Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Junior High Ministry

(this page updated 2/3/2012)

For unique Questions of the Month that answer other questions CLICK HERE!

GENERAL
-What age/grade is Junior High at St. John’s?
-What are the best ways to bring friends to St. John’s?
-Who are the staff working with Junior High Ministry at St. John’s?
-Do you have a Confirmation program?  When is the Rite of Confirmation?
-Our family is currently having financial difficulties, are there scholarships available to help pay for Junior High ministry programs and events?

THRIVE (Wed. nights)
-Is Thrive a Confirmation program?
-Is Thrive required in any way?
 -What is Thrive?
-Where did the name “Thrive” come from?
-When does Thrive meet?
-Can I just show up?  How do I sign up?
-Does Thrive have a fee?
-Can I bring a friend?
-What is a Thrive Guide?

GENESIS (Sun. mornings)
What is Genesis?
Where did the name “Genesis” come from?
When does Genesis meet?
Do I need to sign up for Genesis?
Can I bring a friend?
What other opportunities on Sundays are available?
Why isn’t Genesis offered at two different hours?

iWORD (Sun. mornings)
What is iWORD?
Where did the name “iWORD” come from?
When and where does iWORD meet?
Do I need to sign up for iWORD?
Is there homework?
What other opportunities on Sundays are available?

CAMPS/RETREATS
What age do you have to be to attend Faith Works (formerly SALT) or Cave Camp?
When do the summer camps take place and when can we sign up?
Where do the summer camps take place?
What about during the school year, any retreats?

GENERAL GENERAL GENERAL
What age/grade is Junior High at St. John’s?
Our local school districts are very different! While most of our middle/junior high schools are 6-8th we have a few schools that are 7th and 8th and even 4th-8th grades.  At St. John’s we invite all students in 6-8th grades to be a part of our Junior High Ministry.

Who are the staff working with Junior High Ministry at St. John’s?
Rob Gieraltowski and Cheryl Park have been a part of Junior High ministry at St. John’s for over 12 years and continue to enjoy ministering to early adolescents and helping them grow in faith.  Rob has been working full-time at St. John’s since 1994 and started in our Children/Youth ministries in December of 1997.  Cheryl started as a volunteer leading our ambitious family program called CrossTraining many years ago and eventually became a part-time staffer at St. John’s.  For contact info please CLICK HERE.

Do you have a Confirmation program?  When is the Rite of Confirmation?
We believe any and all ministries are about helping a person “confirm” their faith and help them understand their relationship with God and others.  So, yes… and no. We do not have a program at St. John’s called “Confirmation” but we do have an exciting program called “Thrive” that takes a 6th grader and grows them through 8th grade to be an active Christian, learning and practicing their faith through: prayer, Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, service, fellowship and much more.  In other words we have a very non-traditional program for 6-8th graders that we think is AWESOME!
Look through the FAQ on Thrive to learn more and CLICK HERE for more information about our Thrive program.  Rite of Confirmation (the actual service, called The Affirmation of Baptism) takes place in the Fall and is open to all 9-12th graders who would like to publicly affirm their faith.  CLICK HERE to visit our Senior High Page for more information.

Our family is currently having financial difficulties, are there scholarships available to help pay for Junior High ministry programs and events?
We do not want money to prevent your child from participating at St. John’s.  Through generous grants by our St. John’s Charitable Trust we have a limited amount of financial scholarships available.  Scholarships are granted based on financial need and available funds.  We expect families to contribute 50% of the cost of a given event (if at all possible) and we cannot gaurantee a student will be able to attend every event in a given year.  Please pick up a Scholarship Form in our Parish Life Center (red brochure rack) and soon online.

THRIVE THRIVE THRIVE Click Here to Visit the Thrive Page
Is this a Confirmation program?
Thrive is not a “confirmation” program in the sense that Thrive is NOT required for participation in the Rite of Confirmation (which takes place in senior high school).  It is a “confirmation” program in the sense that it helps junior highers affirm their faith/baptism.  In that sense, every program in our church is a “confirmation” experience – everything we do helps us grow in our faith.

Is Thrive required in any way?
Thrive is not required in any way, period. Thrive is not a requirement to participate in the Rite of Confirmation (Senior High Milestone). Many churches require their junior high students to attend a confirmation program in order to be “confirmed.” At St. John’s the choice to confirm your faith is up to you and God and the process begins at the end of 8th grade. Thrive is not directly tied to the Rite of Confirmation but is completely useful in helping a child understand and explore their faith. Please visit the Senior High website for more information on the Rite of Confirmation.

What is Thrive?
Thrive is a program for 6-8th graders that helps students grow in their relationships with God and others through: small groups, prayer, scripture, Luther’s Small Catechsim, service work and social activities. We don’t want to just live our faith – we seek God’s help in THRIVING in our faith!

Where did the name Thrive come from?
The name Thrive comes from the Parable of the Sower (see Matthew 13:1-23 and Luke 8:4-15) where Jesus explains that we are to hear God’s Word, grow in it and help others to do likewise.  God is not merely satisfied with us surviving, He intends for us to thrive.  We want to see 6-8th graders not merely survive their early adolescence but Thrive in junior high and middle school.

When does Thrive meet?
Thrive meets 3x per month on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays from 6:45-8:30pm.  The 1st and 3rd Wednesdays are Learning Events where each event has a specific theme and we start in a large group and finish in small groups.  The 2nd Wednesdays are Group Building Events and small groups are assigned service, a social activity or team-building activities.  On the 4th and 5th Wednesdays students do not meet, but our leaders (Guides) meet on most 4th Wednesdays for training, encouragement, prayer and instruction.

Can I just show up?  How do I sign up?
As Thrive is a small group ministry we need to get new Thrive participants all the info about the program before they start Thrive.  Thrive also requires a commitment of regular attendance to make our small groups the best they can be.  We find that a student’s transition into an existing small group goes easier for everyone when the student and parent(s) hear all about the program first.  So, please do not just show up and make sure you contact Cheryl Park in the church office and she will arrange a time to meet with your family and get you ready to start Thrive.  If you are currently a family with a 5th grader, there is a Registration Event each March for both parent and student (visit the Thrive page for more information).

Does Thrive have a fee?
Thrive participants pay $30 a year to attend the Thrive Program.  This inexpensive investment includes an NRSV Student Bible (when you start) and a Thrive T-shirt (a new one each year).  The collected fees help us purchase all the needed supplies for Learning and Service Events.  Our church budget also contributes funds to ensure a healthy and well-equipped program.  If you are writing a check for Thrive fees, please make the check out to: St. John’s Lutheran Church. You may also pay for Thrive online by CLICKING HERE.

Can I bring a friend?
Thrive is not the program to grab a friend and bring them to.  We want to encourage you to talk to your friend about joining Thrive but we do require at least a year-long commitment to ensure small group relationships are strong.  Since on the second Wednesdays we often go off-site it makes it legally difficult for you to bring a friend on those days.  We want friends to join Thrive but make sure their parent(s) call the church office or email Cheryl Park about getting signed up before you bring them on any Wednesday night.  We would also suggest bringing a friend on Sunday morning to a worship service or to Genesis (10:15am).  Genesis does not require registration and friends are welcome on Sunday mornings anytime!  CLICK HERE for the complete guide on bringing frinds to St. John’s.

What is a Thrive Guide?
Small groups are the engine that makes Thrive run and our Thrive Guides are the steering wheels in this “vehicle” of faith!  Thrive Guides are adults that help “guide” a small group through prayer, discussion, highs and lows, service work, social activities, team building and scripture learning.  Every small group has at least 2 Thrive Guides and almost all are usually parents of 6-8th graders.  Some Guides help lead a small group with their own son or daughter and some Guides lead groups without their own son or daughter.  Guides commit 3 years to leading and they continue with their group from 6th grade through 8th grade.  Guides really grow along with our students and it is a highly rewarding experience.  We won’t lie, working with junior high is also challenging but we give you all the tools, resources and encouragement you need to help your group grow in faith.

GENESIS GENESIS GENESIS Visit the Sundays Page
What is Genesis?
Genesis is a Sunday morning program for 6-8th graders to explore faith through object lessons, Christian music videos, video lessons, prayer, scripture, fun, games, and much more.  At Thrive our youth are separated by grade and gender which works great for small groups but Genesis gets the grades and genders together to learn, discussion and experience God’s grace!

Where did the name “Genesis” come from?
It is borrowed from the book of the Bible from the same name.  Sunday starts and marks the first day of the week and thus encourages us to start anew a life in Christ.  Junior Highers are also undertaking a genesis themselves and becoming a new creation in their physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth.

When does Genesis meet?
Genesis meets each Sunday morning from 10:30am to 11:30am in the Jr. High Room.  Please see the “Sundays” page for a Genesis calendar.

Do I need to sign up for Genesis?
No signup necessary!  Thrive requires a commitment but Genesis is a “come anytime,” “come when you can” opportunity.  Show up anytime (well, we appreciate being on time) you want and feel free to bring a friend!  No cost, just show up.

Can I bring a friend?
Yes!  Absolutely!  Genesis does not require a signup so feel free to bring a friend that was sleeping over the night before or just invite them to come to church any Sunday.  We encourage you to invite your friends to worship and/or Genesis!  CLICK HERE for the complete guide on bringing frinds to St. John’s.

What other opportunities on Sundays are available?
In addition to Genesis at 10:30am, there are several additional opportunities.  Sunday morning worship takes place at 8am, 9:15am, and 10:15am and is a great place to get close to God and fellowship with others.  Joy Zone is our Sunday morning children’s program and many 6-8th graders are assistants to Joy Zone Leaders.  6-8th graders can also help serve as an acolyte at our 10:15am traditional service or help in our Church Nursery.  iWORD is also available at the 9:15am hour and is great opportunity to study the Bible (see description below).  Visit the “Sunday” page for more information.

Why isn’t Genesis offered at two different hours?
For a detailed explantion please CLICK HERE.

iWORD iWORD iWORD Visit the Sundays Page
What is iWORD?
iWORD is a 2x per month Bible study that goes deeper into the Bible than Genesis or Thrive by reading and discussing a book of the Bible each school year.
Where did the name “iWORD” come from?
iWORD meaning “i,” me, little ‘ole me needs to get into God’s big Word.  We need to let scripture open us up and connect us with God!  And yeah, it’s a play on i-this and i-that.
When and where does iWORD meet?
iWORD meets 2x per month on the first and second Sundays of the month from September to April (except December).  iWORD meets in the Jr. High Room from 9:15am to 10:15am.
Do I need to sign up for iWORD?
No, but because each Bible study builds upon the previous it is important to attend consistently.  Missing even two in a row might make for some confusing study down the line.  Also, you may join at any time but it will be necessary to have read all the chapters discussed beforehand and getting any materials to get caught up.  See a schedule on the Sundays Page.
Is there homework?
You are expected to read a set of vereses/chapter before each iWORD.  We also suggest reading the verses/chapter at least twice before coming to iWORD AND we strongly encourage everyone to read the previous verses/chapter as a review before jumping into the next chapter.
What other opportunities on Sundays are available?
Check out the “Sundays” page for more information on Genesis, helping with Joy Zone, acolyting, serving in the nursery and of course attending a worship service.

CAMPS/RETREATS CAMPS/RETREATS Click Here to Visit the Camps/Retreat Page
What age do you have to be to attend Faith Works (formerly SALT) or Cave Camp?
Our summer camps are for students going into 6-8th grades the next fall.  In other words, current 5-7th graders are invited to sign up for summer camps.  8-12th graders may sign up for any number of workcamp/service trips.

When do the summer camps take place and when can we sign up?
The dates for summer camps can vary each year.  Please visit the Camps/Retreats page for details on the dates for the current year.  Registration typically starts in January and continues until each camp is full.

Where do the summer camps take place?
Faith Works and Rock Stars takes place in Oregon, IL at Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center (LOMC).

What about during the school year, any retreats?
We schedule two retreats each year for Spring and Fall. These are great ways to make new friends, strengthen existing ones and deepen your faith. Visit the Camps/Retreat page for more information.