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Youth & Family

Youth & Family News

Youth Gathering Volunteers Needed

June 23, 2026

Would you like to volunteer at the ELCA Youth Gathering and help our young people grow in faith and encounter Christ? Serving the youth of this church is a vocational calling that requires careful discernment. There are several ways to volunteer. Responsibilities and commitments vary by category, but every volunteer must agree to a volunteer code of conduct and submit to a background check run by the ELCA. Serving as a volunteer requires no application fee, but applicants who are offered a volunteer role will be asked to pay a $50 processing fee to ensure their attendance and cover the cost of a background check. If this fee prohibits you from serving, reach out to the Gathering office. For more information visit: elca.org/gathering-2027/attend-volunteers

2027 Youth Gathering

June 23, 2026

Save the date for the 2027 Youth Gathering: June 28-July 2, 2027 in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

What is the gathering?
Every three years, thousands of high schoolers and their adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) come together for the ELCA Youth Gathering.

It’s not just an event but a movement in which faith ignites and community comes alive. Through inspiring speakers, experiential learning and transformative connections, young people experience the church in bold, unforgettable ways. Each night, participants share a unique faith experience through high-energy worship and powerful storytelling. The Gathering is an opportunity to ask big questions, grow in faith and be part of something bigger than yourself. Are you ready to join the movement?

Who can attend?
Youth participants in the ELCA Youth Gathering, MYLE and the tAble must be in eighth to 12th grade at time of registration (fall 2026). Adult leaders accompanying youth to the Gathering must be at least 21 years old at the time of the Gathering.

Registration is now OPEN for CommUNITY VBS 2026

May 28, 2026


Join us at Rainforest Falls as we explore the nature of God! We can’t wait for another incredible week of worship, games, crafts, Bible stories, music and community together.

Here are the key details:

  • 📍Bethel Reformed Church (230 E. 23rd St. Sterling)
  • 📆 July 12-16, 2026
  • 🍽️ Dinner: 5:30-6:00pm
  • 🦜VBS: 6:00-8:00pm
  • Kids ages Pre-K (4 & 5 years old, potty trained only) through completed 5th grade are invited to participate.
  • We’re also looking for volunteers entering 6th grade and up! Volunteers must register by June 19 to receive a VBS shirt.
  • We’ll wrap up the week by worshipping together at Grandon on July 19 at 9:30am.
  • Register today for both participants and volunteers and get ready to explore the nature of God together at Rainforest Falls!
  • To register, visit: https://forms.gle/eF8SmJd5x4kGt7Pq6

Students wanted for Summer Special Music

May 28, 2026

This summer, the UNITE churches are again hosting student musicians from the Sterling-Rock Falls area. This includes any student completing 7th grade through a just graduated college/post grad student.


We ask that students share music with us at St. John’s and then arrange to play that piece at other UNITE congregations, where you will be paid $30 per service as a guest musician. This is a chance to keep up your music skills, and share an IMEA or audition piece, or another special piece.


More information can be found on the welcome table outside the sanctuary, or contact Dawn Zeigler (815) 275-3775 or dawn@stjohnsonthird.org for details! We can’t wait to hear you!

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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