Our Faith & Family Ministry coordinates educational programming for the CLC congregation. They also plan and facilitate VBS, Christmas Program, Confirmation, Faith Stepping Stones, Backpack Blessing, Easter Egg Hunt, other events and child care as needed.
Callie Allen, Kristen Kirk, Brianna LaPlant, Ashley Rosenbery, Elaine Stevens
Co-Chair Team
FAITH STEPPING STONES
Beginning with Holy Baptism, parents, sponsors, and the community of believers at Christ Lutheran Church promise to place the Holy Scriptures in the person’s hands and provide for their instruction in the Christian faith. These Faith Stepping Stones provide an ongoing structure throughout the lives of our children, at which times we recognize and celebrate eight significant times in their lives.
BAPTISM
Receiving the sacrament of Holy Baptism is the most important event in the life of any Christian. Through water and God’s word, God claims us forever as brothers and sisters in Christ, filling us with the Holy Spirit to guide us every day of our lives. Your CLC family celebrates with you through certificates for parents and sponsors in recognition of the promises made in Baptism, and small gifts to help you remember your baptism, including: Baptism shell, candle, and a personal Baptism banner.
STARTING SUNDAY SCHOOL
What an exciting time for your preschooler! The congregation is happy to give the gift of a children’s Bible that the youngest children in your family can enjoy. When he/she begins attending Sunday School, the precious Bible stories from the scriptures will come alive through learning and fellowship with new friends at Sunday School. We look forward to sharing our faith with your children!
COMMUNION
At CLC, there is no set age at which children begin to receive Holy Communion, though youth will start receiving the sacrament during confirmation instruction. This decision is left to the discretion of the pastor and parents, inviting parents to be mindful of how God helps your child grow. If you notice that your child often has interesting insights about God, that could be a sign to call the pastor! First Communion is marked by a class for the children and parents.
CONFIRMATION
The Rite of Confirmation takes place on Reformation Sunday, and the congregation celebrates with youth when they have completed confirmation instruction with certificates and a congregational reception.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
The congregation celebrates this important time in the lives of our youth with a reception and jean quilts that are handmade by CLC members. We also help college-bound youth find a church near their campus and keep their college address on file to periodically send them care packages.
Our Sunday School meets during the worship service each week of the school year, and the children have a great time learning Bible stories, singing songs, and doing craft projects! Meeting during worship has been very convenient for our families, and the children look forward to Sunday School week after week. Our Sunday school also puts on a Christmas program during church every year. The kids have lots of fun exploring the Christmas story through these plays.
During the Sunday School time the children experience the same structure as the worship service – The Gathering (opening time in the chapel), The Word (classroom lesson), The Meal (communion/blessing in the sanctuary), The Sending (wrap up, Apostle’s Creed, Lord’s Prayer, Benediction, birthday recognitions).
After church and Sunday school dismissal, children will meet their parents outside. There will be 2 teachers for the class. If you would like to volunteer for a teaching role a sign up sheet will be on the bulletin board in the Narthex.
Check here for Sunday School updates.
CLC is pleased to offer Youth Group for students in 6th grade – HS. We would like to put into practice what we have been learning this Summer in worship: loving one another, being a good neighbor, and serving others. We’ll meet at Willow Tree once a month for a bible study and some hands-on work. We will be studying a variety of characters from the Bible in order to help us grow as human beings to better love our neighbors and serve others.
Since Youth Group is meeting off site, parents can drop off students, attend worship and fellowship, and then return to pick up your students.
Check here for youth group updates.
VBS – Vacation Bible School
Every year, our fantastic volunteers guide our youth through a fun and exciting Vacation Bible School! We even have visits from some rather interesting characters like Ranger Marsha Mallow, pirate Arrrlene Arrrrbuckle, and Conductor Chartreuse Caboose. The kids learn about God’s love and message through songs, crafts and games, and end by putting on a program for their family members.