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Youth & Family

Youth & Family News

Donate Items for the Youth Garage Sale

February 25, 2026

In May there will once again be the community wide Sterling & Rock Falls Garage Sale Days. Do you have items you would like to donate to help the youth rummage sale? Items donated will temporarily be stored and organized in the Luther Chapel. Tables will be set up in the main parking lot for times during the sale. Those wishing to help participate in the fundraiser by donating items for sale please remember that items may be new or gently used. Please do not donate car seats, beds, cribs or furniture.

Save the Dates for VBS

February 25, 2026

Save the date for CommUNITY VBS! July 12-16 at Bethel Reformed Church. CommUNITY VBS Worship at Grandon on July 19 at 9:30 am. If you would like to help the planning team the next meeting dates are March 5th and April 9th both at 4pm.

Confirmation Schedule

February 2, 2026

February class: 11am-2pm February 1st at Immanuel
Due to a scheduling conflict for Pastor Bree, Tri Church Confirmation will be on February 8 from 11am-2pm at Immanuel. Her deepest apologies about the need for the change. Her dad died on January 21st, and she is in the state of Oregon on bereavement and vacation until February 6. Thanks in advance for your understanding. Our prayers and support are for Pastor Bree and her family during this time.

2027 Youth Gathering Planning Teams

May 28, 2025

Applications are officially open for the 2027 Gathering Planning Teams! Whether you’re all about logistics,
storytelling, worship, or community, there’s a team for your gifts. This is your chance to help shape something unforgettable. Let’s build it together. Apply now through June 30. To learn more, visit: elca.org/Gathering

Sunday School

We host Sunday School classes for all ages from mid-September to mid-May annually. Check the Calendar for exact dates and times of classes.

Confirmation Classes

7th-9th grade students, staff and parent leaders gather each Wednesday evening from September through May with their peers from St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sterling, and Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Falls, using the “Co-laborate” Confirmation curriculum. This two-and-a-half-year program involves parent participation, learning, service to others, and safe, fun events led by caring adults.

Junior High & High School Youth Classes

Our junior high and high school students meet regularly throughout the year for classes, service events, fun events and trips. Events are updated and advertised on the Calendar, and on our Branches Youth & Family Ministries Facebook page.

CommUNITY Vacation Bible School

Each summer St. John’s participates in the Sterling-Rock Falls CommUNITY VBS (a collaboration of local congregations providing VBS as a free 1-week event for families in our communities with Pre-K age 4 through fifth grade). Location moves to a new church location each year. VBS Meets in the evening, Sunday through Thursday, with a free dinner each night.

Community vacation bible school logo

Youth & Family Forms & Policies

Adult Volunteer Application

Medical Release & General Permission Form

Youth Safety Policy

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