Welcome to Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry at Trinity offers support, connection, and leadership rooted in Christ.

2026 Puerto Rico Service Trip

High School Youth (Grades 9–12).  We’re going to Puerto Rico this summer for an unforgettable service trip! Required Info Meetings at 7:30 PM. Pick one: Nov 30 | Dec 4 | Dec 8 | Dec 18. Youth AND at least one parent/guardian must attend before registration. 

Can’t make a meeting or not getting emails? Please contact Dana Kruse.

Confirmation & Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry at Trinity empowers young people - Grades 6-12 - to grow in faith, build meaningful friendships, and serve with purpose within a supportive community. Scroll down for details on faith formation programming by grade. For more information, please contact Dana Kruse.

Confirmation and Beyond

Confirmation is a passage to greater understanding and involvement in our community of faith. It affirms the promises made at Baptism, claiming them as our own. Confirmation isn't the end of faith formation, but it is a continuation of the building block that started with Baptism and continues on.

Confirmation is a milestone, not a graduation, that celebrates a student's growth in faith. Also known as the Affirmation of Baptism, it's an opportunity for young people to personally affirm the faith promises made for them at their baptism and to take on that faith for themselves.

Wednesday Evenings:

Wednesday night Dinner Church, a unique worship space that celebrates the physical and spiritual nourishment of gathering around the table. It's a chance for multiple generations to mingle, engage in dialogue, and share our joys and challenges as followers of Jesus.

The schedule: 
  • 4:30-5:15 p.m. Youth Choir (kindergarten through middle school) rehearsal in the Choir Room
  • 5:20-6 p.m. Faith Lab (faith formation for ages 4 to Grade 5) in the Narthex
  • 5:30 p.m. Community meal service begins in the River Room
  • 6:15-6:45 p.m. Dinner Church worship for all ages and stages in the River Room
  • 6:45-7:45 p.m. Small Groups— Middle School Confirmation, Adult Faith Lab, and FAFA group sessions for elementary ages

The Confirmation Structure:

Our program uses a large-group/small-group model to balance instruction with ministry. Students are placed in small groups of 6-8 with an adult leader to learn, connect, and share the highs and lows of life.

Our process is built on four pillars:
  • Learning: We cycle through Old and New Testament basics, Martin Luther's Catechism, and hot topics in Christianity. We use engaging methods like art, music, video, and skits to accommodate all learning styles.
  • Service: Groups participate in service events throughout the year to learn how to be a servant. Past events have included meal packing, fundraising, and mission trip support.
  • Play: Fun experiences, retreats, and lock-ins help small groups bond, leading to more honest conversations and stronger relationships.
  • Home: We partner with parents and caregivers, believing they are the biggest influence on a child's faith. We provide weekly emails and tools to guide regular faith conversations at home, ensuring parents are a central part of the Confirmation journey.

Grades 6/7/8 Dates to Know:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025 : First Dinner Church and Parent/Child Orientation
  • Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025: First regular session of the year
  • Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025: Confirmation Day for 2025 9th Graders
  • Friday, Nov. 14, 2025: Middle School Overnight Lock-In at Trinity
  • Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025: Final gathering before Christmas break (off Dec. 24 & 31)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026: First session back after Christmas break
  • Winter activities TBD
  • Wednesday, April 29, 2026: Final Confirmation session for the year
  • Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026: Confirmation Day for current 8th graders (more info to come)
Register for 6/7/8 Faith Formation

Ninth grade is a milestone for Confirmation Day and entry into High School Ministries. The journey through middle school Confirmation culminates in the Affirmation of Baptism on Sunday, October 26, 2025, after which students officially join our high school programs.

2025 Dates to Know:

  • Wednesday, Sept. 10 | 9th Grade Dinner Church/Parent-Confirmand Overview: Dinner Church begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Confirmation overview at 6:45 p.m. for parents and students.
  • Wednesday, Sept. 17 and Onward | High School Helpers: Volunteer to assist with younger kids, Dinner Church setup, or Confirmation small groups. Service hours can be reported. Contact Dana if you're interested.
  • Sunday, Sept. 14 | Required Meeting: A required gathering to discuss Confirmation Day and have some fun. Dinner is included, from 6:00-8:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 5 | Required Small Group Meeting: From 7:00-8:15 p.m., we will review projects and last-minute details for Confirmation Day. Parents are not required to attend.
  • Sunday, Oct. 26 | Confirmation Sunday: Confirmation Day is in the Trinity Worship Center. Families can attend either the 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. service; a link will be sent to confirm your attendance.
  • Friday-Saturday, Nov. 14-15 | Overnight Lock-In: Join us for an overnight lock-in at Trinity
Confirmand Responsibilities:
  • Finish a stole to be worn on Confirmation Day
  • Complete the Faith Project packet. Your faith project consists of these parts:
      • 1. Choosing a Confirmation Bible verse
      • 2. My Faith Reflection questions
      • 3. Creative project (art, essay, poem, video, song, etc.)
      • 4. Share your creative project with your small group in person
      • 5. Hold a brief “what’s next” chat with Pastor Peter, Pastor Jen, or Dana This is an exciting time and water stop on your faith journey! Please let us know if we can be of any assistance.
Register for the 9th Grade Confirmation

Welcome to High School Ministry at Trinity! We believe that high school ministry shouldn’t be about youth doing programs, but youth doing ministry, and what we offer gives you a chance to serve not only locally, but globally! Wednesday Night Focus Along with Sunday worship, Wednesdays will be a weekly focus of action and ministry activities. A newly refreshed and reformed Youth Ministry Leadership group of high school students will also chart the course of events and topics of conversations.  

Wednesday, Sept. 18 and ongoing. Help out on Wednesday nights: Volunteer to help with open gym, in the kitchen, as a part of the clean-up crew, or be a small group co-leader in Grades 6/7/8 Confirmation small group – there are options for you to help and make a difference! Service hours will be recorded for those who help regularly. Please let Dana know if you’re interested.  

Sunday, Sept. 28 (2nd & 4th Sundays of the Month). High School River Worship: High school students are invited each Sunday night from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for River Worship in the Youth Center. Bible study, other discussions, games, large group/ small group. Come build some faith muscles, ask good questions, and make some connections with others!  

Friday-Saturday, Nov. 14-15. Overnight Lock-In at Trinity.  Sunday Worship & Service Opportunities. Come to church on Sundays! Our congregation needs your vibe and voice on Sunday mornings. You can also plug in and help on Sundays as a gym attendant, worship assistant, greeter, usher, communion server, AV team member, part of the worship band—whatever you feel called to do! Sunday’s offer a wealth of opportunities to be of service to our local congregation.  

Summer 2065 Ministry Opportunities (Dates TBD) We’re going back to Puerto Rico for another summer mission trip in 2026! Organizational meetings with up-to-date details will begin in early 2026, including a calendar of events leading up to the trip, costs, travel specifics, and sponsorship guidelines. The trip is open to all students who have completed at least one year of high school (grades 9-12).  

<span style="color:var(--primary-color-bg)">Our Trinity Lutheran Scholarship Fund</span>

Our Trinity Lutheran Scholarship Fund

The Trinity Lutheran Scholarship Fund was established through the generosity and foresight of Jeanette Johnson, a dear, departed, long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church. It was her desire to provide the means by which Trinity could offer assistance to its young people whose achievement and character have indicated that they possess the qualities necessary to achieve excellence in higher education. 

Eligibility: Applicants must be baptized and confirmed by Trinity, and actively participate in Trinity’s youth programs. Scholarships are awarded based on academic status, co-curricular achievement, and good citizenship, with active involvement in Trinity Lutheran Church highly considered.

Renewal: Recipients maintaining at least a 2.75 GPA (or "fine academic standing") are eligible to apply for renewal for up to three additional years. Renewal is the student's responsibility.

Application Deadline: All applications (original and renewal) must be emailed or postmarked by April 1. Email to: skinsman@trinitylc.org or send to: Trinity Scholarship Fund PO Box 339 Stillwater, MN 55082.

TLC Scholarship Application
TLC Scholarship Renewal Application

Youth Ministry in Action

See the fun and faith! These photos capture just some of the exciting happenings and impactful moments from our Youth Ministry.