There are many opportunities to grow in faith at St. John, from Sunday school, to confirmation, to adult learning.
Faith formation covers several facets of growth: cognitive learning about the Bible and our Christian heritage; learning more of what it means to walk in Christian community and discipleship; and deepening spirituality as we learn more and more to trust Jesus.
Faith formation covers several facets of growth: cognitive learning about the Bible and our Christian heritage; learning more of what it means to walk in Christian community and discipleship; and deepening spirituality as we learn more and more to trust Jesus.
CHILDREN
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Children's faith formation at St. John is for ages 3 (as of September 1) through 5th grade.
Sunday School Our 2026-2027 Sunday school year will begin 9:00am September 13 for a brief parent and student check in prior to "God's Work. Our Hands" service opportunities. Sunday school classes will start Sept 20 and go through Mother's Day (May 9). We begin each week at 9:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary for music and to introduce the day's theme, then go to classrooms, concluding around 9:45 a.m. - in time to grab a snack in the fellowship hall before worship! Register here in advance or on September 13. VBS Day Camp 2026 was July 20-23, with counselors from Shetek Lutheran Ministries leading our programming for youth entering 1st-6th grade in the fall, and St. John doing 1/2 day programming for younger kids. Enjoy the video from the week! |
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YOUTH
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Confirmation
In our ELCA denomination, confirmation is part of our faith formation, where youth learn more about the Christian church. Most Lutherans are baptized as infants, with promises made on the infant's behalf by their parents and sponsors. Confirmation is an "affirmation of baptism," where youth recognize God's work in their lives and make public their desire to continue in their journey of faith with the church. Our confirmation program starts in 6th grade with youth confirmed in the fall of their 9th grade year. Confirmation meets most Wednesdays during the school year at 6:00 p.m. (grades 6-8) and 7:00 p.m. (grade 9, September-October). Downloadable confirmation resources: High School Youth Group Meets 7:00 p.m. most Wednesdays during the school year for Bible studies, service and fellowship. 6th-12th Grade Youth Events Other events are offered through the year, including bowling, Great Bear, Valley Fair, service projects, Bible camp, and more. |
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LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY
DSU Lutheran Campus Ministry works to provide a welcoming, inclusive faith community for Dakota State University as a partnership between St. John and Trinity Lutheran. Two mornings each month they are a presence on the DSU campus, providing a safe, open space that welcomes all students regardless of their religious affiliation and background, and offering a listening ear as students share their stories, doubts and questions about life and faith.
ADULT LEARNING
We have various ongoing adult learning opportunities:
- Men's breakfast, which meets 7:30 a.m. the first Saturday of the month, at 2nd Street Diner.
- Sophia women's Bible study, which meets 1:00 p.m. the third Thursday of the month, at St. John.
- Midweek Bible study, meeting 10:00 a.m. Wednesdays, at St. John during the school year.
FAITH FORWARD
Faith Forward is a grant project funded by the Lilly Endowment’s Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative, aiming to help parents and caregivers share their faith and values with their children. Access easy, intergenerational tools, and learn more, at St. John Lutheran Church | Forward Faith