Milestone Celebrations
Deuteronomy 6:6-9 “Write these commandments that I’ve given you today on your hearts. Get them inside of you and then get them inside your children...”
The way that your children develop in faith is of utmost importance to us. As parents, you are the primary faith leader in their lives. As the church, we are committed to partnering with and equipping you and your family to fill this important role with confidence. So we are starting a new program in January 2012 called “Milestones”. Please see the chart below for better understanding. We will be offering a new set of parent seminars to support and empower you. By attending the seminar before each Milestone celebration, you’ll have practical ideas and suggestions on how to continue to encourage faith in each stage of your children’s development.
| Milestone |
Ages |
Parent Seminar |
Baby Baptism
|
Newborn-3yr |
First Steps: The parent as primary faith teacher |
| Bible Dedication |
End of 1st Grade |
The Foundations of Discipleship |
Graduation from Sunday
Morning School |
End of 5th Grade |
Prepare for Adolescence, Relationships and Identity |
| Confirmation |
7th and 8th Grade |
Responsibility and Role |
| 1st Mission Trip |
High School |
Christian Living in the World |
| Rite of Passage |
High School Graduation |
Writing a blessing for my child (to be read during
the worship service) |
| Life in Christ |
Adult |
Adult Discipleship |
The parent seminar will divided into a one hour group time taught by clergy, then a small break-out class specific to each Milestone. We will review practical tips for encouraging faith in your children at each stage of their development. Lunch and childcare will be provided.
FAQ's
Q: How soon before celebrating a Milestone do I need to attend a parent seminar?
A: We recommend that you attend a parent seminar within six months of your child celebrating a Milestone.
Q: Who needs to attend the seminar?
A: We ask that at least one parent attend the seminar. The class will last about two hours and will include lunch and childcare. We will be offering the classes quarterly.
Q: I've recently had a child celebrate a Milestone and I attended the parent seminar. Now I have another child celebrating the same Milestone. Do I have to repeat the parent seminar?
A: If you've already completed the parent seminar for a specific Milestone you will not need to repeat the entire seminar. However we do highly encourage you to attend the first part of the seminar, which is the big group session taught by our clergy, as a refresher course.
Q: What if my child skipped a Milestone?
A: The Milestones are not stepping blocks, and a child does not have to complete the Milestones in a specific timeline in order to proceed. Think of the Milestones as markers in your child's faith journey. Along the journey, regardless of how it looks, these are opportunities to celebrate a significant event and to find encouragement and support from your church family.
Q: I've just attended a parent seminar and I would like more support and ideas.
A: Wonderful! In our church library you will find a shelf dedicated to the Milestone celebrations. We have selected several different books that can continue to encourage you through each stage of your child's faith development.