Youth Group Food Challenge! (6/21/18)

On June 21st, youth group began with a stuff-your-face relay challenge, where the students ate a set amount of pretzels, oreos, or the like as quickly as possible in order to help their team win.

Aside from the flaming hot cheetos, fun was had by all.

Mission Trip (6/24/18-6/30/18)

During the last week of June, the youth had the pleasure of attending Grace's mission trip to LA.

On Monday morning, the first day of the trip, we were led on a tour of downtown LA, in order to give us some context of where we would be serving for the week.

Both Monday and Tuesday, the group had the opportunity of serving at Union Rescue Mission (URM). On Monday, males and females from Skid Row separated into their respective "day rooms" and the men played games such as ping-pong while the women painted nails in order to strike up conversation in what was called "relational ministry". On Tuesday, we directly served the people at URM lunch, in more of service-directed ministry.

Every evening, we had worship with live music and short devotional videos. Tuesday, we had a special worship time on the roof of URM. It was wonderful to be able to send up-lifting music down to the streets of Skid Row, and was one of many highlights of the trip.

On Wednesday, the group was able to renovate a school garden, which was much needed since teachers are only allowed 1 hour outside of classes to tend the garden each week.

Below is a photo of Grace's group along with leaders and a church group from Tuscon, in front of the finished product of a clean garden.

On Wednesday, we helped around Hope Gardens, an area for women in need and their children. Some tended to the grounds or helped serve food, while others help watch and take care of the children.

Friday, we were allowed a 'free day', where we got to go the the Getty Museum and the Beach, in order to relax and recuperate after a physically and mentally trying week.

Saturday morning, everyone was sad to leave the friends we had made over the course of the week, but all were glad to return to our real showers and beds. Hopefully the service and love seen in LA can continue to be spread here in Ridgecrest!

Mulligan's Trip (6/18/18)

On the evening of June 18th, a large group of Grace Lutheran Youth took off towards Lancaster/Palmdale in the search of fun and games at the Mulligan Family and Fun Center.

We tried out many of the fun activities at Mulligan's, such as a high-strung rope obstacle course, a go-kart racetrack, a mini-golf course, a batting cage, bumper boats, indoor laser tag, and much more! 

The indoor arcade, pizza, and drinks allowed for a place where attendees could get out of the heat and find camaraderie with leaders and fellow youth alike.

We all left Mulligan's happy to have time to pay some games and build closer relationships with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

June 11th, we had our first official Paint War at Upjohn Park, and what a blast it was!

Students and leaders all came in white shirts, filled water balloons, guns, sponges, socks with water paint.








No white shirt was safe after the paint war began, and every one was against everyone.

The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all, and we hope it will become a yearly event!

Our summer kick-off was a fabulous Aloha Welcome Back Party on June 7...because everyone looks better in a grass skirt!

Follow us

During the season of Lent, we challenge you to follow us on Instagram so you can learn about all the extra activities and opportunities going on. 

www.instagram.com/graceridgecrest

Students sell Jelly Bellies

Sell sweets, turn in order form, and then deliver before Easter!

Each person earns 40% from their sales toward their youth accounts. 

Sales started March 8. Pick up your selling packet today from the Youth Director. 

Sales end March 8.

Packets and money must be turned in by March 8. 

Get ready for Summer!

Confirmation Camp For 7^th - 9^th grade students (your fall 2018 grade)

Lutheran Retreats, Camps and

Conferences (LRCC)

Sunday, July 8-Friday, July 13.

$ First non-refundable deposit $ 100 due May 30 (this includes a $25 registration fee) must be paid when you register online. Call the youth director for help with registration. 760-375-9768. 

What is it: The Christian community comes alive at El Camino Pines! Pastors, youth workers, camp staff and confirmands come together for a week of study and goofing around in the great outdoors of the Los Padres National Forest. The former campers have told me they want to return every year, and many of them want to return as camp counselors.

Youth & Family Mission Trip For 7^th grade students-High School graduates and families (your fall 2018 grade)

 Sunday, June 24– Saturday, June 30

In Los Angeles, CA, lodging in

Sylmar, CA

$ First non-refundable deposit $100 due March 15

What is it: Grace Lutheran has taken a team of youth and adults in 2015-2017. Half of the week is spent at the Union Rescue Mission, working in kitchen, making relationships, cleaning walls and major projects. The second half of week is spent outdoors, working in gardens, playing with children, and cleaning a facility. Participants learn so much about LA culture, the state of homelessness, and how to make a difference. 

MIddle School Winter Camp

Sign-ups for Middle School Camp is still OPEN. But spots are LIMITED and after Feb 8 price goes up. 

If you are signed up: here is Packing List and Info:

We will be meeting on Friday, February 23 at 3:30pm from Grace Lutheran parking lot and driving together to camp promptly. We will stop at In-N-Out in Lancaster for dinner and arrive at camp at 7pm.

We will be returning from camp on Sunday, February 25 around 3:30pm. 

Please know your student will be asked to turn in their phones during the time at camp, except during travel. Reception is limited due to the area camp is located. If an emergency occurs, you can reach the office and the camp staff will deliver the message to your student and church leader.

Packing List:

·        Clothes suitable for cool days and cold nights (layers work best)

·        Jacket for outdoors

·        Shoes and sandals (sandals for shower and closed toed shoes for everything else)

·        Water bottle required

·        Mittens or gloves and a warm hat.

·        Snacks (these will need to sealed in zip lock bags due to bears)

·        Sleeping bag and pillow or bedding for a twin sized bed (if your sleeping bag is light you may want to bring an extra blanket)

·        Ear plugs (in case you have neighbors who snore)

·        Personal items (soap, shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush, bath towels, etc.)

·        1 Towel

·        Flashlight

·        Bible

·        Optionals:

Ø  Paper and pencil or pen

Ø  Camp Store money. You may already have camp store money in your acct, ask Andi.

Ø  Camera

Ø  Chapstick and bug repellent

NOTE: Please do not bring pocketknives, personal sports equipment, tobacco products, alcohol or drugs, animals (no pets allowed) or firearms. We want the camp to remain a safe and fun environment for everyone. The camp cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items so remember to leave valuables at home.

Fundraising Dates for Pizza Factory

Fundraising for Youth

Dine-in or take-out to Pizza Factory or Beansters and mention The Youth Group at Grace Lutheran Church 

and 30% of proceeds will be donated. 

Friday, January 26

Sunday, February 18

Friday, March 23

Saturday, April 21
Monday, June 25

Located: 1601 N Triangle Drive 

By the movie theater

Middle School Winter Camp

When: Feb 23-25. We will be leaving right after school and returning Sunday evening.

Theme: Engage. Titus 3:14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

Cost: $140

Location: El Camino Pines Camp

11900 Frontier Road, Frazier Park, CA 93225

Activities: if snow, there will sledding, if no snow, rock wall, archery wall, hiking.

How to sign up: Bring the deposit of $100 and have your medical release form completed.

Youth Ministry Break Dec 24-Jan 13

Youth Ministry Break Dec 24-Jan 13

See you at Youth Group on Thursday Jan 18 5:30-7pm

& High School hour at 7-8pm

Youth December Activites

Christmas Carolers Needed! We will be sharing warmth of Christmas songs on December 17 and Dec 22 from 

6:00-8:30pm. Come to church in warm clothes and flashlight.

Youth Christmas Party December 21 5:30-8:00pm. All middle school and high school students are welcome.

No youth ministry activities from December 24-Jan 13. Enjoy your time with your families and friends. 

Youth Helpers Needed

On Tuesday, October 24 we are showing the Luther Film at 7pm in Sanctuary. 

Youth please come at 6:30pm and help sell concessions. 

All proceeds will go to the Frontier's Mission team headed by Roxanne and Jeff Johnson. 

Family Camping 1 Night Adventure

Family Camping 1 Night Adventure

Meet at church parking lot on Friday, Nov 10 at 3:00pm 

OR meet us there. 

Return back to church on Saturday around 4pm.

Location: Trona Pinnacles, located approximately 20.0 miles east of Ridgecrest. Access to the site is from a BLM dirt road (RM143) that leaves SR 178, about 7.7 miles east of the intersection of SR 178 and the Trona-Red Mountain Road. The 5.0-mile long dirt road from SR 178 to the Pinnacles is usually accessible to 2-wheel drive vehicles.

No cell service (unless you have Verizon). If you get lost, call Andi 928-266-5318.  

There is a portable toilet and no running water.

Need camping gear? Contact Andi Berryman to see what you can borrow. Don’t want to pack your own food? $15 per person provides for dinner (hot dogs and chili, smores) breakfast (cereal and fruit), and lunch (sandwiches and veggies).

OR pack your meals and bring what you like. 

Maximum cost for families is $30.

Youth are encouraged to come with their families. Youth coming individually, will need a complete medical release form, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and $15.

Youth Halloween Party

November 2 5:30-8:00pm 

The Weekend  HEAT: Halloween Party

Costume Contest,

games & food!

Guys-only event and Girls-only event

Two events happening at the same time. 

For all middle school and high school students. Everyone arrives at 6pm to Grace Center with $5. 

Girls- will leave town and have a campfire in the desert. Please bring closed-toed shoes, jacket and flashlight. 

Guys- will have a cook out at the Grace Center and play games. Guys bring video games.

GraceFest Concert

When: Saturday, September 16. Leaving at 10:30am

from parking lot at Grace Lutheran Church.

What: 10^th annual Christian music festival filled with national and local artists.

Cost per student: $20. Please sign up with Andi and pay in order to hold your spot. Dinner will be provided.

Please bring spending money for lunch at In-N-out or Panda Express in Palmdale and any extra spending money for band souvenirs or additional snacks. (Suggestion $10 for lunch and $15 for extra)

What to bring:

·       Water bottle- REQUIRED

·       Lunch money or packed lunch- REQUIRED

·       Light jacket –this event is outdoors

·       Blanket or camp chair –if you have an extra please bring it and share

·       Sunscreen and hat

·       Camera/phone for pictures

The HEAT Youth Ministry will provide:

·       Transportation there and back. Event ends at 10pm; we will arrive in Ridgecrest around midnight.

·       Dinner

·       Entrance Ticket

·       Snacks and gallons of water to fill up water bottles.

Line Up: I suggest YouTube/google these artists so you can hear their songs.

Matthew West

Big Daddy Weave

We are Messengers

Micah Tyler

For All Seasons

Mark the Poet

And many more!

Spots are still available for Confirmation Camp

Spots are still available for

 Confirmation Camp!

Sign up today

See previous post on Confirmation Camp. 

This fun camp experience is for students who are going into 7th, 8th or 9th in Fall 2017. 

Youth Ministries Break

We will not have youth group on May 25,    June 1 and June 8. 

Enjoy the end of the year festivities. 

Join us on Welcome back night, welcome new 6th graders and parents on June 15 5:30-7:00pmJoin us for smore fun, smore joy and Smores!!!