YOUTH MINISTRIES
Grades 6 -12
2026-27 Consent Form
Starting this year, all families will fill out a Youth Consent Form. This will help us avoid asking the same questions again for every retreat, outing, or event.
The form asks about things like:
- permission to post photos of your youth
- permission to give over-the-counter medicine when needed
Most families only need to fill out one form. If your children have different permissions, please fill out a separate form for each child.
You can change your photo or medication permissions at any time. We will use the answers on this form until a parent or guardian tells us something has changed.
Youth Ministry
Meals, Fellowship, Service, Faith, and Fun!
We’re offering events on different days and times so more students can find something that fits their schedule. No two gatherings are the same—sometimes it’s a relaxed night in the comfy couch room with a tasty meal and fun games, and other times we’re out in the community helping with a service project or packing gift bags for families in need. Every once in a while, we’re heading off on a retreat to places like Hood Canal.
At the start of each year, youth help shape the plan by sharing their ideas. That way, what we do reflects what matters most to them—like painting rocks with messages of hope, organizing meaningful service activities, or just finding time to laugh and connect.
Youth Ministry does so much throughout the year, we can’t list it all here! Want to learn more or get involved? Contact Charis
Affirmation, grades 6-12
Affirmation gives youth space to learn, ask questions, and grow in faith at their own pace. The program is flexible and designed to fit into busy lives.
- Students in grades 6–12 can join for 8-week fall and spring modules instead of committing to a full school year.
- Students can start with any module. The topics change, so they can keep learning without repeating the same material.
- Affirmation of Baptism is a choice, not a requirement. Youth are welcome to join the classes simply to learn, ask questions, and grow in faith.
Want more details?
Read the full Affirmation overview
Youth Retreats: Fall and Spring
Meals, Fellowship, Service, Faith, and Fun!
Youth retreats happen throughout the year to help students grow in their faith and build friendships. These special weekends are a break from everyday life and include worship, learning, and time in nature. They help youth connect with God and each other in a fun and meaningful way.
THIS FALL
All middle school and high school youth are invited to attend the Synod Fall Youth Retreat! This year's theme is "Faith: The Final Frontier." Check out the information below, and stay tuned as more information comes out!
Dates: November 6-8
Location: Black Diamond Camp
Transportation: Carpooling provided by St. Matthew's Leaders
Cost: $175 (scholarships available)
Register here
Open until September 30.
The ELCA Gathering
Beginning in 1988, our national church leaders come together with one goal: inspire a movement of young people to boldy live out their faith! Every three years, the Gathering happens in a different place around the country to walk with young people in learning, worship, and intentional community!
Every June, thousands of high school youth, young adults, youth leaders, and others meet in Minneapolis, Minnesota to explore faith, belonging, connection, curiosity, inclusion, and leadership
St. Matthew's hopes to take a group of high school youth to this Gathering, and we are excited to invite all our high school youth to join us in this exciting experience! Check out the Gathering website using the link below, and reach out to Charis if you are interested!
Follow:
Facebook |
Instagram |TikTok
