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Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry

Growing together.

Whoever you are, wherever you're from, you are welcome here.

Join in the fun! St. John's Youth Groups provide a safe and adventurous experience for anyone seeking fellowship and a relationship with God in a no-pressure environment! For questions or to get connected, contact our Director of Youth Ministries, Matt Walton, at youth@sjdenver.org.
Group of middle school kids laughing together and playing a game
Two teenage boys with their arms over each other's shoulders
Three teenage girls with their arms over each other's shoulders
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Youth

CONFIRMATION 2025

Confirmation is a rite of the church that is preceded by a time of instruction in God’s Word and Lutheran doctrine. It is a systematic way to help baptized children of God grow in their faith and knowledge of God, and to identify more closely with the doctrine we live by here at St John’s.

Confirmation meets on Wednesday nights from 5-6 pm. Students who decide to stay for Youth Group at 6:30 will be a part of a rotating group that provides dinner for each other.
Register for Confirmation
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Check out our parenting resources

Middle School

5th - 8th Grade

5th & 6th Grade

  • 6-8pm Wednesday nights.
Every Wednesday we gather down in the youth room. Doors open at 5:50pm. We play a big group game from 6-7 and then split up into two groups for Bible study time from 7-8.

First Communion Classes
First Communion Class is generally recommended for 5th graders and up but we rely on parents’ discretion for when they are ready. The class takes place Sunday mornings from 8:45-9:30am and starts 8 weeks before Maundy Thursday. Students take their first communion during our Maundy Thursday service. One parent is required to attend classes with their youth.

7th & 8th Grade

  • 6-8pm Wednesday nights
Every Wednesday we gather down in the youth room. Doors open at 5:50pm. We play a big group game from 6-7 and then split up into two groups for Bible study/Confirmation time from 7-8.

Confirmation
Confirmation is a two-year program and is recommended for grades 7 and 8. Confirmation takes place on Wednesday nights from 7-8pm, typically the beginning of September through the end of March.
Group of middle school students studying the Bible with leader
Winter Retreat
The 7th and 8th grade youth attend a winter retreat every year at LVR (Lutheran Valley Retreat). This typically takes place either the last weekend in January or the first weekend in February.

Email youth@sjdenver.org with any questions.

Middle School

5th - 8th Grade

5th & 6th Grade

  • 6-8pm Wednesday nights.
Every Wednesday we gather down in the youth room. Doors open at 5:50pm. We play a big group game from 6-7 and then split up into two groups for Bible study time from 7-8.

First Communion Classes
First Communion Class is generally recommended for 5th graders and up but we rely on parents’ discretion for when they are ready. The class takes place Sunday mornings from 8:45-9:30am and starts 8 weeks before Maundy Thursday. Students take their first communion during our Maundy Thursday service. One parent is required to attend classes with their youth.

7th & 8th Grade

  • 6-8pm Wednesday nights
Every Wednesday we gather down in the youth room. Doors open at 5:50pm. We play a big group game from 6-7 and then split up into two groups for Bible study/Confirmation time from 7-8.

Confirmation
Confirmation is a two-year program and is recommended for grades 7 and 8. Confirmation takes place on Wednesday nights from 7-8pm, typically the beginning of September through the end of March.
Winter Retreat
The 7th and 8th grade youth attend a winter retreat every year at LVR (Lutheran Valley Retreat). This typically takes place either the last weekend in January or the first weekend in February.
Group of high school students playing a game in the gym

High School

9th - 12th Grade

  • 6:30-8pm Sundays 
Our High School Youth Ministry is an engaging, dynamic, and safe space for young people to explore faith, community, and personal growth. We meet every Sunday from 6:30 to 8:00pm at St. John's, and we welcome all high school students to join us in this exciting journey of fellowship and spiritual exploration.

We encourage open conversations, mutual respect, and a deepening understanding of God's love and teachings. We engage our youth through thought-provoking discussions, interactive Bible studies, and interactive games.
Join us on Sundays from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. We can't wait to meet you!

Email youth@sjdenver.org for any questions. 

High School

9th - 12th Grade

  • 6:30-8pm Sundays 
Our High School Youth Ministry is an engaging, dynamic, and safe space for young people to explore faith, community, and personal growth. We meet every Sunday from 6:30 to 8:00pm at St. John's, and we welcome all high school students to join us in this exciting journey of fellowship and spiritual exploration.

We encourage open conversations, mutual respect, and a deepening understanding of God's love and teachings. We engage our youth through thought-provoking discussions, interactive Bible studies, and interactive games.
Join us on Sundays from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. We can't wait to meet you!

Email A.J. Vega for any questions. 

Meet Matt Walton, Director of Youth Ministries

Matt grew up in California. He graduated from Concordia University, Irvine, and received his first call to teach  at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and School. He then transitioned into youth ministry and was the Youth Director for four years. He became St. John's Director of Youth Ministries in 2012, and is also currently St. John's School's Middle School Advisor. He enjoys working through the Word and his faith in a community setting with peers and youth so that each can be raised up in discipleship of Christ! Matt has two great kids, Cassidy and Phoenix.

Contact Matt at 303-733-3777 x 117 or youth@sjdenver.org.
Staff photo of Matt Walton

Meet Matt Walton, Director of Youth Ministries

Matt grew up in California. He graduated from Concordia University, Irvine, and received his first call to teach  at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and School. He then transitioned into youth ministry and was the Youth Director for four years. He became St. John's Director of Youth Ministries in 2012, and is also currently St. John's School's Middle School Advisor. He enjoys working through the Word and his faith in a community setting with peers and youth so that each can be raised up in discipleship of Christ! Matt has two great kids, Cassidy and Phoenix.

Contact Matt at 303-733-3777 x 117 or youth@sjdenver.org.