OUR MINISTRY WITH CHILDREN, YOUTH AND THEIR FAMILIES

Weekly Events at Coastside Lutheran Church

EVERY THURSDAY (following Cabrillo School District schedule)
JAM (Jesus And Me) 3:30 to 5:00 pm, for children Kindergarten through 5th grade.  Under the guidance of our Christian Education Director, Rebecca Jeffs, who is also a certified teacher, children hear stories, work on crafts, share snacks, discuss what they’ve learned, and play games.  Once a month our Music Director Amy Cowan joins the group to teach music, which the children are occasionally invited to share with the congregation on Sunday morning.

CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is a 2 year program designed for Middle School and early High School students. Confirmation classes, beginning in October and following the Cabrillo School District schedule, typically meet once a week (except during Lent) after school and is taught by the pastor. All the students meet together in the FOG HOUSE (modular building at northwest end of the church parking lot)  for 1.5 hrs for discussion and lessons. The curriculum alternates by year between focusing on the Bible and on Luther's Small Catechism.  The meeting day is determined yearly by the needs of the families involved.

F.O.G. (Followers of God) YOUTH GROUP
The youth group includes Middle School and High School youth and meets every Saturday evening during school year.  The evening usually begins with the youth helping to prepare an evening meal, with the help of adult volunteers who bring the necessary ingredients.  Supper is usually accompanied by lively conversation and discussion.  The second half of the evening often includes board games, air hockey, foosball, participatory games and sometimes a movie.  A group of adult volunteers offer their time in a rotation.  Special events may include camping trips, bowling, movie nights. Contact person is Rebecca Jeffs, who can be reached through the church office or website.

THE APOSTLES YOUTH BAND
The band is comprised of Middle and High School youth playing a variety of instruments from drums, tambourines, brass, wind, and voice. They play a variety of Christian rock, reggae, and worship songs and their own arrangements of favorite hymns. Newcomers are always welcome to join in.  The ability to read music is a help but not a requirement.  The group meets at a family home most Friday evenings.  Deborah Cowden is the contact person.  She may be reached through the church office or website.

Monthly Events at Coastside Lutheran

ON THE 1ST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
FAITHFULL FAMILIES  4 PM to 6 PM in the Fellowship Area at church
This is a program provided by members for our families with younger children. Each month focuses on a theme for that month, often coinciding with a special holiday or season. The design is intended to offer time for families to be together and meet other families from the congregation. Supper, stories, games and singing are all included each month.

Events as Needed

FIRST COMMUNION
The policy at CLC is that we provide First Communion Instruction whenever the child and his/her family have determined the time is right. It is most important that our baptized members do not feel excluded from any part of God's expression of love and acceptance. Families are encouraged to initiate conversation with the pastor to decide when the time is right for each child.. Preparation for class begins at home, using a book provided by the church. (Variable depending on the age of the child).  The child is also encouraged to watch the movie “Prince of Egypt” prior to the instruction time. Typically, the pastor then meets with each child/class twice, often including one “outing” for lunch or special treat, in order to talk about the importance of eating together, special meals, etc.  The date for receiving 1st Communion is determined by the pastor and the family.   
The official ELCA policy is that children should receive First Communion Instruction by 10 years old/5th grade.