Youth AND FAMILY MINISTRIES

We have something for every age and stage at First Covenant on Sunday mornings. We hope by worshiping with us you'll catch a glimpse of the Kingdom, and be encouraged to find your place in it. Each Sunday has familiar components, but no week is the same. Here is what youth can expect on Sundays:

9:30am - 10:30am | Worship

All ages gather in the sanctuary for in-person and live-streamed worship. You may see youth leading in worship by reading scripture, singing on worship teams, or participating in special musical groups. Every week our visuals are run by a rotating team of youth volunteers. Youth also help run our worship livestream. 

10:30am - 10:45am | Fellowship Time

There are often treats, coffee, and water provided in our Upper Fellowship Hall following worship. This is a great opportunity to refuel while connecting with others. 

10:45am - 11:45am | Spiritual Growth Hour (September - April)

• Youth Sunday School: Most Sundays our youth gather in the Den to study the Bible, apply it to life, and connect and grow in friendships with one another and youth mentors. This is a great place to deepen relationships and faith together. 
• Confirmation (6th - 8th graders): Our junior highers meet twice a month with Scott Nitchie and Pastor Kate as a part of their 2-year Confirmation Journey through the Old Testament, New Testament, and Church History.

During the school year we have Wednesday afternoon programs for youth!

3:30pm - 5:45pm | McVay Youth Programming (5th - 12th graders)

We partner with Hamline University's McVay Youth Programming to provide a safe, fun, and free space for Eastside youth to connect with one another. Students spend time with friends creating art, music, drama, and receive homework help. Transportation is provided. McVay also meets at First Covenant on Mondays and Fridays. Email Jane Krentz for more information.  McVay programming ends on May 5.

5:45pm - 6:15pm | Free Dinner for all (all ages)

Our partners prepare hot, nutritious meals each Wednesday. Join us for a free community meal.

And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth that you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Colossians 2:6-7

Have you ever wondered . . . 

• Why am I here on this earth?
• Who is God? Who is Jesus Christ? Who are the prophets and what do they have to do with MY life today?
• What does the Bible have to say about how I live my life?
• What is a sacrament and what does it have to do with me?
• What does it mean to be a Christian?

The Confirmation Journey exists for youth to grow in their faith and understanding of the Bible, build significant relationships with peers and leaders, and begin, or intentionally continue, a life-long journey as Christ’s disciple. 

At First Covenant this looks like: 

• a two-year curriculum for 6th - 8th graders that covers the Old Testament, New Testament, Church History, an overview of our denomination and First Covenant Church of Saint Paul
• regular class sessions (both on Sundays during Spiritual Growth Hour and longer retreat-style sessions)
• outside of work reading and journey journal homework
• an annual retreat to dive deeper into our learning and growth as a group
• end of year Confirmation Trek project
• end of Confirmation Faith Paper to put your own words to your own faith journey, along with the opportunity to share this with the First Covenant family
• a Confirmation Sunday culmination that ties together many elements of our life together to bless our confirmands as they begin the next chapter of their life-long journey of faith

TRIPS

During the summer the youth ministry rotates trips for senior highers. These trips include partnership with Adventurous Christians (an outdoor wilderness camp in the Boundary Waters), retreat or conference-style trips, or service learning opportunities. 

CAMPS

We have a rich tradition of sending campers to Covenant Pines Bible Camp in McGregor, MN. 

God changes lives at Summer Camp. Camp is a place where kids can feel safe, have fun, and grow. For over 60 years Covenant Pines has been changing lives and making Jesus known. Camp sessions at Covenant Pines are designed to encourage growth in all areas of a child’s life and they work hard to provide a loving, exciting and energizing environment where life-changing moments can happen on a daily basis. We have a commitment that every camper, regardless of their family's financial situation, should be able to attend camp.