Middle School

A place for middle school youth to ask questions and grow

Middle school brings new questions, relationships, responsibilities, and changes. At OSW, seventh- and eighth-grade youth have a place to be known, build Christian friendships, learn God’s Word, serve others, and grow into a more active role in the church.

What to expect

On Sunday nights, seventh- and eighth-grade youth gather with trusted adult leaders for Bible study, honest conversation, games, service, and time with friends. Youth may bring their questions and participate at their own pace.

Grades  7 and 8

Regular gathering  Youth Night, Sundays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at OSW

Sunday mornings  Youth worship with the congregation and are encouraged to serve. Youth Night is their primary weekly gathering.

Growing into church life

Middle school youth are invited to worship, serve, form relationships across generations, and prepare for Confirmation and the transition into high school.

Confirmation

Learning to confess the Christian faith

Confirmation is a three-year journey in which youth study Scripture and the Small Catechism, a short guide to the central teachings of the Christian faith. They ask questions, build relationships with Christian adults, participate in worship, and prepare to confess publicly the faith given to them in Baptism.

A time to learn, ask, and grow

Confirmation is not graduation from church. It is a season of learning, worship, mentoring, and service that helps youth understand what Christians believe and continue following Jesus as part of His Church.

Learning  Scripture, the Small Catechism, and the central teachings of the Christian faith.

Worship Regular participation in Sunday services, including Scripture, preaching, prayer, Baptism, and Holy Communion.

Mentoring  Relationships with Christian adults who listen and encourage.

Service and confession  Putting faith into practice and preparing to confess the Christian faith publicly.

Program years  Begins in seventh grade and leads toward Confirmation in ninth grade

Schedule  Youth Night, Sundays from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at OSW

Sunday mornings Confirmation youth worship with the congregation and are encouraged to serve. Youth Night is their primary weekly gathering.

Families

Parents and caregivers are essential partners in Confirmation. Families worship together, participate in [parent gatherings or expectations], continue conversations at home, and help youth put what they are learning into practice.