The Youth Ministry at Reformation is committed to walking with our young members as they grow together in their relationship with God and with others. There are many opportunities for our youth to engage in the life of the congregation here at Reformation. Our youth are able to participate on Sunday mornings in Sunday School classes and Confirmation class, take on leadership roles in worship, contribute to the committees and service of the congregation, join the Youth Group for the monthly event, and attend the retreat at Tuscarora every spring and other youth events through the synod. Our high school youth also have the opportunities travel each year to serve with the Appalachian Service Project (ASP), participate in the triennial ELCA National Youth Gathering, and become a member of the Walking the Walk program.
The Youth Ministry at Reformation seeks to find ways of engaging our youth with their faith and with the world. By instructing our youth in scripture and our tradition, giving them space to grow and serve, and standing by them through the process of life we are preparing strong young people for a life of faith.
Youth Group
Our youth group meets on the second Sunday of the month. Events include engaging in service projects, field trips to local attractions, and time to gain relationships and connections with other youth in the congregation. Plans for this year include a trip to Arasapha’s Haunted Hayride and Bates Motel, packing boxes for Operation Christmas Child, and a movie on the church lawn. All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join and encouraged to bring friends along! Click to view the 2023-2024 Youth Schedule of events.
Click the photos for some of our latest youth happenings…
The Breakfast Club
This is an opportunity for high school students to gather each week during the education hour – with breakfast! The group spends time intentionally looking at faith in daily life amidst the joys and challenges of high school.
Jen & Jameson Troutman are the leaders of this group. The group meets Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in the Community Room. Muffins will be provided!
Walking the Walk
The Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia coordinates the Walking the Walk program with high school youth in faith communities throughout the area. Our congregation is a part of the Suburban West – Media Walking the Walk Network which includes Jewish, Christian, and Islamic participants. The youth meet throughout the school year to learn about other faiths and to participate in service projects together. This program is open to students currently in 9th-12th grade. The youth participate alongside adult mentors from Reformation. For more information on this program, please visit their website.
Appalachian Service Project (ASP)
Reformation is able to sponsor a group of youth and adults to participate in the Appalachian Service Project each summer. The ASP program allows for servant groups to come to locations in Appalachia to provide home repairs for those living in these areas. Throughout the week of service, the participants gain close and meaningful relationships with the families they serve and are able to put their faith into action. In the past, our congregation has sent teams to Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information on ASP you can check out their website.
National Youth Gathering
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) hosts a National Youth Gathering every three years and invites all high school Lutheran youth to attend. During the week, the participants are able to join with over 40,000 other youth to worship, service, and learning opportunities. The next gathering is scheduled for July of 2024 in New Orleans! For more information, you can visit the ELCA’s youth gathering website.
Harvey Cedars @ Tuscarora
Reformation’s youth join with youth from other Lutheran congregations in the synod for an annual retreat held each spring at Harvey Cedars Bible Conference on Long Beach Island. This beach weekend includes worship, small group time, and time to explore the beaches! All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to attend. For information about HCBC, you can view their website here.
Bear Creek Camp
Many of our students spend some time at this Lutheran Camp each summer. Bear Creek Camp’s residential program is a traditional camp program centered on spiritual growth, outdoor living and small group development. Each age group experiences a mix of small-group and all-camp activities throughout their week to meet their group’s spiritual, social and developmental needs. Scholarships are available. Find out more here.
Synod Youth Events
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod (SEPA) hosts a number of youth programs throughout the year. Youth from Reformation have been able to participate in weekend retreats and service trips sponsored through the synod. For more information about upcoming events, check out the synod’s youth page.