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!

SUNDAY FAMILY EQUIP - OCTOBER

Just a reminder our Sunday Family EQUIP will be on October 5th from 11:45-1:15PM. Join us down in the church gym for our lunch, teaching time, and family connections. Remember, this is a time for all 7th & 8th graders going through our JR Discipleship journey as well as at least one parent. Also, just a reminder, our first CONNECT night will be on Wednesday, October 15th at TLS from 7-8:30PM. We will have games, large group discussion and small group time with your leaders!

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

JR High YOUTH - FUN AT RADER FAMILY FARMS
Calling all JR High Youth to join us at Rader Family Farms on Sunday, October 19th from 3-6PM. Cost will be $20.00 but we do need you to sign up in advance.
Parents, we do need some of you to stay and play as well. The deadline to sign up is Friday, October 17th!
Bring a friend and join us for some fun.
SR High YOUTH - FALL FUN EVENT
It’s fall season and you know what that means, Rader Family Farms! Join us on Sunday, October 5th from 2:30-6:00PM. Cost is $20.00 and will include admission, a donut and apple cider. Bring extra money if you want other treats. Friends are welcome to come too! We will meet at Rader’s right inside the gate by admissions. No sign-up needed, just show up! See you there!

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.

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

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).