|
• YOUTH GROUP •
Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church has developed unique programs to provide fun and fellowship set in a Christian environment for many different ages and interest groups. We encourage you to look at each of our specific programs, decide "WHERE YOU FIT IN," and join us.
The youth are our greatest asset, but there are many pressures weighing on them. By promoting a safe and educational environment in addition to a relevant curriculum, we can assist our youth in deepening their understanding of their faith. Instead of telling them about Jesus' love, we want them to experience His love by studying the Bible, serving our community and church, building relationships with each other and having fun. By this measure, our youth will freely open their hearts to God's teachings and live their lives according to His plan.
All 7th - 8th grade fellowship events are designed to facilitate spiritual and character growth while building strong relationships. Past events include horseback riding, picnics, ice skating, lock-ins, swimming, service projects, bowling, trips to Chicago and Kansas City, etc. Anything that includes communication, fun and fellowship is a possibility.
 High school age youth are encouraged to meet in the Youth Center on Sunday mornings at 10:10 for YOUTH FORUM. We will learn a little more about our faith, the Bible, and who we are as God's people. Forum is a great time for us to talk about what is going on in our lives and grow in our faith. Activities vary from small group discussions and Bible studies to "foot painting!" We also meet once a month for social activities including lock-ins, scavenger hunts, laser tag, hunting for pumpkins, baseball games, dodge ball and sumo wrestling. The annual summer service trips are well attended and definitely looked forward to. Past trips include Washington, DC, Nashville, TN, San Antonio, TX, and San Francisco, CA.
You make up a very important part of our congregation, and we provide some unique programming tailored to your tastes and interests. Activities generally center on fun, fellowship, learning and enrichment. We meet once every other month, and locations will vary according to the activity. Past events include retreats at Mahoney State Park, Husker Red and White games, movie nights, softball teams, dinner at local restaurants, and this year, a trip to the Boundary Waters. Keep your eyes and ears posted for details!
Order of St. John --The word "acolyte" means "companion" or "one who helps." As a member of OSJ (grades 8-12), you will be serving as a companion to our pastors, by carrying the cross and torches in the processional, lighting candles on the altar, and assisting with Holy Communion. As a member of the Order of St. John you are joining the ranks of those who have been helping with worship services since the year 250 A.D. At Kountze Memorial, the Order of St. John has been an integral part of our ministry since 1941.
Serving Dinner -- All Youth are encouraged to help serve dinner during Advent and Lent, and on Easter Morning. These  intergenerational events are always fun and rewarding!
Community Outreach- Serving dinner to the homeless, visiting the Ronald McDonald House, writing letters to the military, building houses for Habitat for Humanity, park clean-ups, and many others!
• Confirmation •
The Confirmation program at Kountze Memorial (Wednesday Night Live) is a two-year period of studying the main elements of the Christian faith utilizing Luther's Small Catechism and involves students in the 8th and 9th grades. Click HERE for more information on Kountze's Confirmation program.
Please click below to access the program:
• Director of Youth •
 Ian Hartfield is a fourth generation member of Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church and grew up in the Youth program. Ian received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2005 and is currently working towards his Masters of Arts at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Contact information for Ian:
Phone: (402) 341-7761
E-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
    
   
|
