerful storytelling. The Gathering is an opportunity to ask big questions, grow in faith, and be part of something bigger than yourself. Are you ready to join the movement?
Who: 9th-12th Grades (Fall 2026) & Friends
When: June 28-July 2, 2027
Interested? Fill out the interest form below and let us know!
Affirmation of Baptism
Confirmation
At First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids, Confirmation (Affirmation of Baptism) is a ministry rooted in faith, community, and worship. Each Wednesday night begins with a shared meal (optional), followed by ECHO Worship, where children, youth, and families gather together in worship and a short teaching.
After worship, 5th–8th graders meet in age-specific small groups to learn, ask questions, and grow in faith alongside their peers and caring adult leaders. Younger and older children are also welcomed into the life of this ministry, creating an intergenerational rhythm of faith formation.
There are no formal requirements—families are invited to engage in the ways that work best for them as their children deepen their understanding of baptismal promises and explore what it means to affirm their faith in daily life. Worship Notes and Worship Leadership/Participation are items we track but are not required; families determine their engagement with their youth.
This journey culminates in the Affirmation of Baptism Worship Service in the fall of 9th grade, where youth publicly affirm their faith and the promises made in baptism.
2025/26 Wednesday Schedule
We hope your whole family will join us for our new Wednesday Night Schedule, including a meal, children and youth faith formation, worship and adult ministries! See details below for more information!
Pre-K & Kindergarten faith formation, including music, has moved to Sunday mornings. Please register for more information. Register Here
5-5:30 p.m.
Junior Choir
Grades 1-4
Choir Room—301 (REHEARSAL STARTS AUG.)
5:35-6:05 p.m.
Echo Kids Wednesday Evening Learning
Grades 1-4
Room 312
(STARTS SEPT.)
7:30—8 p.m.
Supervised Activity Time
Grades 1-4
Room 312
(STARTS SEPT.)
5-5:30 p.m.
Youth Bells Grades 6-12
Bell Room—316
(REHEARSAL STARTS AUG.)
5:35-6:05 p.m.
Youth Choir
Grades 5-8
Choir Room—301
(REHEARSAL STARTS AUG.)
7:30—8 p.m.
Grade 5-12 Small Groups
Various Classrooms
(STARTS SEPT.)
5:15 p.m.—6:30 p.m.
Wednesday Evening Meal
Luther Fellowship Hall
Pizza, soup, salad
(STARTS SEPT. 11)
6:30 p.m.—7:30 p.m.
Echo Worship
Sanctuary
(STARTS SEPT. 11)
7:30 p.m. —8 p.m.
Open Adult Small Group
Chapel—Room 217
(STARTS SEPT. 11)
7:15 p.m. —8:30 p.m.
Adult Choir Choir
Room—301
(REHEARSAL STARTS AUG. 28)
what people are saying...
about Youth Ministry
"I enjoy seeing kids grow and seeing and hearing that ‘a-ha’ moment with kids when they experience something spiritually or faith fulfilling.” – Michele Formanek
circleinstagram @FLCRYouth Instagram posts with scripture, upcoming events and reflections.
CAMP EWALU
Ministry Partner
Camp EWALU is a ministry partner with First Lutheran Church! We send campers during the summer to many of their programs and even have some young adults who are part of their summer staff! Click the picture to see what is available for your 6th-12th grader!
