Faith Milestones
By marking significant events in the lives of our youth, we lift up and celebrate faith practices through all the ages and stages of a life centered in Christ.
First “All Words” Bible
Children receive their first all words/no pictures Bible in worship. After the service, they attend a class where they learn how to use their new Bible and so they may dive into it independently. There is no age limit on this class. If your child comfortably reads chapter books, they are ready to participate.
Holy Communion Celebration
We invite families to decide for themselves when their child is ready to receive Holy Communion for the first time. Not all children are ready at the same age. Some cues to watch for that show your child may be ready include:
- Is your child an active participant in worship?
- Do they talk about what they heard in church and/or ask questions about it?
- Does your child feel a longing or a spiritual excitement about receiving Holy Communion?
- Do they feel left out not receiving Holy Communion with others in the community?
If you determine your child is ready to receive the sacrament of Holy Communion, begin having conversations at home, read through the Bible passages about the Last Supper with your child (Matthew 26:17–29; Mark 14:12–25; Luke 22:7–38; and I Corinthians 11:23–25), and talk about it with your child while Communion is served during worship.
First Communion is served on Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter). Reach out to Lacy Tooker-Kirkevold, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, to learn more about this important Faith Milestone.