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"

Word On Wednesday (WOW) is specifically designed to help our young ones grow in faith.

Q. Why Wednesdays and not Sundays?

Sundays is a day for worship and for resting. We encourage families to attend the worship service together and then spend some time talking about the service and the sermon whether at the dinner table or while relaxing, without adding any more scheduling items.

On Wednesday evenings, we set aside time for the children and youth without feeling rushed. Plus we are also able to encourage fellowship between the different age groups which helps build up the next generation of believers.

Q. What is the schedule for WOW?

A. Our event starts off at 5:30 pm with a simple supper (provided) for all, followed by time of teaching, crafts and activities. We conclude our evening activities by 7 pm.

Age-Group

Preschool - 5th Grade
Jr. High - 6th through 8th Grade Confirmation
High School - 9th through 12th Grade.

Safety

All teachers and aides are members of our congregation and are screened. Our children are always in groups and in spaces where there is always adult supervision.

Biblical Teaching

Children and Youth curriculum varies between topics and books of the Bible. We also teach Luther's Small Catechism as a part of our ongoing curriculum.

"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.
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.

WOW

Word On Wednesday welcomes all children preschool through 12 grade and typically runs from September to the end of April following the school calendar for scheduling.

The program begins at 5:30 pm in the fellowship hall with a simple supper provided.

At 6 pm everyone goes to their respective classes.

The elementary school children (preschool through 5th grade) have different stations they are shepherded to. Each station lasts 15 -20 mins and includes Bible lesson, craft, activity and Luther's small catechism.

The middle school children (grade 6 though 8th) are all part of the Confirmation program. They meet with the Pastor for the Bible lesson for a half hour and is followed by small groups led by parents.

The high schoolers meet for an hour long interactive bible study.

There are many fun activities that our WOW children participate in through out the year such as Bible Jeopardy, movie nights, lock-ins, packing blessings bags for the homeless, and games.

Youth Group

Our High Schoolers have a fun, safe space to gather, to be challenged and to grow in God's Word. The youth group is for all the young people who are in grades 9 through 12.

After high school youth group, led by Geri, engage in bible study and discussion.

They also have various activities that they participate in during the school year and the summer such as the Youth Quake, Mission team, Vacation Bible School, Christmas shopping for families in need, Caroling and so much more. They are also encouraged to be part of the Praise Team, and the Puppet/drama group.

The high schoolers and children participate and help lead worship service every second Sunday of the month.

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. These women, through their established trusts and visions, have provided many young people a chance to further their education.

This Scholarship Fund was recently made a beneficiary by Pauline Kirkland in her Will. Her generous gift of $100,000 was added to and invested with existing funds held in the Patricia Wilson Trust at the South Ottumwa Savings Bank. On the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee, the Scholarship will reflect Pauline’s gift by adding her name - Root-Wilson-Kirkland.

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

NOTE: Please mail in your completed applications. You may also scan and email a copy to the church. Contact the office for more details.