Children and Youth

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6"


Sunday School

Start Date: September 7
Time: During Worship Children will process out after the sharing of the peace and return before Holy Communion.
Who: 2 yr - 3rd grade
Each week will include: Songs, Scripture, Prayers, and crafts/object lessons

JAM is like Vacation Bible School—filled with music, stories, movement, and hands-on activities that help kids grow in faith and friendship. All supplies are provided, and snacks will be served. Come join the fun!

Jam
Wednesday Afternoons – JAM (Jesus & Me)

Start Date: September 3
Time: 3:30–5:00 PM
Who: Elementary-age children
Scripture: “Let the little children come to me…” – Matthew 19:14

JAM is like Vacation Bible School—filled with music, stories, movement, and hands-on activities that help kids grow in faith and friendship. All supplies are provided, and snacks will be served. Come join the fun!


Wednesday Evenings – ALIVE Youth Group

Start Date: September 3
Time: 6:30–7:30 PM
Who: 6th - 12th Grade

Alpha sessionsAlpha Youth Series September - November of 2025

The Alpha Youth Series is designed to engage young people with the core truths of the Christian faith in a way that is both relevant and accessible. This series tackles real questions that youth are asking, making it both relatable and thought-provoking. Tailored for today’s generation, Alpha Youth addresses the priorities and challenges young people face while pointing them to the true Hope we have in Christ as our Savior. 

10 Sessions:
Welcome to the conversation
Jesus is...?
What does real love look like?
Why would I want a relationship with God?
What does a relationship with God look like?
Who is the Holy Spirit?
How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
How does God help us overcome evil?
Does God heal today?
What happens next?

"Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  
2 Peter 3:18

God Time 

As disciples, we are called to walk closely with our Lord and to grow in His word. Daily devotions is an important part of discipleship.  As a congregation, we have been challenging each other with the 30 day Bible challenge of daily Bible readings which coincide with the  Sunday sermons and are the readings for  our  weekly connexus groups.

  We encourage you to  take 5 minutes of your day, using the 5 key elements below,  to grow in the knowledge of our Lord.

  • Read the suggested Bible reading from the monthly Bible Challenge. Monthly Bible Challenges
  • Spend a minute or two meditating or discussing what you understand from it.
  • Share one thing you are grateful for that happened today.
  • Share one thing you are looking forward to tomorrow.
  • Close with a prayer or the Lord's Prayer.

              

Root-Wilson-Kirkland Scholarship

The Mabel Root-Pat Wilson Scholarship Fund was instituted by two women who put money in a trust to be used for active members of First Lutheran Church who desire to pursue their education beyond the high school level.  The fund was started in 1954 by Oscar Root in memory of his sister, Mabel Clara Root.  When Patricia Wilson, an active member of First Lutheran Church, died in 1999, she added to that trust and committed that the income be used for scholarships for post-secondary education or post-secondary technical education of students who are active members of First Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, Iowa.  In 2018 Pauline Kirkland bequeathed $100,000 to be added to this fund. These women, through their established trusts and visions, have provided many young people a chance to further their education.

This scholarship is reserved for applicants who are active in First Lutheran Church, Ottumwa Iowa, and are limited to undergraduates & Seminary students. Other requirements are listed in the application below.

Applications are now closed for the 2025-26 school year. Look for the 2026-27 application in January of 2026.

2025 Scholarship Application

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Events with Children, Youth, and adults