Cultivating Gratitude

As ministry leaders, we often find ourselves pouring energy into planning the next event, crafting the next lesson, or navigating busy ministry calendars. Yet, one of the most important gifts (I think) we can offer our children and youth is the practice of gratitude. In a culture that constantly urges young people to look toward the next “thing”, teaching them to pause and practice thankfulness is valuable.

At the heart of our faith is the recognition that every good gift comes from God. Teaching children and youth to be thankful to God means helping them look beyond material blessings to see the Creator behind them—recognizing that he is always present and abounding in grace and mercy poured out for us through Jesus Christ. When they learn to direct their praise and appreciation to God, gratitude transforms from a polite social habit into spiritual practice. It reminds them that they are loved, held, and invited to respond with lives of worship and generosity.

How can we help the children and youth in our ministries adopt genuine gratitude? Here are a few practical ways to weave thankfulness into your Sunday School classes, youth groups, and gatherings:

Kids and teenagers have noses for authenticity. When leaders openly express appreciation for the small, ordinary moments – a helpful volunteer, a quiet moment of prayer, or the energy of the group, it emphasizes mindfulness. Make space in your gatherings to voice gratitude out loud, showing children and youth that a thankful heart is an active, everyday way of living out our faith.

Make Gratitude Interactive and Hands-On

  • A Gratitude Wall: Keep a designated whiteboard or poster where kids and youth can quickly scribble something they appreciate as they walk into the room.
  • “Thank-You” Blitz: Dedicate the last ten minutes of a class or youth group session to letting children draw pictures or write notes of appreciation to church staff, choir members, nursery volunteers, or community helpers.
  • Pretzel & Praise Relays: Combine active games with reflection by having youth share something they are thankful for as part of a team relay or icebreaker.

Ask Deeper Questions

For older children and youth, gratitude is closely tied to reflection and empathy. Instead of asking a generic “What are you thankful for?”, try a different question:

  • Who is someone that made your week a little brighter, and how can you let them know?
  • When did you feel most supported or cared for by our group recently?
  • How can our class or youth group use our collective time and talents to share what we’ve been given with our wider community?

True thankfulness isn’t just for easy times; it is a spiritual help during hard times. Teaching youth to look for hope, resilience, or support in difficult moments doesn’t mean avoiding pain. Rather, it helps them discover that even in hard times, we still have comfort, community, and God’s grace.

Gratitude grows stronger with practice. As we guide our children and youth, let’s create spaces where thankfulness is modeled, celebrated, and shared freely. Together, we can help the next generation discover that a grateful heart is a faithful heart.

Resources

Youth Group Game and Lesson on Thankfulness | Ministry to Youth

Youth Group Game & Lesson on Being Thankful | Preteen Ministry Bible Lessons

10 Gratitude Activities for Kids – Family Faith Builders

10 Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities to Teach Thankfulness

How to Teach Thankfulness + Gratitude in Sunday School – Becca’s Bible Class

8- Attitude of Gratitude — Children’s Ministry

Simple Gratitude Prayers for Kids: Easy Prompts and Activities

South Carolina Synod Elementary Day Retreat has been Rescheduled!

Join us for “Why Me…?”, a one-day elementary retreat where kids will explore spiritual practices that help them celebrate their gifts, handle hard things, and make a difference in the world! Through games, crafts, small group experiences, and fun lessons, they will meet new friends, be part of a team and make big discoveries.

When: November 21, 10am – 3pm

Where: At Camp Kinard

Who: For Children in Grades 1-5

Cost: $10 (Includes snacks, supplies and lunch)

Register Now

Design the 2027 South Carolina Synod Gathering T-Shirt!

We are officially kicking off the T-Shirt Design Contest 2027 ELCA Youth Gathering to find the look that will represent our synod in Minneapolis. We’re looking for something that captures our synod’s faith, energy, and excitement!

Please submit to deborah@scsynod.com by November 1, 2026

This is your chance to showcase the unique gifts God has given you and inspire fellow youth and leaders. So let your creativity shine—we can’t wait to see what you create!

News from the ELCA Youth Gathering

Important Dates

October 21, 2026 – Priority registration opens

Region 9 is hosting a series of Zoom gatherings. They are designed to:

  • Share important Youth Gathering information and updates.
  • Connect congregations from across Region 9.
  • Answer questions and provide helpful guidance as plans come together.
  • Encourage and support one another throughout the journey.

Whether you are attending for the first time or have participated for years, these gatherings are a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and build excitement together.

October 20, 2026 – Financial assistance notification

Resources

I am happy to provide these resources. Please let me know if there are specific topics or materials you would find most helpful. deborah@scsynod.com

Trunk or Treat

45 Easy Trunk-or-Treat Ideas 2025

Thanksgiving

Thankful Pumpkin – A Family Gratitude Activity

33 Thanksgiving Games, Crafts, and Snacks for Kids – Ministry Spark

5 Fun Thanksgiving Youth Ministry Games For Small Churches

45 Best Thanksgiving Youth Games and Activities for Kids

47 Thanksgiving Games for Church Your Kids Will Love

Christmas Pagents

Paper Bag Pageant: An Intergenerational Retelling of the Christmas Story

Research

Springtide: A framework for young people’s religious involvement

Barna: Youth Group Attendance: Who’s Actually in the Room? (New Data)

Barna: What Young Adults Are Looking for Spiritually at Church

Retreats

The Difference a Youth Retreat Can Make for Youth Today: One Church’s Story and Takeaways

Curriculum for Children in Grades K-5

pint-sized-peacemakers-curriculum.pdf

Did You Know?

Did you know that the ELCA has a congregational resource library? It’s amazing with small group material, individual practices, and faith formation resources.

Studies & Curriculums :: ELCA Congregational Resource Library

Mark your Calendar for these 2027 Events!

January 8-10, 2027 – High School Retreat

February 5-7, 2027 – Middle School Retreat

June 12-18, 2027 – Camp Hugg

June 15-18, 2027 – Gracceworks Lowcountry

June 28-July 2, 2027 – Youth and Young Adult Gathering

July 7-10, 2027 – Bridge Building

July 11-16, 2027 – Graceworks Midlands