6th-12th Grade Ministry
Eklesia Youth Fellowship is founded on the greek word ἐκκλησία meaning church, community, a place of gathering.
That is what Eklesia provides for our youth; a safe place to be together where we learn about ourselves, ask questions about our faith, and grow together as a community of love and grace.
How do we do what we do?
We meet at least twice a month for intentional fun, food, and devotional time. We share of our lives and seek to build up the kingdom of God through the kindom we find amongst one another.
Rooted in Scripture:

The Feeding of the 5000

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place, so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”
- John 6:1-14
We gather together in community, as the Eklesia, to sit together and be fed by the words, love, and grace of our Lord. The little that we bring is more than enough. We come as we are and we are loved for who and whose we are! Everyone has a place in Eklesia to be themselves and know how much they are loved and provided for by our God. We do this work together. Working through our questions, talking about life and the Word, and leaning into our community for support. 
Want to get involved with Eklesia?
Message us by visiting our Facebook Group
Facebook Group
Core Commitments of Eklesia
Ministry by, with, and for youth!

Leadership:

  • Leading Worship

    • Being an; Acolyte, Lector, Cantor, Choir Member, Assisting Minister, Usher, Helping with the AV Team.

    • Youth Sunday that is crafted and lead completely by our youth. If you can see them, you can be them!

  • Leading the Church

    • Serving on Church council

    • Serve on Church committees

    • Help lead small groups during Vacation Bible School

Education and Faith Formation:

  • Intentional Devotional Time

    • Eklesia is a safe place to bring your questions and wonderings about God and life where we can walk through these big questions together.

    • Every time we meet, we will talk about the Word and navigate its lessons, love, and difficult ideas together. 

  • Confirmation

    • This group is a 2 year commitment by our middle school youth to learn the foundational pieces of our faith. They meet once a month with other Lutheran youth from around the NRV to learn and fellowship together as a group. Area of emphasis are:

      • Martin Luther and Lutheranism

        • Small Catechism

        • The Sacraments

      • The Old Testament

      • The New Testament

      • The Life of Jesus

  • Participation in VA Synodical Youth Events

    • The VA Synod provides many events for faith formation and gathering from across the state of Virginia for our youth. The meet for formation, fellowship, and alot of fun!

      Lost and Found a weekend faith-sharing retreat for 7th and 8th graders and their adult leaders at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center in Lynchburg. 

      Winter Celebration at Eagle Eyrie Conference Center in Lynchburg. This event is for 9th through 12th graders and their adult advisors to spend intentional time in community with God and each other.

      Seventh Day for 6th and 7th graders is done annually as a introduction to Synodical youth events. This group meets for an entire weekend of crafts, songs, games, and some devotional time at Eagle Eyrie Retreat Center in Lynchburg, VA. 

Service:

  • Serving our neighbors through intergenerational events at OSLC, service projects, and community enrichment activities in the NRV area. 

Fellowship: 

  • Part of being part of a group is intentionally building community together. That looks like zoo trips, attending plays, going to the movies, hiking, you name it! These ideas are driven by what the youth want to do together for fun and fellowship!