Confirmation

On Sunday a class of students were confirmed here at St. Luke's. This is a time that never fails to move me, even more so as these are students that I have worked with in my own time here. It is a beautiful thing to see teens willing to take on their own responsibilities in the church and to confess their own faith in Jesus Christ.

These are good kids. They work with the Sunday School kids. Many volunteer through our Teens in Ministry (TIM)team. I am grateful to have seen these children and parents thrive through the process of confirmation and I am thrilled to have even a small part of it.

As a parent Confirmation is moving too. It often is presented like a graduation, but it is more than that. This is a declaration of faith that the children make, and likewise the parents promise to continue to walk with them on the path to faith - side by side now, together.

It is true, some of these students may drop away from the church - for a short time or for longer. But the church remains a part of their life and one day they will realize the impact that confirmation and their parents had on their faith.

But whether they stay or go, it is always a lovely thing to watch them proclaim that they believe that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Milestone Ministry: Third Grade Bibles

Every child in Children’s Ministry has a yearly opportunity to come with their parents to church and have a milestone class especially for them. These Milestone classes are meant to feed both the parent and child and establish new ways to talk about faith at home as well.*

On Saturday morning, our third graders and their parents joined us here at church for our annual 3rd grade Bible class. It is always a challenge to schedule these classes but they are always the highlight of my week when I have the opportunity to teach them.  Why?  It is simple, I love to give parents and children an hour or two of focused time to talk about God.  It is an opportunity to educate both kids and parents alike and open the door for further discussion.

This Sunday the parents also participated in a blessing for them and their third graders and gave their own children the Bible.  It is so important to us here at St. Luke's that this be a gift from the church but also from the parents.  We take seriously the idea that in baptism parents are called to "place into their child's hands the Holy Scriptures."

I hope that these classes are enjoyable for both parents and kids.  We try to make them interactive and enjoyable as well as teaching real knowledge of God and God's Word. 

In the interest of encouraging all families to open the Bible I'm including one of our take home activities here: Bible Bars.  These yummy treats are to help you child practice looking things up in the Bible all while making a yummy treat.  Try them out and let me know how the turned out!  (I've place the key in the comments for you in case there are Bible translations variations).

Bible Bars Recipe

COOK 1 Cup 1 Samuel 30:12 in Amos 4:8. Drain. Save ¾ Cup of the liquid to use later.

MIX TOGETHER:
½ Cup Leviticus 3:9
1 Cup Jeremiah 6:20
1 Isaiah 10:14

COMBINE AND ADD THE FOLLOWING:
2 Cups Exodus 29:2
1 Teaspoon Exodus 13:7
1 Teaspoon 2 Chronicles 9:9
1 Teaspoon 1 Kings 10:10
1 Teaspoon Luke 23:56
½ Teaspoon Exodus 13:3
½ Teaspoon Leviticus 2:13
1 Cup Numbers 17:8

ADD the 1 Samuel 30:12 you cooked earlier and the ¾ Cup liquid you saved.
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS in Jeremiah 7:18
BAKE 20 minutes in greased jelly roll pan at 350 Degrees.
FROST, if desired

* If you are curious about your child's milestone class please check the church calendar for details about the upcoming class for your family.

New Early Childhod Opportunities!

Stepping Stones

The First Steps on the way to Family Faith

Baby Stepping Stones: Saturday, October 3 - 9:00am - 9:45am

Toddler Stepping Stones: Saturday, October 3 - 10:00am - 10:45am

Baby Stepping Stones is offered for children ages 0-12 months, and their parents.  Toddler Stepping Stones is for children 12-36 months and their parents.  In each class we will explore the beginning foundations of faith through exercises in development, growth, music, movement and play.  There will also be a time of parent support and sharing.

Classes will meet the first Saturday of the month.  Baby Stepping Stones will meet at 9:00am and Toddler Stepping Stones will meet at 9:45am.  Both classes begin on October 3rd.  Please fill out registration form (found online or in the church office) by October 1st to reserve your spot in these classes.*