Trinity Lutheran Youth Ministry walks alongside youth with the love of Jesus! Our WHY for doing ministry, our inspiration, is simple. We want to see youth live out their faith in everyday life!

HOW we do this has become five guiding principles we strive to incorporate into every aspect of Youth Ministry.

We encourage spiritual habits
We inspire Christ-like servant hearts
We build intentional relationships
We provide community
We emphasize identity in Christ

So as we get ready to start a new year, our prayer is that youth see intentionality in our ministry. We are not just about entertaining youth but helping them to be an example to all people in what they say, in the way they live, in love, faith, and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12)

If you want to know more about this ministry, email Christy Malinowski, Director of Youth at ChristyMali@trinluth.org.

JR DISCIPLESHIP

JR Discipleship is a two year journey for students and parents that will teach and model the Christian life and help with their understanding of the LCMS doctrine. This journey is intended to lead students toward the Rite of Confirmation where they will give voice to the faith promises made at their baptism. It will encourage them to own their faith and equip them to live it out in everyday life. In the two years, we will be teaching and modeling what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus. We will also be intentional in our partnering with the home so that parents and students remain active in this faith journey together! We have three words that will help us on this journey.
EQUIP. CONNECT. ENGAGE!

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

IMPACT LEADERS
We are meeting on Sunday, March. 2 from 11:45-1:15 pm. Be watching for more details through our GroupMe thread!
BASKETBALL MINISTRY
We will have a lot of games in February!
- March 1-2 State Basketball tournament at Christ Lutheran in Peoria
- March 16 Alumni game and senior recognition at TLS
UKANDU MISSION TRIP
We want to give you a sweet treat and ask for a favor in return. The 50 Youth and adults from Trinity attending the Youth Gathering this summer are hosting the M&M Fundraiser. All you do is pick up a tube of M&M minis from us during the lenten meals and then after you enjoy the sweet M&Ms, we ask you to fill it with a roll of quarters, cash or a check made out to Trinity Lutheran Youth! Look for the container to drop off your filled tube downstairs on a table or you can give it to one of the Gathering youth on Sunday morning by March 30!

TRINITY YOUTH GROUPS

If you are going into the following grades this fall, see which youth group is designed for you! You are welcome to join the age group for you beginning this month!!!

JR High Youth group is for those students going into 6-8th grade this fall.
SR High Youth group is for those students going into 9-12th grade this fall.

JR High Youth

JR High Discipleship CONNECT this month will be on Wednesday, March 19th at TLS from 7-8:30 pm. This is our LAST CONNECT and we are asking parents to attend as we talk about the habit of Choose Church. See you there!
JR Discipleship Faith Statements…Be watching for our 25 JR Discipleship youth sharing their statement of faith in one of our Lenten services on Wednesdays beginning March 12 or on a Sunday morning. Please be praying for our teens as they give their testimonies!

SR HIGH YOUTH

High School youth join us for our Youth Nights on Wednesdays at church from 7-8:30 pm. Join us, and friends are always welcome! We will meet on March 5th, 12th, and 19th - please note we will NOT meet on March 26th.
SR HIGH LOCK-OUT EVENT
Our event will be March 7-8th from 7:00 pm - 7:00 am. Cost is $20.00 and will include all food, activities, and lots of fun. Please sign up on the link below by March 2 to make sure we have enough drivers.

IMPACT Leadership Team

Our leadership team’s mission is to “Inspire youth to live for the LORD in ways that leave lasting IMPACT!”

Leadership team meets monthly to grow in their faith, develop leadership skills, plan activities and serve in a variety of ways at our events.

Our team this year is growing in leadership characteristics as well as confidence in writing and sharing devotions.

LCMS YOUTH GATHERING

We will have an all youth meeting on Sunday, January 12th from 12:30-2:00PM in the church gym. You will find out your family group and we will continue with our planning and fellowship. Mark your calendars now!

TRINITY YOUTH SUNDAY MORNING

Our discipleship time on Sunday mornings from 9:30 to 10:15AM, provides an opportunity for youth and adults to be spiritually filled as we study scripture and grow in our spiritual habits. We also want youth to be relationally connected with one another through sharing our stories and encouraging each other on a regular basis.

Learn more

TRINITY YOUTH FAITH MILESTONES

As God’s family we have an opportunity to pause at important moments in our journey of faith to celebrate God’s work, remember God’s faithfulness, and pass on faith in Jesus from one generation to the next. We call these meaningful, memorable moments in the lives of individuals, families, and our congregation, the Faith Milestones.

PRETEEN FAITH MILESTONE : 5/6th GRADE MOTHER/DAUGHTER, FATHER/SON

CHALLENGE & CHOICE
10TH GRADE
GRADUATION MILESTONE
SENIOR BLANKET BLESSING

All Faith Milestones are in partnership with Family Life Ministry.

HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

Trinity’s Co-Ed High School Basketball Teams provide excellent moments of Christian fellowship and sportsmanship. In addition to regularly scheduled practices and games, the teams participate in our Holiday Invitational Tournament, various other tournaments and the State Championship Tournament. Throughout the years, the dedication and Godly example of our coaches have continued to make this ministry a success.

Practices generally take place on Thursdays at Trinity Lutheran School, our Hamilton Rd. campus. All are welcome!

Contact Kyle Sander (309) 242-2583 for more information.

UKANDU CHICAGO MISSION TRIP

UKANDU CHICAGO MISSION TRIP TURNS 24

June 23rd kicked off UKANDU Chicago 2024. UKANDU Chicago, now in its 24th year, is a short term mission trip opportunity to bring hope, encouragement, and the love of Christ to others. This year's 151 participants from 5 different congregations will be divided into 27 teams blessing 18 different churches and schools with construction, painting, landscaping, outreach, Camp UKANDU, and more. This year's theme was "Saved By Grace".

The proactive philosophy and unusual name "UKANDU" lives in scripture: "I (You) CAN DO all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13).

Each day began with Morning Praise at 7:55AM. Lunch allowed for quiet time with a devotional book and evening Worship at 7:30PM.
This year UKANDU brought in GRAMMY® Nominated Hip Hop Artist FLAME for a concert on Tuesday night at 7:00PM.
Thursday night Concordia University Chicago blessed the teams with a dinner and tour. There was then a candlelight communion service in the Chapel.
Friday Night was a Celebration Service and representatives were invited from each of the 18 ministries that the teams walked alongside during the week.
Saturday, June 29, was pack-up and clean-up day with a closing Sending Service at 10:30AM.