Faith Milestones
When children grow, they reach milestones along the way. They learn to crawl, walk, speak, etc. The same is true spiritually! There are faith milestones that children reach that deserve to be celebrated! These faith milestones include baptism, confirmation, learning to worship, serve and read the Bible. St. Luke’s is excited to offer opportunities to celebrate faith milestones.
All Milestones are structured for parents (and in some cases kids) to attend no more than three sessions to learn how to make faith an integral part of their life at home at that specific life stage. At the end of each faith milestone session, parents and children will be invited to participate in a blessing event during a worship service.
Baptism
Baptism is one very special way God delivers the blessings Jesus has won for us!In baptism, God pours out His grace and His Spirit on us. “…so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:7) Interested in learning more or scheduling a baptism? One of our pastors would love to meet with you! Send and email to smang@sllcs.org or contact us at 407-365-3408 for more information.
Age 3 - My First Picture Bible
St. Luke's is offering a special class just for parents of three-year olds. Developmentally, the minds and hearts of three year olds are ready for a very spiritual experience--sitting on your lap while you read to them from their very own picture Bible. In this class, parents will learn how to talk about God and matters of the faith with their child, create a home environment that invites God to be real and present, and pray more effectively with their little one. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to encourage your child to grow spiritually! Participants meet for one hour on three consecutive Wednesday evenings followed by a Sunday morning worship service blessing event. Childcare is available.
Age 4 - Worship
In these sessions, parents learn to: better understand worship, use tools that enhance their child's worship, have effective devotions with their 4-year-old and speak a blessing while presenting a Worship Kit. Participants meet for one hour on three consecutive Wednesday evenings followed by a Sunday morning worship service blessing event. Childcare is available.
Kindergarten - Service
Kindergarten is a great time to work with children to put the needs of others first and to give of their time, talents, and treasures to help others. In these sessions, parents learn to have effective devotions with their kindergartener, teach their child to serve as Jesus served, teach money management and giving, and speak a blessing while presenting a towel and basin. Participants meet for one hour on three consecutive Wednesday evenings followed by a Sunday morning worship service blessing event. Childcare is available.
2nd Grade - My First Bible
Second grade is an exciting year. This is the time in a child's life when he/she will grow vastly in reading skills. When children reach this milestone, it is an ideal time to present them with their very own Bible. In these sessions, parents and children learn to have family devotions together, use the Bible in personal devotions, and better understand how to use the Bible. Participants meet for one hour on three consecutive Wednesday evenings followed by a Sunday morning worship service blessing event. Childcare is available.
5th Grade - Parent/Child Retreat
Father/Son Retreat: This retreat is designed to help 5th grade boys and their fathers (or a significant male figure in the child's life) to discuss what it means to be a man from the Biblical perspective. Mother/Daughter Retreat: This retreat is designed to facilitate mom-daughter conversations and encourage future openness between mom and daughter. Also, we will direct girls to take their cues about beauty and personal value from God's Word.
Family Confirmation
The Confirmation Milestone is designed for students to explore and affirm the faith they previously received at baptism. Beginning when the student is in 7th grade, families will be led through an experiential learning process covering God's Word and Lutheran doctrine. Research shows that lifelong faith begins and grows in the home. Therefore, Confirmation is formatted to give families the tools to take what is learned in class back home for an in depth conversation and encouragement that will impact their faith for a lifetime. Families with children confirmation age (7-8th grade) can join us for six weeks in the fall and six weeks in the spring.
High School Graduation Milestone
What does it take to launch your son or daughter into adulthood after High School with a faith that sticks? High School Seniors and parents are invited to join us for our Graduation Milestone class to find out how to create a faith that sticks, even after graduation. Childcare can be available.
First Communion
Holy Communion is one of the greatest blessings that our Lord gives us. In 6th grade most students are able to understand abstract concepts, such asHoly Communion. Therefore the Lord's Supper will be at the beginning of the confirmation experience. Families of students in 6th-8th grade are invited to a one day class on the Lord’s Supper and invite them to the Lord’s Table for the first time! If you think your student isn’t quite ready to take part in the Lord’s supper at this time you are welcome to wait until the following year, or at the Rite of Confirmation. Check back for dates on the next Holy Communion milestone here. St. Luke’s is offering a First Communion one day class for families of students in 6th-8th grade to instruct on the Lord’s Supper and invite them to the Lord’s Table for the first time! This will mark the beginning of the confirmation experience that they typically start in the beginning of 7th grade. As always we refer to the family to decide the readiness of their student, if you think your student isn’t quite ready to take part in the Lord’s supper at this time you are welcome to wait until the following year, or at the Rite of Confirmation.