High School Ministry

High School Activities
We have several opportunities for high school students to gather in community during the year:
  • Wednesday nights from 7:00 to 8:30: Wednesdays during the school year are a time for us to gather together for group discussions and growing in faith in a conversational way. There is no need to register and friends are always welcome! As the weather allows, we will meet at the south church lawn, otherwise we will meet via Zoom.
  • Service Days: We try to gather once a month during the school year for a fun activity or service project around the Des Moines area.
  • Mission Trips: In the summer time, there is a week-long mission trip available to those who finished 9th- 12th grade in the previous school year. Location changes each year, and this is a great opportunity to serve and learn about another community. Any questions about the 2021 mission trip can be directed to Christina McCleary.
  • Youth Gathering: Once every three years, high schoolers attend the Youth Gathering in place of a mission trip. This is a national gathering of ELCA youth full of service, song, and growth. It is an experience unlike any other. The next Youth Gathering will be held in Minneapolis in 2022. Click here (https://www.elca.org/youthgathering) to learn more.

If you are a high school parent or youth, please opt into notifications from us! Text @hshtlc to 81010, click here or email Christina with your cell phone number. If you don't receive monthly high school emails and would like to, please reach out to Christina.

Click here for HTLC's Covid-19 guidelines.
2021 High School Mission Trip

Who: Anyone who will have completed 9th grade through 12th grade

What: An awesome week of service!
YouthWorks has been serving this community since 2000. This is an awesome opportunity to worship while taking in a beautiful mountain view, learn about poverty and homelessness through interactive activities, and hear from local residents about what it looks like to live and serve in Denver. We may also take an extra day for a little fun on the way home!

When: July 11 to July 17, 2021
We will be heading out on Sunday, July 11th (early morning), for a one-day drive to Denver. We will be serving the community Sunday, July 11th, through Thursday, July 15th. We will wrap up the morning of Friday, July 16th, and will most likely stay an extra night for a little Denver fun. We will plan to drive and arrive home on Saturday, July 17th.

Where: Denver, Colorado

How Much: Total cost per student is $500-- Deposit is $150.
Fundraising will help lower cost to families. Scholarships are available!

Informational Meeting: Trip meeting for interested parents and students will be Sunday, October 4th, at 11:00 am via Zoom. A link will be sent to all high school parents via email. If you don't receive our emails or have questions, please contact Christina McCleary. Friends who don't attend HTLC are welcome to join!
ELCA Colleges & Universities
ELCA colleges and universities have a helpful website – whygolutheran.org – for students and parents as they embark on the college search process. On the site families can:
• Learn more about the value of the Lutheran college experience.
• Read about the distinctive features of a Lutheran liberal arts education.
• Complete one simple form to request college information from individual institutions.
Follow us on Facebook at HTLC High School Youth to stay up-to-date!