Children / Youth
Mission & Beliefs
Mission and Vision
The youth ministry of Immanuel Lutheran Church brings together people of all ages to develop a welcoming and caring community who loves God and supports youth on their Christian faith journey.
Beliefs / Values
- Engage all ages of youth and support them as they foster genuine relationships with others.
- Anchor youth in the joys and traditions of the Lutheran faith and equip them to extend the love of Christ to their community and the world.
- Inspire joyful service to God and others.
- Strive to create an environment that is genuine, exciting and attracts youth and families, both members and non-members.
To participate as a volunteer or a youth, these forms must be completed and returned to the Child and Youth Ministry Leader.
Children / Youth
Baptism
We welcome children and adults into the church through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism as a sign of God's grace. Those who wish to have their child baptized during a worship service may contact our pastor at to set up a time to meet.
Children / Youth
Worship
Children and youth are encouraged to attend worship regularly with their families. Children are always welcome in worship. In the cry of a baby, or the fussiness of a toddler, we hear a new voice that speaks to God, reminding us that children are a blessing and a joy. Activity bags and children’s bulletins are available. Children are also invited to partake in Holy Communion as a sign of God's grace. As they grow older, they will be taught about the meaning and significance of this Sacrament in age-appropriate classes.
Messy Church
Messy Church is a monthly, intergenerational Sunday school and worship service. Messy Church is Christ-centered, for all ages, and based on creativity, hospitality and celebration. A free lunch is included. We meet 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, usually the first Sunday of each month. Check the church calendar. Watch this video to learn more about Messy Church.
Children / Youth
Pre-K through Elementary
Sunday School
Rather than weekly Sunday School, we use the Messy Church program to promote intergenerational learning each month. Messy Church functions as a third service the first Sunday of each month. At Messy Church, everyone is welcome as we celebrate God’s love for us around a meal, and explore scripture with crafts, activities, and service projects.
SUMMER
Children are encouraged to attend camp at Luther Heights Bible Camp each summer. First-time campers are presented with a gift to remind them of those who love them while away from home for the first time. Day camp is offered for those who want the camp experience closer to home. Fellowship activities, family devotionals, and family camp are offered to encourage families to grow in faith and love for God and each other even during the busy travel season. As each summer comes to an end, we send students back to school with a special blessing during worship.
SPECIAL SEASONS OF ADVENT AND LENT
Special devotionals and activities are sent home to mark these special seasons and to help build memories and faith that will last a lifetime.
Children / Youth
Middle School / Confirmation
Confirmation is a three-year program for 7th, 8th, and 9th graders to prepare for Affirmation of Baptism as they learn and grow in the Christian Faith. Immanuel participates in the Luther Heights “Campfirmation” program, giving our confirmands opportunities to explore their faith with other area churches, believing that we can enhance faith development far more together than we can do as an individual congregation. Campfirmation meets four times a year for retreats, and our confirmands gather monthly at Immanuel.
If you would like to discuss the confirmation process, please contact our pastor at office@ilcboise.org or 208-344-3011.
Children and Youth
High School
Many of Immanuel's ministries welcome participation by our high school students. In addition, there is an annual High School Retreat at Luther Heights Bible Camp for those in the Treasure Valley.
Typically high school youth also go on a mission trip during the summer. Past trips have been to the Navajo Nation in Arizona and the Bay Area in California. Every three years our youth participate in the ELCA National Gathering. In 2018 six of our youth went to Houston for "This Changes Everything!" Gathering. In 2024 we hope to send several youth to New Orleans for The "Created to Be" ELCA Youth Gathering.
At the conclusion of high school we honor our graduates on Senior Blessing Sunday. They are recognized during a worship service in May as we send them off with our prayers and good wishes, along with a tangible reminder of their church family.
Adult
Bible Study
Weekly Bible Study is offered by our pastor on Tuesday mornings at 10:30am in the Library. All are welcome to study the readings for the upcoming Sunday, which include selections from both the Old and New Testaments. The coffee pot is always on, and sometimes participants bring treats to share. Come and dwell in God's Word, whether the Bible is a life-long companion or a brand new book to you.
Bible study is also part of other small groups at Immanuel such as our women's groups.
For more information, please contact our pastor at or 208-344-3011.
Families
Fellowship
Immanuel's annual fellowship events include Summer Church Picnic typically taking place in July, Fall Oktoberfest in late October, and Santa Lucia Festival mid-December. Details for all of these events are included in both the Weekly & Monthly Newsletters.
