Children & Youth

† Little Blessings is a ministry for parents with children aged 0 to 3.  They offer:

• Monthly Crafts - These activities provide little ones with a great opportunity to get their hands dirty, participate in organized group activity and connect with each other and God. A short story is read to the children that ties in with the crafts.
• Little Blessings Mom’s Club - These moms love to talk about their kids, share ideas and plan activities for Little Blessings participants.  They meet the 1st Thursday of each month at Ancora Coffee on Highway 51 at 7:00 pm. 

Contact Jenny Gustafson (873-8965) or email for more information.

† Sunday School - First Lutheran offers a variety of age-based Christian Registration Form for children of all ages at the 8:30 &d 10:00 hour on Sunday mornings.

• Preschool classes start with potty-trained children at age 3 ½. Each class has its own teacher and does not participate in the rotational model of Sunday School. 
• Kindergarten - 6th Graders participate in Akaloo - a great Sunday School program that teaches students to "follow Jesus"  More Information These classes include Art, Bible Time, Computer, Drama, Cooking and Science. 
• 56ers combine classes for 5th and 6th graders with special events throughout the year.
• First Kids (all preschoolers through 4th graders) sing at worship services on the third Sunday of the month. 
• All Sunday School grades participate in a Christmas Program and Spring Musical.  See Photos
• Combined Sunday School events offer a multi-generational program and craft time celebrating different events in the church season. 

† Vacation Bible Schools – Coming this summer:

• "Discover Canyon" Pre-School VBS will be held for for children ages 3 to 5 on Monday, June 15 - Friday, June 19.  Registration fee $15/student, $30/family.   Pre-School VBS Registration Form. 

• "Crocodile Dock" Family VBS for children in grades preschool - 6 will be held Sunday, July 26 - Thursday, July 30.  Enjoy a family supper at 5:00 - 5:45 pm, then VBS at 6:00 pm with everyone finished by 8:00 pm. Registration fee $10/student.  Free will offering for dinner.   Family VBS Information and Registration

• FLY Senior High Lead for students entering grades 9 - 12 will be held beginning Friday, July 24 with an overnight retreat at First Lutheran and continue with day/evening hours through July 30. Registration fee $50/student.  Additional Information and Registration

† First Communion Class – Instruction for First Communion is usually offered in the spring for fourth graders. Students take their first communion at a worship service on Maundy Thursday evening, just before Easter Sunday. For more information, contact Pastor Sara at 873-7761. 

† Confirmation – First Lutheran offers a Confirmation Ministry that is designed to supplement the Christian education and faith nurturing that parents provide at home. 

• Students begin their Confirmation journey with summer Bible Camp at Lutherdale (Elkhorn, WI) in the summer prior to their 7th grade year.  Check it out at www.lutherdale.org
• During the school year, 7th – 8th Graders attend Classes and Active Learning Nights Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.  They also connect to the Here We Stand student website to do their make-up work or just have fun learning about Jesus! 
• 9th Graders participate in a mentoring program that includes connecting with an adult member of First Lutheran to guide them throughout the year.
• Students also fundraise throughout the year, including a Food Stand at the annual Stoughton Syttende Mai celebration, May 15 through 17, 2009.  Work schedule
• Retreats, Service Projects and Youth Quakes for all grades are also a part of these exciting years!  More Information

† Senior High - Senior High Youth are invited to participate in numerous fellowship activities, including lock-ins, mission trips and triennial ELCA National Youth Gatherings. This year’s Gathering was held in San Antonio, Texas.