Below  is a good summary of our Youth Ministry pre-Covid 19. Since the pandemic, our youth and leaders have taken in consideration the health and well being of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and have suspended most of their normal activities. Their goal is to soon be back to a new normal in serving our congregation and community. 

Our youth ministry at St. Paul’s in the past has been shared with the other ELCA congregation in the Falls City area: St. Peter’s in rural Falls City (Barada/Williamsville).

This group is comprised of young disciples between grades seven and twelve, and gathers to engage in:

Fellowship
We plan fun events throughout the year, such as our annual Christmas party, end-of-summer campout, bowling at Falls City Lanes, and others.

Study
Our monthly meetings include devotions, and we’re working to develop ways to study on an on-going basis so that we can grow as disciples of Jesus.

Service
We love serving our community, both locally and globally. Some members participate in worship leadership as lectors and acolytes. We participate in church clean-up days, and will do yard work and other volunteer work for other members of the community as requested. We have volunteered at the Itha Krumme Arboretum in Falls City, and are always looking for other opportunities to serve. We regularly send our members to participate in the Nebraska Synod’s Youth Mission Trip, as well as to the ELCA Youth Gathering (held every three years)

The Journey 2019 – Chicago, Illinois – July 7-13, 2019
Details are still pending, but youth are excited about the opportunity to explore and serve in the third-largest city in the United States alongside hundreds of other youth and sponsors from across the Nebraska Synod!

Read on to learn about some of our recent service-learning trips!

2018 ELCA Youth Gathering – This Changes Everything
Six youth and four adult sponsors traveled to Houston, Texas to gather with over 31,000 friends and siblings in Christ for worship, fellowship, service, and learning, and to explore how the call, love, grace, and hope of God made known in Jesus changes everything for us and for the whole creation!

The Journey 2017 – Omaha, Nebraska

Youth and sponsors learned about partners in ministry serving the Omaha metro area, and got to work helping a couple of local organizations with painting and other needed updates to their facilities. They also enjoyed lively worship and speakers, as well as getting to know other youth from throughout the Nebraska Synod!

The Journey 2016 – Kansas City, Missouri
Three youth and one adult sponsor traveled to Kansas City to serve alongside our partners in the Central States Synod (ELCA) and explore some of the social issues that face our nation and the people of Kansas City. Specifically, they were part of conversations around poverty and racial justice, and served the Metropolitan Community Church by performing much-needed renovations on their gathering space.

2015 ELCA Youth Gathering – Rise Up Together
Five youth and two adult sponsors visited the Motor City – Detroit, Michigan – with almost 30,000 Lutherans from around the country and world to Build Bridges, Break Chains, Bear Burdens, and Bring Hope. Through worship and praise, fellowship and fun, service and learning, the youth of the ELCA proclaimed Justice, Community, and the Story that binds us together in Christ and empowers us to be God’s people in the world.

2014 Nebraska Synod Youth Mission Trip – Journey to Jersey
Six youth and three adult sponsors traveled to New Jersey to aid people affected by the massive and costly Hurricane Sandy, which battered the Atlantic Coast in October 2012 and caused an estimated $68 billion in damage. They were joined by over 300 other youth and sponsors from across the state of Nebraska, forming the largest single group to engage in relief efforts since the storm. We give thanks for all those who took the time to minister to those in need, especially our members.