Learning
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 Plus
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.
Children’s Church: Elementary age children are encouraged to go with our Children’s Ministry Director during the 9:30 & 11:11 AM worship services' during the readings/sermon time to experience the scripture lessons with activities designed for their age group.
Sunday School: PreK - Elementary school students participate in age appropriate classes from 10:30 - 11:10 AM that follow our scripture with story time, crafts and activities. We do break for our Faith Family Classes & school breaks following the Olentangy school district calendar.
Faith Family Intergenerational Ministry: How do you start talking about faith with each other? These intergenerational classes and events offer space for the students and grownups to both participate and experience a faith activity or topic and discuss it together along with other partners.
Sacramental Classes: Pastor Wendy oversees a variety of classes throughout the year to help us grow in our understanding of the sacraments.
Baptism class is available by request for anyone desiring to be baptized or have their children baptized.
Communion classes are offered for 5 weeks every fall for those 3rd grade and above.
Preconfirmation Bible Classes are offered in the spring/summer for those preparing for confirmation to grow in their understanding of the Bible.
Confirmation is a 3-year program offered to those 6th grade and above to live out our calls of baptism and deepen our understanding of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit as taught through Luther’s small catechism.
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.
Girl Scout and Boy Scout Faith Programs
Both Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs are available upon request through Pastor Wendy
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.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
High School Youth Group: Build faith and fellowship with other youth in grades 8-12 from teen time during our 11:11am worship service, monthly Bible studies, group bonding and serving opportunities. Favorite activities include trips to Cedar Point, a progressive dinner, fishbowl event, kayaking, a mystery road trip and the ELCA Youth Gathering. Contact Mackenzie Maggio, youthministry@allshepherds.org
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.
A variety of different groups that meet regularly together to pray, study the scripture, discuss questions about how our faith applies to our life and grow in fellowship together through a Christ-centered community.
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
Camping Ministries
Summer camp provides an awesome faith experience for youth and adults alike as a place to retreat and renew year-round. There are opportunities to join youth camps, family camps, retreats, and festivals all in the wonder of God’s creation with any of Hopewood Outdoors programs.
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.
Hopewood Shores : 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.