YPOGS  
(Young People of God)                  

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity."

1 Timothy 4:12

Our faith and trust in God is a life-long journey. It doesn't stop after being confirmed in 8th grade ... it is only just beginning! We want to see our High School students stay involved and active in their Baptismal faith in their church, school, peer groups, families, community, and out in the world. At St. Matthews, our High School Ministry is called "YPOGs," which stands for Young People of God. Our mission statement is: "Reaching in and reaching out with the love of Christ." We want to empower, equip, and encourage our youth to  go out as disciples of Jesus to spread the good news wherever they are at in life and to ultimately hold on to their identity in Christ as a child of God. 

H.S. Ministry Opportunities

Wednesday Night Youth Group

Come and join us 5:30-7:00 PM on Wednesday nights! We will enjoy Christian fellowship, groups games, a time to share, and devotion! Youth group is a safe place to be yourself and to encourage one another!

Monthly Fellowship Event

Events have included: overnight church lock-ins, ice skating, Okoboji outreach nights, bonfire and game nights, snow tubing, trampoline park, movie nights, etc. In a world full of pressure, we have to also have fun!

Mission Trips/National Youth Gathering

LCMS National Youth Gathering is held every 3-years in different states. There are over 20,000 youth and adults that participate in the gathering. Other summers, students 8th-12th grade have the opportunity to go on a week long mission trip. Past groups have gone to Michigan, Idaho, New  York, Alaska, etc. Students participate in fundraising events for these trips too.

Senior Night

Typically, the last Sunday of each month September-April is H.S. junior and senior night. These upperclassmen get together for supper, fellowship, and talk about how they can have "Sticky Faith" after High School. 

Youth in Action

High School kids are encouraged to take their faith and apply it into service during this hour. They will sign up for different areas to be a part of and  break off into these areasof service within the church body on Sunday mornings 9:30 AM. Examples include: helping teach children's Sunday School class, worship band practice, joining adult small group, serving coffee, making care packages, etc. 

Worship

Ways to participate in worship: greeter, reader, usher, worship band member, joining choir or handbells, technical support, special music, brass groups, nursery helper, etc. 

Service Projects

YPOGS are always looking for ways to serve our neighbors, community, and church body. Past service events have included: playing games at nursing homes, cleaning the church, delivering meals, serving at The Banquet in Sioux Falls, making college care packages, Christmas gift wrapping, free babysitting for parents, raking leaves, etc. Service project ideas are always welcome!

Retreats

Crossroads retreat is held in the Spring for 8th-12th grade students. There are periodically other day or weekend retreat opportunities throughout the year. 
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You are loved ... you are wanted ... you belong ... you are a child of God ... you are cherished by the one true King because you are a Son or Daughter of His!