Stepping Stone Ministry
Faith Stepping Stones:
Stepping Through Life with Christ
Significant moments and events often shape our lives. From being born, to being baptized, to going off to school, learning to drive, leaving home, to landing our first job. Through all of these significant moments and in our daily living we are not only growing as individuals, but we are growing in our relationship with God. With every step we take Christ is with us. Parents are the most important source of influence on a child’s faith life; therefore we believe that their involvement is essential! We want to enable parents and children to talk about the importance of faith together, not just during significant moments, but every day. We recognize the importance of parents in children’s academics and sports. Parents’ involvement in spiritual growth is just as important and essential in shaping the life of our future generation.
Baptismal Reunion
On January 15th, 2012 we will have a special celebration remembering all who were baptized in the year 2011 and also a chance for us to remember our baptisms. Please look for additional information when we get closer to the date.
Baptismal Preparation Classes
We are claimed as children of God by water and the Holy Spirit.
Holy Baptism is usually the first step that people take when entering the Christian Community. In Holy Baptism, we are made children of God and our sin is forgiven. We also become members of the body of Christ, which is the church. We believe that Baptism is 100% the work of God, and because of this belief we baptize infants and young children. However, baptism is not just for children it is for anyone who desires to come to the fountain of life. First steps:
If you have already been through our baptismal workshop once, we will start to have refresher courses in which you will gather for a shorter period of time and receive a few resources to assist you in your family’s faith formation. In this class you will receive instruction on why we baptize, what we believe regarding baptism and how to choose sponsors. You will also be united with other parents and have time to get to know others who are in a similar situation to you. You will meet Joanna Mitchell, our Pastor of Family and Small Group Ministry and Kira Anderson, our Children’s Ministry Director. They will give you information about next steps for parents regarding what Our Savior’s has to offer in terms of early childhood education. Upcoming Baptismal Workshop date:
June 12th at 10:15 a.m.
August 21st at 10:15 a.m.
October 3rd at 6:30 p.m.
- November 13, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.
- December 5, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
- February 5th at 9:30 a.m.
- April 1st at 9:30 a.m.
- May 6th at 9:30 a.m.
- The class meets in the Fireworks room (outside the Pastor’s offices) unless otherwise noted.
If you are interested in being baptized or having your child baptized– the first step is to call our church office and sign up for our Baptismal Workshop. You will be mailed our baptism information booklet. You can also set the date and time for the baptism. Baptisms can be part of any of our services: 8:30am and 10:30 (during the school year) 9:00am (during the summer). Typically we don’t do more than two baptisms at one service (most often it is just one). Holy Baptism is usually the first step that people take when entering the Christian Community. In Holy Baptism, we are made children of God and our sin is forgiven. We also become members of the body of Christ, which is the church. We believe that Baptism is 100% the work of God, and because of this belief we baptize infants and young children. However, baptism is not just for children it is for anyone who desires to come to the fountain of life. First steps: If you are interested in being baptized or having your child baptized the first step is to call our church office and sign up for our Baptismal Workshop. You will be mailed our baptism information booklet. You can also set the date and time for the baptism.
3 Year Old Bibles 2011
3-year-old children will meet on Sunday, September 25th from 9:30 – 10:30 am to learn about the new bibles they will receive from the congregation. Class will begin with the large group for Sunday school and we will spend the last half hour exploring their new bibles. Please meet in the fireworks room. The presentation will take place on during worship that morning Sunday, at the 8:30, and 10:30 services.
Entering School 2011
Join us as we celebrate with all of our Kindergarten children who will be entering school for the first time. Our class will meet on Sunday, September 11 th at 9:30 am. We will celebrate together in worship that morning September 11th at our 8:30 and 10:30 services.
1st Grade – Kids and Money 2011
Our children often think that money just miraculously appears. How do you start to teach children about managing money, and spending responsibly. This new stepping stone will explore how God intends for us to appreciate and use Gods’ gift of money. We will take about spending, giving, and saving. Class will meet at 6:15 on Wednesday, October 26th and Sunday, October 30 at 9:30. We will celebrate this Stepping Stone at our worship services on October 30th at 8:30 or 10:30.
2nd Grade Pretzel and Prayer 2012
Teaching and encouraging our children to pray is so important. We will be teaching the children through pretzel making! Pretzels have been a symbol for prayer since the fifth century. Crossing your arms and placing your hands on your shoulders was one prayer posture during that early time. The word pretzel means “little arms.” Join us on Sunday, February 12th at 9:30 am. or Wednesday, February 15 at 6:15pm to learn about prayer and make some delicious pretzels to take home! Worship celebration will be at 8:30 and 10:30 worship services on February 12th.
3rd Grade Introduction to the Bible 2011
For all who are entering 3rd grade this year, we will meet to learn about and how to use your new bible. Classes will be held on Sunday, October 2nd, 9th and 16th at 9:30am., and Wednesday, October 5th and 12th at 6:15pm. Presentation of the bibles will take place on Sunday October 16th at 8:30 and 10:30 worship services.
Holy Communion Instruction 2012
Instruction for Holy Communion in 2012 will take place in three mandatory sessions in April. The dates of these sessions are: Wednesday, April 11th, 18th, and 25th. Students will celebrate Holy Communion on Sunday, April 29th at the 10:30 Worship Service. Typically students receive their First Communion in fourth grade; however there are some families who desire for their child to receive before this time. If you believe that your child is ready to receive Holy Communion please talk with Kira Anderson or one of the Pastors, we would be happy to meet with you and explore this option and give you supportive resources. We do invite all fourth graders to receive instruction for Holy Communion, even if they already are receiving the sacrament.
5th Grade Human Sexuality 2012
This is our fourth year of offering the human sexuality stepping stone for our 5th graders and parents. This topic is one that often makes everyone a little bit hesitant, especially in the church. However, sexuality is God’s good gift to humankind. The reason we have decided to introduce this stepping stone is because we believe it is important as children mature physically to partner with homes in making sure children we love have good information, clear and consistent values, and support to be moral. It is important to reclaim sexuality from media and industries that exploit, demean or misuse it in our culture.
We will have a preview session on April 25th from 7-7:30 PM. This will be an opportunity for parents to take a look at our agenda and the content being discussed as well as a chance to ask questions. Then on May 2nd, 6th, and 9th we will have three sessions in which we will bring children and parents together for our Stepping Stone event.
Our desired outcome are as follows:
1. Children and parents will understand sexuality as God’s good gift.
2. Children and adults will regard their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
3. Parents and children will learn to communicate openly about sexuality and other challenging issues.
4. The congregation will support families to mark this important time of growing into mature bodies with education and affirmation.
If you have any question please talk with me or anyone else on staff. Thanks, Pastor Joanna