For more info on any of these programs, reach out to pastorchad@atonementboulder.org.
The Middle School and High School Youth programs at Atonement strive to help teens develop their childhood Sunday School faith into an individual faith that will last them a life time.
Confirmation is a three year program geared towards Middle School Students which generally meets 20-25 times throughout the school year. Our focus is on the real life applications of the basics of the Small Catechism. Some of the topics in the three year cycle include prayer, the New Testament, science and faith, and spiritual gifts. The youth create their own spiritual gifts projects to be worked on during Lent each year. In the past there have been some amazing and even life changing projects. We also have fun activities throughout the year, often partnering with local congregations for overnighters, day trips, and youth retreats. Each summer we all attend Confirmation camp at Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp. It is a week of fun and bonding that set our group off to a great start each year. Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) occurs at the end of October on Reformation Day. The youth prepare some amazing statements of faith for the ceremony. Each student has an adult mentor of their choosing to walk with them on this three-year journey. The mentors share in some of the confirmation nights, help with spiritual gifts projects, and sometimes just hang out for deep (and not so deep) conversations. This relationship is one that lasts far beyond the three years. The confirmation program really does prepare the youth of our congregation to connect with God, one another, and the world.
Our High School program is a blend of fun, service, and trips. We begin our year with an overnighter that leads into our big “God’s Work. Our Hands.” service projects the next morning. Sometimes it is an early start but they are bribed with Starbucks and donuts to wake up and get moving 🙂 We also do various service projects throughout the year and attend local youth gatherings. Every summer we take a big trip as a group. The trips are based on the ELCA youth cycle which includes the National Youth Gathering, Western States Youth Gathering, and a service trip. All of these trips have their moments of fun and service, but they also create memories that last a lifetime.
The Middle School/High School Youth meet all together on Sunday mornings. Middle School and High School Sunday School like to put our faith into action, taking on projects to be God’s hands in our church and community. We spearheaded Atonement’s solar panel installation, switched our congregation to compostable communion cups, and helped with our building’s energy audit.
Atonement welcomes any youth who want to sing in the Hallelujah Chorus, a special music ensemble for grades 6-12. Youth are also welcome to join the Sanctuary Choir and the Carillon Bell Choir. Read more on the Music page.