St. Olaf Lutheran Church is restructuring its Christian education program in hopes of getting more kids to church.

Instead of Sunday school, youth are now invited to Ignite, a youth program that will be Wednesday evenings, starting Sept. 9.

“It’s going to be a big change,” said Anna Miller, St. Olaf’s Christian education director.

The goal, she said, is to get more kids to church.

“There’s a lot of things that are keeping kids from getting to church on Sunday,” she said.

Sports, sleeping in on Sunday, spending time with family and other activities are among the reasons keeping kids from going to church, she said.

“Wednesday night is in the middle of the week. We’re hoping to avoid some of those things that distract them from coming.”

The first day of the class is going to be exciting, she said.

“We’re starting with a big party called Blast Off,” Miller said.

The outdoor event on Sept. 9 starts at 5 p.m. There will be entertainment outside, including a zipline, climbing wall and inflatables. There will also be a picnic.

After the first night, Ignite will meet weekly at 5 p.m.

The nights will start with a different supper each time. Classes will begin at 6 p.m.

Third- through sixth-graders will be together in one class and seventh- and eighth-graders will be together in another.

There will be a short Recharge worship service at 7 p.m.

Though this program replaces the previous Sunday school, Miller said that doesn’t mean St. Olaf Lutheran Church is abandoning Sundays. There will be a special children’s church on that day.

“We are starting a children’s church, which we haven’t done before,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for kids to worship separately from their parents with kid-friendly music, sermon time and a puppet show.”

The children’s church will be at 9 a.m. during the church’s regular Sunday worship.

Miller said the church is accepting registration for its Ignite program and there are several ways to do that.

There will be a pool party at the Rosedale Rapids Aquatic Center on Aug. 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., during which youth can register.

“It’s a pre-kickoff, registration night,” she said. “The idea is to get everyone to register for the Ignite classes.”

Those that can’t make the pool party can register simply by going to the church or calling the church office, 576-2103.