Youth Activities

RLC Youth Page

Upcoming Activities & Photos of Past Activities

Youth Calendar

August
- Aug 9: Older Youth Meeting, after worship service
-Aug 16: Blessing of the Backpacks
-Aug 16: Back-to-School Bash, after worship service

Older Youth Meeting: Aug 9

A short meeting for our older youth and their parents will be held Aug 9, right after worship service. We will be putting together a Youth Council and will be planning activities, so bring your schedules and your ideas.

Back-to-School Bash, Aug 16

Join us Sunday Aug 16, right after worship for a special potluck lunch. We are asking everyone to bring one of their favorite school lunch or breakfast items to share.

Last Friday of the Month

Synod Youth Event: the Last Friday of Each Month:
Youth from across our Synod Cluster will meet at Trinity Lutheran on the last Friday of every month from 6-8pm. This is a great opportunity to meet Lutheran youth from other churches in our area. For more information please see Lori B.

Donations for College and Military Care Packages

Back to school time is here and we have many of our young adults in college or in the military.  Please help us to remind our young adults that even when they are away, they remain in our thoughts and prayers.  We are looking for donations to send in our 16 “care packages”

We are asking for donations of items to go into the boxes or for money to help buy the items and mail the boxes. Some of the things we are asking for are pocket-size hand sanitizer, pocket-size tissues, drink mixes, # 2 size mechanical pencils, ink pens (blue or black), notecards, snack items…along with hand-written notes of encouragement and prayers.  Thank you for your support.

For more info or if you would like to give a name/address of a college student that you would like to receive a care package please contact  Lori B

Youth Confirmation and Sunday School Information

Sunday School for Kids

We now have Sunday School during our worship service. Just before the sermon starts, youth will be invited to go our classroom and learn about the lesson in Kids’ terms.

Older Youth Sunday School

RLC Nursery Available on Sundays

If you have a little one who you would like to join us in the RLC nursery during worship service, we have a spot for your child. It is staffed by volunteers and anyone working in the nursery has CPR training.

College and Military Care Packages

A New Youth Room, in Honor of Penny Budzien

We have covered Lori B’s old office to a new space inside the church for our youth!

With funds we receive in Penny’s name, we are completely renovating this space to make a comfortable, inviting room for our teens to have Sunday School and social events. When not in use by our teens, the room will be available for small group meetings.

Making a Donation: If you would like to make a memorial donation to honor Penny, please consider donating to Penny’s memorial, which has been approved by the family. Donations made to the RLC PENNY BUDZIEN MEMORIAL will fund this renovation.

Thank you for helping us honor Penny in this wonderful way.

Cub Scout Pack is Welcoming Members

We have a Cub Scout pack at RLC. For more info, please go the RLC Cub Scout page.

RLC YOUTHerans

Our Philosophy: Youth are not just the future of the church; they are an important part of the church today. Youth are active in all aspects of life at RLC: from worship, to leadership and volunteering, to living out their faith at home and school with family and friends. We have specific ministries for youth at different ages, but we also regularly have opportunities for cross-generational learning and serving. We believe youth have much to share about who God is and what it looks like to follow Christ.

Photos of Youth Activities in 2026

We are always looking for photos of church activities. If you do not want your child’s photo published (or your own for that matter), just complete the RLC Privacy Form and turn it in to the church. It is located on the Contact Us page. Your child may appear in the background of a group activity without our knowing it, but if you let us know, we will delete the photo.

Also, we do not ever identify, by name, any children or youth under the age of 18 years old without parental or guardian permission. If you have any questions, please contact our Website Manager, Lori Philo-Cook.

Recognizing our Graduates, May 17, 2026

We honored four RLC graduates this year. High School: Nico Cardenas, Leandra Cox & Cheyenne Eck. Graduate School: Nathan Borseth (Masters in Behavior Analysis from UCO). Check back for photos and info.

Photos of Youth Activities in 2025

Vacation Bible School a Success with Road Trip Theme, Jun 2025

Graduation Recognition, May 18

We celebrated our graduates during our worship service on May 18. We recognized graduating seniors from high school, business schools and college/university. We had laundry baskets in the fellowship hall for the High school graduates, where well wishers dropped off cards and things like towels, snacks etc that they could use as they start a new chapter in their lives. Keith received the Resurrection Lutheran scholarship.

Easter Egg Hunt, April 15

Photos of Youth Activities in 2024

Affirmation of Faith, Nov 10

Our Seven Confirmands

Our Confirmands are Blessed by Pastor Mark, Surrounded by Family, Fellow Confirmands and Friends

Each Confirmand Gets a Photo with Pastor Mark on their Milestone Day

Families Share in this Special Day and Celebrate their Confirmands: Watch the Slide Show

Trick or Treat for Jacob’s Cupboard, Oct 23: What a Lot of Food
This will help so many people!

Pumpkin Patch Set Up, Oct 11

Youth Lock-in and Baking Class Conducted by Nicole Baker

Cooking Class: Donna Taught Everyone How to Make a Pumpkin Roll, Nov 16

Trunk or Treat, Oct 20

Right after the Oct 20 service, we had a potluck dinner followed by Trunk or Treat. There were prizes and goodies.

ELCA Youth Gathering, July 15-21

Photos of Youth Activities in 2023

New Year’s Eve Youth Activities, Dec 31, 2023

Grace Helped Jean Present a Quilt to Our New Bishop-Elect, Becca, June 18, 2023

VBS June 13-16, 2023

Preparing for VBS

VBS: Stellar Fun

Our High School Graduates

Kendyll Nicole Davis

Kendyll Nicole Davis is the daughter of Lori & Jason Horton and Jimmy Davis. She graduated from Tahlequah High School where she earned the Principal and Superintendent honor roll and the Cherokee language citizen award.

Kendyll plans to attend college and major in Forensic Science.

Her hobbies include riding horses, spending time with her puppy, listening to music, and enjoying nature!

Abby Tharp

Abby Tharp, daughter of Amy and Stephen Tharp, graduated from Yukon High School on May 19.

Abby was involved in several high school activities that were all band related— marching band, concert band, jazz band, percussion ensembles, and steel drum band.

She earned eight solo and ensemble district awards and two solo and ensemble state awards. She was in CODA band for three years, the YHS drumline for two years, and was section leader for the marching band front ensemble her senior year.

Abby will be attending OU with an undecided major.

Our College Graduates

Andrew Borseth

Andrew Borseth is the son of Pastor Mark and Betsy Borseth. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in History.

Andrew spent four years in the Corps of Cadets and the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band.

He has been accepted into the United States’ Army Chaplain Candidate program and will be studying at Concordia Seminary in St Louis to be a Pastor and eventually become an Army Chaplin.

Alex Houpt

Alex Houpt, son of Connie and Jeff Houpt, graduated from Mustang High in 2018, after which he joined the Gallogly College of Engineering at the University of Oklahoma.

This spring, Alex completed his bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering with distinction.

He plans to pursue a graduate degree in medicine in the Fall of 2024.

Kathryn Moore

Kathryn Moore, daughter of Rick and Karen Moore, graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, with the option of Pre-Vet with a minor in Microbiology.

During her time at OSU, she was heavily involved with the OSU Ranch Horse Team. In 2022, the team took 6th place at the National Intercollegiate Ranch and Stock Horse Association National Championship Show. In 2023, the team placed 3rd, with Kathryn’s individual placings in the top 10 in the Ranch Riding and Ranch Trail. Additionally, the team brought home the championship for the D2 division for the Guns Up SHTX Show.

In the fall, she will be attending Colorado State University to obtain a Master’s degree in Biomedical Science with a specialization in Assisted Reproductive Technologies where she will graduate as an embryologist for both animals and humans.

Ryan Tharp

Ryan Tharp, son of Amy and Stephen Tharp, graduated on June 13, from Price College at OU with his Bachelor’s of Business administration as an Entrepreneurship major. Ryan’s plans now are to relax for a bit and then begin applying for a job.

Easter Egg Hunt on Sun, April 2

Click to see the slideshow

Living Nativity, Dec 16, 2023

Paint and Pallet, Sept 2023

Senior Sunday, May 28, 2023

Quilts for Our High School Grads

Graduate Recognition and Our College Grads

Older Youth Outing, Mar 2023

Sunday School Social, Mar 18

A Sunday Social for all Sunday School students through 7th grade was held Sat Mar 18, from 1:30pm to 4pm. It was a fun time for games and a movie.

Photos of Youth Activities in 2022

Living Nativity

RLC hosted a Living Nativity with live animals on Sun, Dec 18. The Living Nativity was at 6pm and 7:30pm.

This event also included a petting zoo, two live camels, sheep, goats, and a donkey. There was also refreshments, games and photo opportunities in between. A big thanks to all the RLC youth who participated and those who helped behind the scene.

See the full slideshow on our Past Activities page.

Trunk or Treating was a Whole Lotta Fun for Kids and Adults

Whoever heard of trick or treating in the daytime? Well, it happened at RLC on Oct 30, and it was a hit. The creativity in decorating cars and creating costumes was on full display. In addition, the youth helped sell pumpkins and the Yukon Fire Dept brought a fire engine for kids to see. Photos are courtesy of Andrea Wildman, Lisa Gigstad and Emily Eck.

Rock Climbing in OKC, Sept 17

Fun times at RLC: A group of adults and kids learned how to climb, and had a good time doing it.

VBS June 2022

Vacation Bible School moved back to daytime and it was a great time for all. You can tell from all of the photos that kids and adults alike enjoyed themselves.

Senior Sunday. May 2022

Trick or Treat for Jacob’s Cupboard

A group from RLC participated in Trick or Treat for Jacob’s Cupboard on Fri Oct 21st at 7pm. The proceeds will go to
Jacob’s Cupboard, which is a smaller food pantry in Yukon who serves the needy. They serve a lot of people in the Yukon Main St area and also serve seniors needing food.

Back to School Bash, Aug 28, 5pm

Kids were invited to the RLC’s Back to School Bash/Pool Party at the Francel’s. The church provide hot dogs and drinks and kids brought snacks and desserts to share. It looks like everyone had a great time.

Easter Egg Hunt, April 2022

Photos of Youth Activities in 2021

Making Christmas Goodies for Shut-ins, Dec 2021

Getting a Head Start on Making Christmas Ornaments, Dec 2021

Affirmation of Faith, Oct 31, 2021

We had three students graduate from Confirmation this year and get confirmed in a special service with family and RLC members looking on. Cake and punch were served after.

A special thanks to Penny Budzein what guided them through Confirmation and Lori Barthelmes for all her support.

God’s Work, Our Hands Day, Sept 12

Activities included coloring pictures for shut-ins, painting inspirational stones for Czech Fest and picking up litter around our neighborhood.

New Eagle Scout Project on June 1:
A Food Box

Vacation Bible School 2021

This was a family-focused activity and took place in the evenings from June 28-July 1.

Getting Ready for VBS:
Project Light House

VBS Fun: Day One

VBS Continues: Day 2

VBS Day 3

Youth Christmas at the Park, Dec 2021

Decorating the 2021 RLC Christmas Tree

School Supply Drive, Summer 2021

Congratulations to Our 2021 Graduating Seniors

Jordan Baker, Yukon High School

Josh Belleau, University of Central Oklahoma

Josh Belleau, son of Jenifer and David Belleau , graduated May 7, 2021, from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems.

Haley Boevers, University of Arkansas

Haley Boevers, daughter of Carmen and Tony Boevers, graduated from the University of Arkansas on May 6, 2021 with a Master’s of education, in higher education, with honors.

Jordan Lee Francel, Piedmont High

Jordan Lee Francel is a 2021 graduate of Piedmont High School. Jordan plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond to further his education.

Gavin Wildman, Mustang High School

Gavin Wildman, son of Ryan and Andrea Wildman, graduated from Mustang High School May 16, 2021.After graduation, Gavin intends to pursue film and become a director. He is currently researching a plan to help make this dream a reality.

Senior Recognition Sunday: May 16

On May 16, five of our six graduates were present for Senior Recognition. L to R: Peter, Jordan B, Jordan F, Gavin and Josh. Haley could not attend.

Our high school graduates standing with the women who made their amazing graduation quilts.

End of School Bash, June 2021

Local Residents Benefiting from a New Book Food Sharing Box, June 2021

Jordan Baker, son of Nicole and Andy Baker. Graduating from Yukon High School May 21, 2021. Jordan will be attending the University of Central Oklahoma and will be majoring in Computer Science.

Photos of Youth Activities in 2020

Living Nativity, Dec 2020

The living nativity was a great success and many viewed it from their cars, listening to the audio through their radio.

Getting Ready for our Pumpkin Patch

Sunday School Outside, Sept 2020
Jacob and his Ladder

Sunday School Rally Day, Sep 13

This was a great chance to sign up for a new season of Sunday School, have a picnic lunch, do chalk art, do crafts, paint rocks to put in public areas for people to find and visit while social distancing.

Summer Movie Nights on the Lawn

Movies on the Lawn have been giving us a way to socialize in a safe way outdoors. Several movie nights have been held this summer.

Andrea and her son enjoying the “Apple Dumpling Gang” movie at RLC in August.

VBS 2020: Rocky Railway Vacation Bible School, July 13-17

We offered two ways to participate: in-person and online.

Sunday School from Home, May 2020

Decorating the Christmas Tree

New RLC Prayer Box: Eagle Scout Project

Thanks to Peter Borseth for a new prayer box by the driveway at RLC. This gift to the church was his Eagle Scout project.

Recognizing Our Graduates

Creston Moore graduated from Oklahoma State University in May 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness. He also minored in Agronomy and Farm Real Estate Appraisal. Creston was a member of the OSU Agronomy Club. During this year’s summer and fall, Creston is part of a Custom Harvesting Crew.

Kamryn Drew Davis, daughter of Jason and Lori Horton.
Graduated from Shawnee High school on 05/18/20.
Starts Tulsa University fall 2020 studying business.
She also graduated from Gordon Cooper for cosmetology on 5/2020
Her hobbies include; fashion, painting and singing.

Teagan Everett graduated on May 8, 2020, from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She graduated with distinction and with a GPA of 3.6. Throughout her time at OU she made many friends and learned how to be the best educator possible. Now that her college career is over, she is working at Prairie View Elementary school in Mustang, Oklahoma as a Preschool Teacher.

Ice Skating at Devon Towers Rink, Jan 2020

OK AR Synod Youth Gathering in Tulsa, Jan 2020

Photos of Youth Activities in 2019

Making Ornaments for RLC Shut-ins and Ranchwood

Our younger youth and some adults Putt-Putt through the Bible. At each hole there was a Bible story and questions about the Bible story–from creation through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Putt Putt through the Bible, Sept 2019

Interfaith Tour, Sep 15, 2019

RLC youth and other members of RLC attended three churches to learn about how others worship: the OKC First Church of the Nazarene, the
Nithyanadeshwara Vedic Temple of Oklahoma, and the Islamic Society of Greater Oklahoma.

Back-to-school Blessings for Students and Teachers and School Supplies for Needy Local Students, Aug 2019

Affirmation of Faith, June 2019

Recognizing Our High School Seniors with Scholarships

Presentation of Youth Bibles on Mother’s Day

Celebrating First Communion

Packing Up Our Food We Collected for the Lutheran Bedlam Food Drive

Back-to-school Swim Party, Sep 2019

RLC Youth Delivering Our Donations to Yukon First Responders, Sept 2019

LYO Youth Sumer Camp in Kansas City, June 2019: Courage by the Campfire

Vacation Bible School Fun: June 2019

2019 Seniors Received Beautiful Custom Quilts from our Quilting Ministry

Lutheran Youth Got a Photo with Bishop Mike and Bishop Eaton at the Synod Assembly on May 14, 2019

Easter 2019: The Hunt is On!

Synod Youth Lock-in at RLC: Mar 3

The Younger Youth Synod Gathering: Jan 2019 in Norman, OK

Youth Activities in 2018

Trunk or Treat 2018

Trick or treat for Manna Pantry

This is Me at Sunday School

Back-to-school Swim Party Fun

Thanks for the Francels for hosting a Back-to- school Swim Party on Sunday August 19th.

2018 Youth Gathering Photos

Vacation Bible School, June 2018

Graduating Seniors Honored

On Sunday May 13, we celebrated our graduating seniors from high school, college and trade school, with blessings during services and a special reception at 10:30am in the large fellowship hall. Our three high school seniors received very special quilts from our Quilt Ladies.

Summer Sunday School Social

Affirmation of Faith, May 20

Four 9th grade confirmands affirmed their faith on May 20, during the 10AM Worship Service and a reception followed the worship service

Sunday School Holy Week Scavenger Hunt, Mar 2018

The kids looked for things though out the church that showed pictures or items that told the story of Holy week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

Youth Movie Day During Teacher Walkout

Youth gathered at RLC to watch Swiss Family Robinson and enjoy snacks and socializing.

WOW! Lots of Easter Eggs

Last Supper, Mar 2108

Our Younger Youth Social, Feb 2018

Looking Back at Our 2017 Youth Activities

Dec 17, 2017: A great program put on by our kids! Merry Christmas

Sunday School Donates to Angel Tree Child, Dec 2017

Nov Youth Lock-in Included a Lesson on Homelessness

What a Fun Time at VBS in June!

Helping Manna Pantry

Some of our youngest members emptied their piggy banks to donate to Manna Pantry. They’re starting young helping others have food to eat. Thank you!

Easter Egg Hunts

Younger Youth Gathering

The ELCA Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod Younger Youth Gathering was Feb 18-19 in Norman. It was a great time for Lutheran youth.

Sunday School Fun

Our pre-k and kindergarten classes learned about the disciples fishing for men.

Christmas Movie Fun on Nov 19

25 people participated in movie night in Yukon. The movie was called, “The Star.”

Graduate Quilt Presentation, June 11

Reception for Graduating Seniors

Graduating seniors were honored at both our early and late service on May 21. In between services, there was a special reception for them, and three scholarships were awarded.

On June 11, they will be presented with beautiful senior quilts. Thank you Quilt Ladies!

The scholarship committee presents all three of high school seniors with RLC scholarships.

Our Youth Helped Make the Feb 28 Pancake Supper a Success

Sunday School Lesson

Looking Back: 2016 RLC Youth Activities

Downtown in December on Dec 11th Was a Blast

Tubing, canal boat rides, great food, fun at the Myriad Gardens and Christmas lights!

Family Fun on Dec 4th

On Sunday, December 4, right after the late worship service, a group of fun-loving families joined in some family fun.

After a light lunch, ornaments were created and decorated by hand—one to hang on the Christmas tree in the sanctuary and one to take home. That fun activity was followed by tree decorating in the sanctuary and a Christmas movie.

Nine Turkeys and a Ham!

Our Sunday School classes used their offering to buy nine turkeys and one ham to donate to the Manna Pantry to feed hungry families this holiday season! Way to go!

Trick or Treat for Manna Pantry

Each year, when Halloween nears, we go door-to-door in the neighborhoods near our church to collect canned goods and other non-perishable food for Manna Pantry. We have a great time, hauling wagons and collecting much-needed “treats” for others in our community. This year’s event was a fun success.

Interfaith Youth Tour On Sept 25

Some of our youth toured several different kinds of churches on Sept 25, to see how others worship. Churches included:

Mayflower Congregation United Church of Christ
The Muslim Grand Mosque
The Temple B’nai Israel
The Sikh Gurdwara of Oklahoma City
The Frontline Church Downtown
The Dharma Center of OKC
The Vien Giac Buddhist Temple
Baha’i Faith

Senior Graduation Celebration

On Sunday, May 22, we celebrated our graduating seniors with a special reception. Our high school graduates received custom quilts.

Our high school grads with their new quilts.

Spring Clean-up Fun

In March, our older youth volunteered their time to plant pansies at the entry of the
church. Thank you!

Reverse Youth Lock-in

We had a reverse lock-in for 3rd-6th graders on Feb 6, 2016.

Children’s Christmas Program

A big thank you to all our youth who were involved in our annual Children’s Christmas Program on Sunday December 18. We also want to thank the adults who helped make it happen, including Lori B.

Sunday School Classes Purchased Turkeys and Ham

Happy Thanksgiving to 10 Yukon-area families.

Our Sunday school classes voted to use their offering to buy food for the Manna Pantry in Yukon. A total of nine turkeys and one ham was purchased for local families.

2016 ElCA Youth Leadership Summit in North Carolina in Nov

Pastor Liz, Lori B and our two RLC youth representing our Synod

Two of our youth are representing our Synod at the ELCA Youth Leadership Summit Nov 2-6. This is a huge honor and accomplishment. Lori B, our Children and Youth Family Minister, is accompanying them.

Trunk or Treat: A Good Time!

Trunk or Treat was a success and everyone seemed to have a great time.

Labor Day Fun!

Our youth along with Lori B and some other adults, participated in a Synod-wide Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) activity over Labor Day weekend. The activities were at Oaks, OK.

Vacation Bible School: June 13-17

We hosted Vacation Bible School in mid-June, 9am-11:30 am all five days. Children and adults had a great time.

Easter Egg Hunt on March 20, 2016
Watch the Slide Show to see all the fun. It was cold outside, so Lori B went to plan B–an inside hunt. No one was disappointed.

Several youth have joined our Bell Choir. There is room for more if you want to learn to play the bells.

Our youth joined in to provide special music at our service on May 31, 2015.

Youth Activity Highlights for 2015

2015 National Youth Gathering

The National Youth Gathering, “Rise Up,” was held in Detroit July 15 — 19th 2015. Several students and sponsors from RLC attended. We worshiped, learned about our faith, played and did service projects with other ELCA youth from around the U.S.

The next ELCA Youth Gathering will be in Houston, Texas in 2018.

Everyone’s ready to load the bus and head to Detroit! Yes!

Young people from all over the U.S are here to celebrate the glory of God. How awesome is that?

Community work project is on the agenda. We’ve got this.

Youth from our Oklahoma Synod at the National Youth Gathering.

Time for fun! Visiting the sites in Detroit.