Milestone Ministry

Throughout the 2009 - 2010 school year, we will recognize and celebrate children’s milestones in worship. We recognize these milestones to affirm kids in their faith journey and to remind them of the intergenerational support that surrounds them in our church family.

We invite any family members to be a part of Milestone Ministry, either by coming to classes with the student or by attending worship when the milestone is recognized. All St. John members are encouraged to participate in Milestone Ministry. Please contact Pastor Lisa if you have questions, at lewton@stjohnelc.org 225-6747.

These are the milestones we will celebrate as a congregation:

Blessing of Backpacks as Sunday School students begin a new school year! Students and teachers of all ages with their backpacks and briefcases will be blessed on Aug. 29 during the Rally Sunday movie and supper night, and on Aug. 30 during the 9:30 a.m. worship service.

Kindergarten - Parents Educating and Affirming Kids (PEAK) classes will be Sept. 20 and 27 at 9:15 a.m. Families will learn about “Encouraging Positive Friendships” as students begin their elementary careers. Recognition will be Sept. 27 during the 10:30 a.m. worship service.

1st - 2nd Grades - Parents Educating and Affirming Kids (PEAK) classes will be Oct. 11 and 18 at 9:15 a.m. Families will talk about “Welcoming Kids in Worship”, and student’s will teach us what it’s like to go to worship as a kid. Recognition will be Oct. 18 at the 10:30 a.m. worship service.

3rd Grade - Early Confirmation classes will be at 9:15 a.m. on Nov. 8, 15, and 22, as students receive their first Bible from the church. Students will be recognized at the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Nov. 22.

Baptismal 1st Birthday - Families whose child was baptized within the previous year will be invited to come and share some baptismal birthday cake on Jan. 10 at 9:15 a.m. Families will also be recognized in worship at the 10:30 a.m. service that day and will be given a gift from the church.

4th Grade - Early Confirmation classes will be held Jan. 10, 17, and 24 at 9:15 a.m. Families will talk about baptism and what it means for daily life. Students will be recognized in worship on Jan. 24 at the 10:30 a.m. service.

5th Grade - Early Confirmation classes will be at 9:15 a.m. on Feb. 14, 21, and 28. Families will learn about the sacrament of Holy Communion, a significant milestone in our faith journey. Students will be recognized in worship on Feb. 28 at the 10:30 a.m. worship service.

6th Grade - Early Confirmation classes will be at 9:15 a.m. on March 14, 21, and 28 as families learn about Martin Luther and prepare to enter into junior high confirmation. The pavement will be laid for students to go full-speed ahead into the journey toward affirming their baptism. Recognition will be on March 28 at the 10:30 a.m. worship service.

High School - Students who have been given their driver’s license within the past year will be invited to bring a family member to gather at 9:15 a.m. on April 18, as families swap stories about life with a new license in the family. Students will be recognized and car keys will be blessed at the 10:30 a.m. worship service that day.

Affirmation of Baptism - 8th grade students who have completed confirmation classes will be recognized in worship on May 2 at the 10:30 a.m. service.

High School Graduation - Students graduating from high school will be recognized in worship on May 30 at the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship services, as they are sent out to be servants in the world as the Holy Spirit shapes their vocations.