Xtreme - Middle SchooL Ministry

Meets 2nd Sunday of Each Month

Youth in Grades 5-8


Have you seen or heard the word “Xtreme” at Shepherd and wondered what that is? Do your 5th-8th grade children need a place to grow in their understanding of God’s love and His plans for their life? Read on! Our Xtreme Ministry gives students the opportunity to grow and show their faith in our Triune God. We encourage our youth to connect with peers and adult mentors to nurture their Christian faith through: 

• 5th – 8th Grade Confirmation 

• Annual Catechism Summer Camp at Lutheran Valley Retreat 

• Monthly activities and/or service projects 

• Connecting with other youth groups 

• Grandfriends program (youth are paired up with older members- both parties write letters to one another, pray for one another, and meet quarterly) 


Upcoming Events/Meeting Times:

2025 Dates for the 12:30-2pm Time
 

Pool Party | Sunday, August 24 | 2-5pm

Calling all 5th-12th graders! Join us on Sunday, August 24 from 2-5pm as we celebrate the end of summer with swimming and lawn games. Wear a modest swimsuit, bring your towel & sunscreen. Even if you're not into swimming join us for fun & games! Drop off & pick up at the Sweeny's Home: 6289 S. Marion Way, Centennial


September 14
October 12
November 9
December 14


For more information, contact Sina Williams at SWilliams@sothfamily.org.

Confirmation

A Holistic, Christ-Centered Path to Lifelong Faith


Grades 5 & 6

Sunday mornings at 9:30am | Room LL-15 (Science Lab)

Grades 7 & 8

Sunday mornings at 9:20am in the Colonnades (LL-21)


(Click here for a room location map)


If you have any questions regarding Confirmation, please email Pastor Ben Oesch at boesch@sothfamily.org.


Purpose

Confirmation at Shepherd is more than a class, it's a process of raising mature Christian disciples rooted in worship, community, service and God's Word. Youth grow in faith alongside parents, mentors, and the whole congregation.


Why we are changing the model

  • Many youth leave the Church post-confirmation-change is necessary.
  • Faith formation requires more than knowledge, it needs relationships, experiences, and flexibility.
  • To match real life and real faith development, students move at their own pace with a mentor and support system tailored to them.


Confirmation Overview

Beginning in 5th grade, youth complete 40 benchmarks to be confirmed anytime between 9th and 12th grade.

  • Mentors: Trusted adult Christians (not parents) guide youth through the process.
  • Faith Builders: Introduces Bible and Catechism.
  • First Communion: With parent-guided home study and church celebration.
  • Faith Alive: Deep-dive studies into the Catechism and Scripture and applied to life.
  • Faith in Action: Encounter faith in hands-on settings.
  • Service: In church and community, opportunities to love the neighbor.
  • Kingdom Adventure: Retreats, camps, or mission trips for embodied learning.
  • Memory Work: Key items memorized.
  • Crossgen: Intergenerational Christian relationships that make a real impact.
  • Worship + Sermon Notes: Regular worship and active listening matter.
  • Unashamed Project: Youth present their personal witness of faith.


Confirmation Sunday

Once all benchmarks are completed, youth are confirmed on Reformation Sunday, declaring their faith publicly and receiving the congregation's blessing.