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!

CURRENT 6TH & 7TH GRADERS - JR DISCIPLESHIP 2025-26

If you missed one of our information sessions, please reach out to Christy Malinowski christy@trinluth.org to connect. The students enrolled at TLS will not be receiving JR Discipleship instruction during the school day beginning this fall. We look forward to connecting with parents about this exciting time in your child’s faith journey!

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

OPEN GYM FOR HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYERS
If you love to play basketball, then join us for our open gym nights. We will meet on Thursdays this month from 6-7:30PM on the following dates: June 5, 12, 19, & 26th. Open Gym nights are held at Trinity Lutheran School gym and open to any high school youth.
Join us in worship on Sunday, June 22 as we send off our group of 27 for a week of serving in Chicago. We are still looking for prayer partners, so if you are a prayer warrior, please reach out to Dean Buhrke and he will pair you up with one of our servants that you can pray for all week.

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

Are you going into 6th-8th grade this fall? If you said YES, then we want to invite you to our PICNIC IN THE PARK on Sunday, June 8th from 12-2:00PM at Miller Park. We will provide hot dogs, plates, utensils, condiments and drinks. We ask everyone to bring a dish to share, such as desserts, chips, fruit, sides, etc. There will be fun activities, food, and a chance to meet our newest 6th graders! No sign-up needed, just show up and bring your food to share. We will try and get the spot right inside Miller Park on the right. But look for some type of signage that says "TRINITY".

SR HIGH YOUTH

Hey, all those going into 9-12th grade, as well as those youth who just graduated, join us for our HELLO/GOODBYE PARTY on Sunday, June 8th from 6-8:00PM at TLC. We will have treats, drinks and lots of fun and games. Join us as we say HELLO to our newest 9th graders and GOODBYE to our seniors who will be moving on at the end of the summer.

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 are looking for 50 people who will be a prayer partner for someone in our group. If you are a prayer warrior and are interested, please talk to Casey Lartz or Christy Malinowski.

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 25

June 22nd kicked off UKANDU Chicago 2025. UKANDU Chicago, now in its 25th year, is a short term mission trip opportunity to bring hope, encouragement, and the love of Christ to others. This year 127 participants from 6 different congregations were divided into 23 teams blessing 19 different churches and schools with construction, painting, landscaping, outreach, Camp UKANDU, and more. This year's theme was "Unashamed".

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