Children, Youth, & Family Ministry

Good Shepherd’s Children, Youth, and Family Ministries provide opportunities of engagement in areas of faith formation, through education, leadership, worship, fellowship, fun, and service within Good Shepherd and the South Sound area. From faith formation on Sunday mornings, to youth activity nights on the third Sunday evening of each month, to discussion groups, to game nights, to opportunities to learn about the Lutheran faith, to coming together in service, there are many activities for children, youth, and all kinds of families this season at Good Shepherd! To learn more about these programs, events and activities, see below or join the CYF email list by sending a message to Heidi Prince, Intentional Interim CYF Coordinator, at heidi@gsolympia.org

Sunday Morning Programs

Activity Time – Sunday Mornings during 9 am Forum (through June 21)

Children and youth of all ages are invited to Activity Time in Room 114! The focus will be on building relationships and creative play more than education, with a combination of free play, organized group activities and time for conversation. It will be a lot of fun, and a great way to make new friends and develop lasting friendships at church!

Children’s Area & Staffed Nursery – Sunday Mornings during worship

The Children’s Area is the front right of the sanctuary. We ask that care givers sit in the adjacent seating area to monitor their children. A staffed nursery is also available in Room 114 if needed.

For All God’s Children – Sunday Mornings during 10 am Worship

For All God’s Children time takes place at the beginning of worship when we will call children to the front of the sanctuary for the Children’s Message, prayer, and blessing.

Sunday School – Every Sunday at 11:30 am (ON HAITUS FOR THE SUMMER SEASON)

Pre-8th grade children and youth are invited to attend Sunday School, which will include snacks, a Bible story, opportunities for wonder and curiosity, movement, activities and connection. We are looking forward to a year full of learning, curiosity, wonder and delight as we dig into God’s stories and discover more about who God is—together!

Weekly Youth Discipleship Classes – Every Sunday at 11:30 am (ON HAITUS FOR THE SUMMER SEASON)

At Good Shepherd, youth discipleship is the practice of deliberately studying and deepening one’s faith. We learn about the history of the church, the stories and ways of reading the Bible and the practices of the Lutheran expression of Christianity. In addition to learning, this class is focused on building relationships and community that cultivate a life of service. During each session there will be time for lessons and discussions, conversation and reflection, creative expressions of faith, and snacks. This class open to all youth ages 12 years and above and meets every Sunday morning at 11:30 am. If you would like to participate in the Youth Discipleship classes, please contact Heidi Prince at heidi@gsolympia.org for more information.

Monthly Gatherings and Upcoming Events

South Sound Youth Group (11 - 18 years old) – One Sunday each month from 5-8 pm

The South Sound Youth Group is a joint group of youth from Good Shepherd Lutheran and Gloria Dei Lutheran in West Olympia. These gatherings are a time of fun, community, play, and worship! We'll gather together for dinner (free of cost), before playing games like Vampire Tag in the church. Then we close the night with small group discussions and a time of contemplative worship.

We alternate gatherings each month at Good Shepherd and Gloria Dei. Youth are invited and encouraged to bring friends! (go to Youth Activity Night webpage for schedule.

Evening Prayer, Peace, & Popsicles – Every Wednesday 7-9 pm (June 24-July 29)

We’re creating a gentle midweek rhythm to pause, reconnect, and be together every Wednesday at 7 pm from June 24 through July 29 at Evening Prayer, Peace, and Popsicles in the Good Shepherd Garden. A cozy, casual summer version of Good Shepherd’s Advent and Lenten midweek gatherings with a short worship service featuring Holden Village’s Bless This Night liturgy, time to pass the peace, and popsicles shared under the summer sky. This Gathering is for all ages, and we hope it will be a chance for kids, elders, and everyone in-between to spend time together, build relationships, and enjoy the beauty of summer evenings at Good Shepherd. Bring a lawn chair or blanket if you’d like and come as you are. We can’t wait to see you there!