- Matthew 19:14

When a child is baptized into Christ, we make a promise to live with them among God’s faithful people, bring them to the word of God, and nurture them in faith and prayer. Our programs for Children and Youth grow out of our hope that they will learn to integrate their faith with daily living and begin a life of discipleship, confident in the love of our gracious God.

As part of our family journey at Bethlehem, we recognize many milestones in the lives of our children, including Baptism, Bible presentations, First Communion, Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation), and high school graduation.

Christian Education for all ages is held after Sunday worship services.

Sunday School for preschool and elementary age children blends story-telling, music and movement, and hands-on activities (e.g. art, science, and cooking). We believe that we can support learning for each child through hearing and seeing God’s word in different ways.

Our Sunday School program for our Middle and High schoolers focuses on scripture-based discussions that enrich the everyday faith lives of our youth. During these years, our young people are also exposed to Lutheran doctrines and practice, and to faithful examples of Christian living. With an adult mentor of their choice, our confirmands develop personal statements of their faith, which are shared with our congregation at Confirmation, as they affirm their Baptisms.

Youth of all ages participate in several other gatherings that are ongoing year round, including:

• Youth fellowship on Sunday evenings
• TWEENS fellowship on Wednesday afternoons
• Biblical Burritos
• Self-Help holiday meal shopping
• Public school litter pickup
• Yard work for elderly Bethlehem members
• Meal deliveries to St. Elizabeth's Shelter

At Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp, our children and youth immerse themselves in God’s creation, worshipping, growing in faith, and experiencing new adventures in a loving and supportive Christian community. Rainbow Trail is an outdoor ministry of the Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA. We also partner with Rainbow Trail staff to bring summer Day Camp (Vacation Bible School) to Bethlehem for a high-energy week of bible study, music, and recreation. All children entering Kindergarten through 8th grade are welcome to attend.

Every three years, 30,000 high school youth and their adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. In between, we gather regionally with other Rocky Mountain Synod churches. Through days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service, and fellowship, our young people are energized and inspired to share the love of Christ with everyone, everywhere.