Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry
Keeping Christ as the focus of ministry with youth, Bethlehem provides a safe and supportive place for young people to explore who they are, where they belong, and what their purpose is in the church, their families, and the world. Our ministries meet students where they are in both faith and life providing encouragement for the journey.
Youth Group
We welcome all middle and high school age students to join in this community of friendship and support!
To help youth navigate their teen years and prepare for their lives as young adults, Bethlehem’s youth explore their faith through monthly gatherings of service and fellowship. We take time for discussions with an understanding that today’s world can be both amazing and troubling. Additionally, we join with other youth groups around the San Diego area for outings to the beach, Border Church, and more. Each year our youth travel to experience other areas of the country. These trips welcome 8th – 12th grade students into times of service, learning and fellowship.
For the latest updates on meetings and events, contact Deacon Mindy to be added to the weekly youth email and/or the group text messages.
Confirmation
The Confirmation classes provide foundational education on the Bible along with Lutheran theology and traditions. Classes include students in 7th and 8th grades and meet twice each month during the traditional school year. Pastor Laura, Pastor Sam, and Deacon Mindy share in leading these sessions. They will be happy to answer questions and help students get started in the program.
Previous Youth Group Trips
Maui – 2025
Youth traveled to the Hawai’ian Island of Maui for a week of service and learning. Projects included:
- reforestation of lands on the banks of Haleakalā with Skyline Conservation
- fence construction and painting for Habitat for Humanity Maui
- assisting in retaining wall construction at Hawaii Land Trust
- packing snack and hygiene bags for residents at A Cup of Cold Water
- created greeting cards for critically ill children for XO
Additionally, youth visited local beaches, Iao Valley State Park, Haleakala National Park, Ululani’s Shave Ice, a food truck park, saw baby chicks, sea turtles, and endangered Nene birds, and went on a snorkel cruise.
Arizona – 2024
FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA – Trail work at Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve.
This is a 480 acre preserve is located in a beautiful canyon with great trails. In addition to significant Northern Sinagua petroglyphs and other cultural resources, it provides critical riparian habitat for wildlife and songbirds, as well as Flagstaff’s only waterfall!
NAVAJO EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN MISSION IN ROCK POINT, AZ – NELM is a five-acre working mission with a school, an apartment buildings, a clinic building, school playground, food pantry, water dispensary, and a church building. While there, students were given the honor of painting the mission’s hogan and attending a community drum circle event.
In addition to the time spent in service, youth visited Northern Arizona University’s Lutheran/Episcopal Campus Ministry, Canyon de Chelly, The Lowell Observatory, Culvers, and a water park.
Las Cruces, New Mexico – 2023
Youth participated in a border immersion experience through Border Servant Corp to learn about immigration and the borderlands from various perspectives. They spoke with first-generation immigrants, visited local organizations working to support immigrant populations, met with border and law enforcement officials, attended immigration court proceeding, and learned about economic and government policies surrounding immigration.
