Youth
Middle and High School
Youth Groups
First Lutheran’s Children and Youth Ministry strives to creatively guide our children and youth to…
- Know Jesus as their Lord. To be confident in themselves and their faith.
- Feel welcome and accepted. To experience a safe place to doubt and ask questions.
- Share their passions through service both in worship and out in their community.
- Be active participants in their faith and claim their identity as lifelong believers.
- Experience joy and celebration with their community.
Want to know the most up-to-date information?
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule
- 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. – Youth Faith Formation for Middle School
- 6th-9th Grade in the Peel House Youth Center
- 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. – Contemporary Worship in the Worship Center
- High Schoolers are regular worshippers in this service and volunteers in our tech booth.
On WEDNESDAY NIGHTS we have Worship and Small Groups for Confirmation (8th – 9th Grade), Middle School (6th-7th Grade), and High School (10-12th Grade) from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m.
Middle School
Our 6th-9th graders meet alongside our 9:30 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship for Faith Formation in the Peel House Youth Center. Each week they discuss the worship texts in ways that are relatable to everyday life.
We have Confirmation class for 8th and 9th graders taught by Pastor Michaela and Pastor Travis. It meets on Wednesdays from 7 to 7:45 p.m. Click here for more information.
Middle School Youth Group (5th-7th grade) runs weekly on Wednesday Nights from 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. in the Peel House Youth Center. Youth Group includes worship and then some small group discussion.
Our middle school youth also have the opportunity to be part of the KICK Team (Kids In Christ Helping Kids.) The KICK team helps in the ministry of Preschool and K-5 age group kids. KICK Team Training is held the first Thursday of June every summer.
Our 6th graders are invited to help in worship. Worship Assistant Training is held annually in September, but if you are interested in volunteering you can always reach out to our Coordinator of Lay Ministries.
Our 7th graders are learning about their Lutheran beliefs and history on Wednesday Nights. We recognize this milestone by giving them The Lutheran Handbook at Wednesday Night LIGHT in August.
High School
Our 9th-12th graders are encouraged to worship at the 10:15 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service in the Worship Center on Sunday mornings. Our Youth Minister, Colton Laptad, plays bass for the worship band!
On Wednesday Nights, the 10th-12th graders have a small group from 7:00-7:45 p.m. after Wednesday Night LIGHT worship that allows the youth to share how their week is going and to connect the sermon to what’s going on in their life.
High School students have the opportunity to be part of the KICK Team (Kids In Christ Helping Kids.) The KICK team helps in the ministry of Preschool and K-5 age group kids. KICK Team training is held on the first Thursday of June every Summer.
High School students can also serve as Sunday School Shepherds and assist in teaching the faith to our children during Sunday School. Shepherds are encouraged to participate weekly in worship.
Our High Schoolers are given many new responsibilities as they grow in the program.
After they are confirmed in the Spring of their 9th grade year, they become full adult members of the church. They are invited to vote at the Annual Meetings and begin tithing in their 10th grade year. Our Seniors are recognized each spring for their achievement of graduating High School. This year’s recognition will be on May 17th.
High Schoolers are also always welcome to join our choir and handbell choir! These groups practice weekly and perform regularly for our community.
Summer Youth Trips
Each summer we offer a High School trip out of state. This trip helps our youth to grow in faith, serve the community and deepen their friendships.
Middle School Summer Service Trip
We will be heading to La Puente to do some service work. For more information, see their website.
Trip Dates: June 23-25, 2026
Current 6th-8th graders
Cost: $100
Deadline to Register: May 23, 2026
High School Summer Trip
We are going to… San Juan, Puerto Rico!
Trip Dates: July 11-17, 2026
Current 9th-12th graders
Cost: $150
Registration is now closed.
Youth Ministry Staff
Pastor Michaela Eskew
Associate Pastor of Faith Formation
Pastor Michaela is a Californian girl born and raised, but she is enjoying her new home in the mountains. She has over a decade of experience in Children’s and Youth Ministry and oversees the Christian Education here at First Lutheran. She has three children that keep her busy. In her *limited* free time she likes to read and try new coffee shops around the Springs.
Colton Laptad
Youth Minister
Colton Laptad grew up in the Kansas City area and met his wife, Farren, in college in Arkansas at John Brown University. They have been married over five years and have a wild/lazy (only the extremes) golden husky named Odie. He has a deep passion for mountain biking, board games, the outdoors, and basketball. Go Nuggets!
Coming Up At First Lutheran
Youth Events
