CENTRAL STUDENTS
6th-12th Grade
CENTRAL STUDENTS
6th-12th Grade
UPCOMING EVENTS
REGISTER FOR STUDENT PROGRAMMING - Rhythm, Impulse & Confirmation
3Weekly student programming starting Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 6:30-8:30 PM
Already registered your student for Rhythm or Impulse last year? We ask that you register your student again this year to insure we have the most updated information.
Rhythm (6th-8th grade) & Impulse (9th-12th grade)
Friends, fun, and faith come together for students at Central! We provide a place for students to reflect, ask questions, and build community. There’s time from 6:30-7:00 PM to hang out and play 9-square, pickleball, Guitar Hero, and more!
Then Rhythm and Impulse break out from 7:00-8:30 PM for more games, worship, small group, and Bible teaching. We have plenty of special events, retreats, and service opportunities throughout the year too.
*6th-8th Grade Registration: REGISTER FOR RHYTHM
*9th-10th Grade Registration: Go to Confirmation registration below
*11th-12th Grade Registration: REGISTER FOR IMPULSE
Confirmation (Starting 9th grade)
Confirmation is an exciting opportunity for high schoolers to dive deeper into their faith, build relationships with others, and grow in the knowledge of what it means to be a child of God. Students walk with the same IMPULSE small group and mentor, attend retreats and camps, and serve the church and community throughout their confirmation journey. Confirmation culminates in a meaningful ceremony during the fall of 11th grade.
*9th-10th Grade Registration: REGISTER FOR CONFIRMATION
No Wednesday programming on: 10/14, 11/25, 12/23, or 12/30
Have a child Birth-5th Grade? Check out our Sunday Morning Kids Programming.
Backpack Blessing - Aug. 30
📅 Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
🕒 When: During both worship gatherings
Start the school year with prayer and encouragement! All school-aged kids, teachers, paras, bus drivers, lunch staff, janitors—anyone involved in education—are invited to bring their school backpacks to church.
During the service, we will:
-Pray over students and all who serve in schools
-Give each student a special backpack tag
-Bless you as you begin the year ahead
Parents, have your students bring their backpacks to worship! We have a new backpack tag for them!
Parent/Student Orientation Night - Sept. 1
Parents of students in 6th–12th grade are invited to learn more about the opportunities available at Central this coming year. Pastor Ben will lead the evening and share what students and families can expect, ways to get involved, and what’s ahead for the year.
📅 Date: Tuesday, September 1
⏰ Time: 7:15–8:00 PM
📍 Where: Central
🎯 Who: Parents of students, 6th–12th grade
Confirmation Retreat - Sept. 11-13 & Ceremony Oct. 25
CONFIRMATION RETREAT
This retreat marks our final gathering before the Confirmation Ceremony, a meaningful weekend focused on faith, connection, and preparation.
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- DATES: September 11–13
- DEPARTURE: Meet at Central on Friday at 6:30 PM
- RETURN: Sunday around 10:00 AM
- COST: $225 if registered by August 1, $275 if registered after August 1
What to Bring:
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- Sleeping bag and pillow
- Weather-appropriate clothes
- Bible
- Notebook and pen
- Towel and toiletries
- Snacks
What You’ll Do
Students will spend the weekend writing their faith statement, connecting with God and others, and enjoying games, bonfires, canoeing, hiking, and more.
Retreat & robe registration below
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CONFIRMATION CEREMONY & ROBE INFORMATION:
Confirmation Ceremony – Sunday, October 25
Begins at 2 PM students arrive at 1 PM
Mandatory Rehearsal & Photos – Saturday, October 24
9:00-11:00 AM, Students must wear their robes
Ceremony Fee: $40
Includes robes, photos, and related expenses
–
Important Dates
- September 11–1: Retreat Dates meet at the church at 6:30 PM
- September 16: IMPULSE begins when students must attend weekly until Confirmation Sunday
- October 20: Robe pick up during church office hours
- October 24: Rehearsal and Photos from 9 AM–11 AM. This is mandatory & students must wear their robes.
- October 25: Confirmation Ceremony begins at 2 PM, students arrive at 1 PM
Fall Student Retreat - Nov. 6-8
Get away for a weekend at Timber Bay Retreat Center! Students will spend the weekend playing games, diving into God’s Word, enjoying great food, growing in friendships, and experiencing a few surprises along the way.
📅 Dates: Friday–Sunday, November 6–8, 2026
⏰ Time: Leave Central Friday at 6:30 PM | Return Sunday around 10:00 AM
📍 Where: Timber Bay Retreat Center, Onamia, MN
🎯 Who: 6th–12th graders (Rhythm & Impulse)
💲 Cost: $200 Early Bird (register by October 15) | $250 beginning October 16
📝 Registration Deadline: October 29
Confirmation Students: Students are required to attend one camp or retreat each year, and the Fall Retreat counts toward this requirement.
What to Bring:
- Sleeping bag & pillow (bedding is not provided)
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Bible, notebook & pen
- Towel & toiletries
- Snacks to share
- Bring a friend—all are welcome!
Questions? Contact Ben Carruthers at ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org.
A Night in Bethlehem - Dec. 4
17th ANNUAL ‘A NIGHT IN BETHLEHEM’
Friday, Dec. 4 – More information to come!!!
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT – Everyone is invited!
– Live animals
– 8+ Interactive activities for the family
– Take photos with Mary, Joseph & Baby Jesus
– AND MORE!
Central Students
Wednesday Nights
RHYTHM (6th-8th grade) & IMPULSE (9th-12th grade)
Friends, fun, and faith come together for students at Central! We provide a place for students to reflect, ask questions, and build community.
There’s time from 6:30-7:00 PM to hang out and play 9-square, pickleball, Guitar Hero, and more.
Then Rhythm and Impulse break out from 7:00-8:30 PM for more games, worship, small group, and Bible teaching. We have plenty of special events, retreats, and service opportunities throughout the year too.
CONFIRMATION (9th - 11th grade)
Confirmation is an exciting opportunity for high schoolers to dive deeper into their faith, build relationships with others, and grow in the knowledge of what it means to be a child of God. Students walk with the same Impulse small group and mentor, attend retreats and camps, and serve the church and community throughout their confirmation journey. Confirmation culminates in a meaningful ceremony during the fall of 11th grade.
Events & Activities
CONFIRMATION CEREMONY (11th grade)
The culmination of the confirmation journey is The Rite of Confirmation. Young adults, having spent more than two years learning and growing in their faith, publicly share their decision to follow Jesus, “confirming” the choice their parents made at their baptism.
RETREATS (9th - 12th grade)
There’s no better way to bond, explore, and dig deep into God’s word than going on a retreat! Check out the Upcoming Events throughout the year for our latest overnight retreats for high schoolers.
HONORING THE GRADS (12th grade)
High School Seniors, we want to celebrate you and all of your hard work! During graduate Sunday each May, we will showcase our seniors at our worship gatherings. A the Honoring the Graduates Ritual, seniors take part in a memorable experience that will usher them into the next chapter of their lives.
SERVE CENTRAL'S STUDENTS
Help grow the next generation of God’s family. Serve as a volunteer with Central’s students on Wednesday, summers or at special events.
Email Ben Carruthers at ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org
Contact
Ben Carruthers
Director of Student
& Family Ministry
ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org
Wednesday Nights
RHYTHM (6th - 8th grade) & IMPULSE (9th - 12th grade)
Friends, fun, and faith come together for students at Central! We provide a place for students to reflect, ask questions, and build community.
There’s time from 6:30-7:00 PM to hang out and play 9-square, pickleball, Guitar Hero, and more.
Then Rhythm and Impulse break out from 7:00-8:30 PM for more games, worship, small group, and Bible teaching. We have plenty of special events, retreats, and service opportunities throughout the year too.
CONFIRMATION (9th - 11th grade)
Confirmation is an exciting opportunity for high schoolers to dive deeper into their faith, build relationships with others, and grow in the knowledge of what it means to be a child of God. Students walk with the same Impulse small group and mentor, attend retreats and camps, and serve the church and community throughout their confirmation journey. Confirmation culminates in a meaningful ceremony during the fall of 11th grade.
Events & Activities
CONFIRMATION CEREMONY (11th grade)
The culmination of the confirmation journey is The Rite of Confirmation. Young adults, having spent more than two years learning and growing in their faith, publicly share their decision to follow Jesus, “confirming” the choice their parents made at their baptism.
RETREATS (9th - 12th grade)
There’s no better way to bond, explore, and dig deep into God’s word than going on a retreat! Check out the Upcoming Events throughout the year for our latest overnight retreats for high schoolers.
HONORING THE GRADS (12th grade)
High School Seniors, we want to celebrate you and all of your hard work! During graduate Sunday each May, we will showcase our seniors at our worship gatherings. A the Honoring the Graduates Ritual, seniors take part in a memorable experience that will usher them into the next chapter of their lives.
SERVE CENTRAL'S STUDENTS
Help grow the next generation of God’s family. Serve as a volunteer with Central’s students on Wednesday, summers or at special events.
Email Ben Carruthers at ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org
Contact
Ben Carruthers
Director of Student
& Family Ministry
ben.carruthers@clcelkriver.org
Gallery
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Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
1103 School St.
Elk River, MN 55330
info@clcelkriver.org
763-441-2363
763-441-0010