Our Ministry Goal
Powerful, weighty words get said when people are baptized. For example—
- You have been . . . marked with the cross of Christ forever.
- Let your light so shine that others may . . . glorify your Father in heaven.
- We receive you as . . . workers with us in the kingdom of God.
- provide for their instruction in the Christian faith
—Lutheran Book of Worship, p. 124-5
Youth ministries at Messiah are designed to help middle school and high school students grow into these words by learning the Scriptures, exploring the Christian faith, and practicing how to live day by day to the glory of God.
Confirmation
Messiah’s confirmation program prepares older children for a public profession of the faith they were baptized into. The four-year curriculum leads them through the Bible and Luther's Small Catechism and introduces them to the story of the Church. Classes are held on Sunday morning during the education hour. A week at Confirmation Camp during the summer between 7th and 8th grade is an integral part of the program. Confirmation usually takes place on the third Sunday in May in the 8th grade year when students are preparing for the transition from middle school to high school.
Enrollment in the confirmation program takes place on the Sunday after Labor Day, known at Messiah as Rally Day.
In cases where children have been unable to start the program in the 5th grade or to participate in classes as scheduled, parents are encouraged to speak with a pastor about alternative arrangements for instruction.
Messiah Youth Groups
There are many opportunities for middle school and high school students to be involved at Messiah. Throughout the year there are retreats, classes, social gatherings, mission trips, and more. For ongoing information about program and activities see Sunday bulletins, "Upcoming Events" on the home page, or contact the church office to be added to the Youth email list.
Sr. High Mission & Service Trips
Summer mission trips for Messiah's Senior High students and friends have been featured at Messiah since the mid-1990s. Destinations have included Washington, D.C., Chicago, Toledo, Juarez (Mexico), Joliet IL, Atlanta, and New Orleans. Several of the trips have also taken students to triennial ELCA Youth Gatherings for a week with as many as 30,000 teens from across the U.S. To read youth reflections click on these links for this summer's
Jamaica and
Kokomo mission trips.
Lutheran High School West
As a founding member of the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association Messiah subsidizes tuition costs for any member of the congregation who attends Lutheran High School West in Rocky River. (Were any to attend Lutheran High School East in Cleveland Heights the subsidy would also apply.) The aim is to extend the benefits of a sound Christ-centered education through the high school years. Between 40 and 50 Messiah students can be found at Lutheran West in any given year. For information about the school call 440-333-1660. If you're a member of Messiah be sure to mention this.
Pierstorf College Loans
Messiah administers the Pierstorf Memorial Loan Fund, established in 1994 by Dr. Ervin Pierstorf and his late wife Florence in loving memory of his brother Clarence. The Fund makes interest-free college loans available to students from Messiah and many other Lutheran congregations in Northeastern Ohio. Further information and application procedures can be found at www.pierstorf.org.