At East Side Lutheran Church our Wednesday night activities have something for all ages! Come for a community meal 6-6:45pm, join in the Focus 15 (6:45-7pm) which will feature a brief scripture reading before the assembly breaks for an hour of Word and Works (7-8pm) that will include adult Bible Study, Confirmation instruction, activities for younger students, nursery services (upon request), and choir rehearsal. The Bell Choir will rehearse from 5:45-6:30 so our ringers may also receive a meal and participate in the other activities.

Take a break from preparing your own family meals and enjoy a home cooked meal every Wednesday throughout the school year. Meals are free and donations are gratefully accepted. The menu for 2023 will be posted here soon...

And we are always grateful for those who want to volunteer in the kitchen. Please contact our Business Manager, Wayne for more information on volunteering for the community meal.

Worship Services

Focus Fifteen 6:45-7pm

All ages gather together in the Fellowship Hall for the Focus 15. Think of it as "Together in Faith - Live". These fifteen minutes will frame and connect the confirmation program, evening Bible studies and other activities, and will feature the leadership of our youth in word, song, and service.

6th-9th Grade Confirmation

6th-8th graders meet weekly on Wednesday evenings during the school year with an emphasis on the practical application of faith in their lives and the life of the community. Field trips and service opportunities are built into the program.

Grades 6th-8th also complete 16 sermon notes. Click here to download 2 different sermon note form options. 9th graders meet weekly with a mentor in the fall and write their own Faith Statement. Additionally, 9th graders go through the rite of "Affirmation of Baptism" (and are confirmed) on the last Sunday of October.

In addition to taking sermon notes our confirmation students are asked to serve in Sunday Morning worship services as Acolytes. In this role they will light and extinguish the candles, receive the offering, assist in communion, and fill other roles as needed. The online sign up form for acolytes will be posted here soon.

Adult Bible Study

Wednesdays in the school year will feature adult Bible study and discussion. Our study will follow these themes in 2023 and 2024.

Sept. 13 - session 1: Engaging in God Talk
Sept. 20 - session 2: What is the Bible?
Sept. 27 - session 3: Is the Bible True?
Oct. 4 - session 4: How is the Bible the Word of God?
Oct. 11 - session 5: all-ages field trip to another faith community
Oct. 18 - session 6: Where did the Bible come from?
Oct. 25 - session 7: How can I read the Bible with better understanding?
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Reformation Sunday, Oct. 29
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Nov. 1 - session 8: Is there a "center" to Scripture?
Nov. 8 - session 9: What kind of authority does the Bible Hold?
Nov. 15 - session 10: The Great Bible Game Show (all ages activity)
Nov. 23 - Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Nov. 29 - Advent Worship
Dec. 6 - Advent Worship
Dec. 13 - Advent Worship
Dec. 20 - Advent Worship
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Christmas Break (no program on Dec. 27)
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Jan. 3 - session 11: Martin Luther - Reluctant Reformer
Jan. 10 - session 12: Martin Luther - Law and Gospel
Jan. 17 - session 13: Martin Luther - The Two Kingdoms
Jan. 24 - session 14: Martin Luther - Called for Good
Jan. 31 - session 15: all-ages field trip to George Boom
Feb. 7 - session 16: Martin Luther - the role of Confession
Feb. 14 - Ash Wed. Worship
Feb. 21 - Lenten Worship
Feb. 28 - Lenten Worship
Mar. 6 - Lenten Worship
Mar. 13 - Lenten Worship
Mar. 20 - Lenten Worship
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Easter Break (no program on March 27)
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Apr. 3 - Service Project
Apr. 10 - session 18: Martin Luther - God Hidden and Revealed
April 17 - session 19: Martin Luther - Justification by Grace through Faith
April 24 - session 20: Martin Luther - Semper Simul
May 1 - session 21: End of Year party!
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Summer Break

Augsburg Fortress Lutheran Study Bible

Both our Confirmation program and our Wednesday night adult Bible study will utilize the Augsburg Fortress Lutheran Study Bible as a main resource. This modern study Bible includes introductions to each book written by ELCA theologians as well as over 50 pages of resources on Martin Luther and the Bible.

All confirmation students will be given their own Bible. If you would like a copy for your own use please use the form at the top of the page or reach out to Pastor Joel.

Nursery Services and Grade-School Activities

Our nursery and grade-school tutoring / activities will be available upon request. Since these are new aspects of our Wednesday program we ask that you let us know how to best serve your family needs. Still have questions? Contact us.

Celebration Ringers and Adult Choir

Under the direction of Dr. Tom Krause, music director. Our Celebration Ringers will rehearse on Wednesday from 5:45-6:30pm. Our Adult Choir will rehearse on Wednesday from 7-8pm. Contact Dr. Tom Krause for more information.