The Learning Ministry offers opportunities for all in nurturing their education and encouraging youth to grow in the faith community. We are always appreciative of people willing to teach youth and adult Sunday school, participate in VBS and gather in our Pathways program to nurture their participation in small group ministry.
Sunday School
God’s Story: Our Story. Learning Bible stories provides a basic foundation of God’s action in our world and the lives of individuals. In our Sunday School classes, students will learn God’s story and discover how it connects to their own lives.
Register your children online here.
Sunday School for elementary school students begins at 10:30am in our Sunday school rooms with opening music and prayer. It concludes at 11:10am.
Nursery is available for children from birth to 2 years old during church and Sunday school time with parent supervision.
Preschool/Elementary students age 3 to 5th grade participate in a station rotation that follows our scripture with story time, crafts and activities.
Middle School students meet together to strengthen their Bible understanding and knowledge through discussions, games and community.
High School students are welcome to join the traditional adult Sunday School class or join the Youth Group that meets twice monthly.
Communion Classes
Each fall, children in 3rd grade can attend our five-week communion instruction. This class is encouraged for all children who have taken communion since infancy, as well as those wanting to receive first communion. Children in 2nd grade are welcome to attend with a parent.
Pre-Confirmation Bible Study
This class is for anyone in 5th grade or above who wants to begin Confirmation studies. This five-week class in the spring focuses on the overview of the Bible and building faith friends. Students receive a Bible from the congregation that will be used in Confirmation.
Confirmation
This is a three-year program typically for 6th, 7th and 8th graders to instruct them on what it means to be a baptized Christian. The class meets two Sunday evenings a month from 4-6pm during the school year, along with special projects throughout the year.
Acolyte Training
Any child in 3rd grade or above is welcome to assist in worship as an Acolyte. Contact the church office for information about training.
Faith Formation
Baptism Classes
A Baptism class is available with Pastor Wendy for anyone wishing to be baptized or have their child baptized.
Children’s Baptism: Parents are asked to attend a one-time 90-minute class about baptism and raising their child in the faith. Contact Pastor Wendy to schedule a time to meet either in person or through Zoom.
Adult Baptism: Classes are available upon request with Pastor Wendy. The classes are based on the needs and the interests of the participants are typically consist of five hour-long meetings. Topics covered include: an introduction to the faith, the Bible, what it means to be Lutheran, Lutheran traditions, and being a member of ASLC. Once an adult is baptized, they become a member of the church. The Adult Baptism class is for those who have never been baptized in any Christian church.
New Member Classes
To become a member of All Shepherds, you should plan to attend one of our new member sessions. There is typically an afternoon event twice a year to introduce you and connect you to the All Shepherds ministries. These sessions are usually held on a Sunday afternoon for three hours. Anyone transferring from another church should attend one of these sessions to get to know the church community and the responsibilities and opportunities available.
Girl Scout and Boy Scout Faith Programs
Both Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs are available upon request through Pastor Wendy
Pathways Groups
Small Group Ministry
What is a small group? Meets regularly together, explores how faith applies to our life, prays together, grows together through Christ-centered community, serves as we live out our faith, eats together.
Why small groups? Meaningful relationships are important. That’s why Pathways small group ministry exists - to make authentic, Christ.
Sisters in Christ: This group is a variety of women from all backgrounds in life who come together through Christ and study God’s word. They meet once a month on the 3rd Wednesday at 5:30pm. Contact Bernie Sanders, bsanders013@gmail.com
Women of the Word: This women’s Bible Study meets once a month on 3rd Thursdays at 9:30 am via Zoom with Pastor Wendy. We explore scripture, hold one another in prayer and work to live out what it means to be faithful disciples in this world we live in. Contact Pastor Wendy, wrichter@allshepherds.org
Bibles, Brothers & Brew: This men’s group meets every Friday morning via Zoom, to discuss faith, and world topics. Contact Pastor Craig, crichter@allshepherds.org
M&M Group : (Mission & Ministry support). This group supports the mission and ministry of All Shepherds with special emphasis on Children’s Ministries. Contact Linda Hutchinson, jlhutch0857@gmail.com
Whatchamacallit Group: A new small group is forming. We are seeking suggestions on your interests and format for this group. We are open to your suggestions and if you have a need for child care. Contact Jim and Lisa Elliott,elliottjms@yahoo.com
The AWEsome Group (Adult Sunday School) Want to go deeper on the weekly sermon/message? They meet every Sunday morning after the 9:30 service for a deeper dive on the sermon text and for discussion around applying the week’s message in your life. Contact Rhonda Peterson, rhonda.petersonoh@yahoo.com
High School Youth Group: All youth 8th - 12th graders are invited to join this group. They meet monthly for a bible study and have various outings they plan throughout the year. Contact Mackenzie Maggio, youthministry@allshepherds.org
Camping Ministries
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Ohio offers a variety of summer camp options. Each year, All Shepherds participates in two camping sessions: an elementary student camp and a family camp. Summer church camp is an amazing way to strengthen and deepen our faith.
Hopewood Pines (LMC): Elementary students are invited to attend this overnight, week-long camp with one of our Pastors. Spend time hiking, swimming, crafting, playing games and learning about Jesus. Each day is a new adventure. The camp is located near Mt. Gilead, Ohio, which is approximately a 45-minute drive from the church.
Camp Luther: Located on 66 wooded acres in Conneaut, Ohio, along the shores of Lake Erie, Camp Luther is a fun-filled camp for families of all ages. Campers are invited to attend with the Pastors from June 12-18. Families will strengthen relationships with each other and with God as they spend quality time together in devotions, Bible study, chapel time, intergenerational games and family-style meals. Our church sees this as such an important opportunity that we supplement costs.
Check out LOMOcamps.org for more details or contact Pastor Wendy with questions.