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!

COMING UP . . .

JR Discipleship ENGAGE opportunity in worship event:
Sunday, October 6th from 1:30-2:15PM. All 7th & 8th graders and a parent are invited to “tour” the areas in worship where we have a need for people to ENGAGE their gifts and serve. Meet in the sanctuary!
JR Discipleship Midwest Food Bank EVENT:
We have an opportunity to ENGAGE in serving on Wednesday, October 30th from 6-8:00PM. This is open to our JR Discipleship students and their parents/families.

SIGN UP HERE

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

SUNDAY DISCIPLESHIP
Sunday Discipleship will NOT meet on January 5th but will return on Sunday, January 12 from 9:30-10:15AM.
IMPACT LEADERS
We are meeting on Sunday, January 12th from 11:45-12:30 pm. Be watching for more details through our GroupMe thread!
BASKETBALL MINISTRY
We will have two home games in January. Come cheer them on at Trinity Lutheran School gym!
- January 12th Team 1 plays at 2:00 pm & Team 2 plays at 3:10PM
- January 19th Team 2 plays at 1:00 pm & Team 2 plays at 2:10PM
UKANDU MISSION TRIP INFORMATION MEETINGS
Do you want to go on a week long mission trip where you get to be the hands and feet of Jesus? Come listen about the UKANDU Mission trip, which is open for anyone in high school through adults as well as JR High with their parent. The informational meetings will be in the youth room at the following times:
- Sunday, January 19th from 10-10:30AM
- Sunday, January 19th from 11:30-noon

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

Join us on Sunday, January 12th at Altitude Trampoline Park! We will jump from 6-7:30PM so plan to show up around 5:45 to get checked in. Cost will be $20.00 and you can bring cash or pay at the register. Friends are welcome to join us for fun! No sign-up, just show up! Use THIS LINK to sign the required waiver.
JR High Discipleship CONNECT this month will be on Wednesday, January 15 at TLS from 7-8:30PM. See you there!

SR HIGH YOUTH

- Welcome to CHOPPED - youth edition! Join us on Sunday, January 26th from 5:30-7:30PM here in the church kitchen. This event will be competitive, inventive, and hopefully even a little tasty. We are looking forward to our food challenge event where teams will create an amazing dessert using ingredients available. It's going to be a blast- don't miss out!
SIGN UP HERE >>
To cover costs for the food, please bring $5.00! Friends are welcome too!
- 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! Here is the schedule for this month: January 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29

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.