Milestones Ministry at First Lutheran:
It’s ALL about Faith Formation
Milestones Ministry is about engaging the entire congregation in a process of faith formation and spiritual growth by celebrating God’s promises for and presence in our lives, and by claiming our identity as children of God. Highlighting key turning points, rites of passage, accomplishments, and other significant events throughout the entire lifespan, Milestones Ministry allows us to connect the events of our lives with God’s grace, peace, forgiveness, hope, and love. By focusing on God’s presence in the midst of our daily lives we carve out a sense of sacred holiness, placing God at the center of our everyday ordinary living. Milestones also serves as a model for faith practice in the home by equipping parents, guardians, grandparents, sponsors and significant others to pass on the faith and thus creati Save ng a partnership between the congregation and the home. In short, it is all about faith formation and acknowledging the presence and purpose of God in our lives.
Milestones ministry makes it possible to name and mark both the sacred and ordinary events in our lives, both at home and in the congregation. Milestones ministry is designed as an equipping ministry as it provides instruction, invites conversation, builds community, and encourages storytelling as generations pass on their legacy of faith. One key way this ministry marks each occasion is by incorporating a blessing for each individual, their family, and the whole congregation. Finally, each milestone includes a gift, which ultimately becomes a tangible means for remembering the occasion.
As a new ministry that was started in 2009, First Lutheran’s Milestone Ministry is still in the development phase. As a congregation that embraces lifelong learning, Milestones Ministry will be designed to encompass the entire journey of faith – from the cradle to the grave. The goal is to have at least one milestone for every year from birth to graduation as well as numerous milestones for young adults, adults, and seniors. First Lutheran currently celebrates the following milestones: Baptism, First Communion, Bible Adventures for 3rd Graders, Confirmation, Senior Recognition, the annual Backpack Blessing, and an All Saint’s Service of Remembrance.
Backpack Blessing, August 8th
All students, faculty and staff are invited to come and bring their backpacks and school bags to worship on Sunday, August 8th for a special Backpack Blessing. Heading back to school is a huge milestone for students, for parents and families, for educators, and for all who study or work in the schools. As the new school year begins, we want to lift up students of all ages and all who work with them – reminding them that God is with them as they head back to school. All participants will receive a special gift as a reminder that God’s love, grace, and peace continue to surround, uplift, and strengthen them, even while at school!
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Bible Adventure Milestone, August 22nd
All 2nd Graders are invited to participate in the Bible Adventures Milestone Celebration on Sunday, August 22nd. Students will receive their own Adventure Bible and a special blessing will be provided for students and their parents during worship on the 22nd. Because this milestone helps fulfill one of the promises made at baptism, baptismal sponsors are also encouraged to attend. Prior to the Milestone Celebration, all students and their parents are required to attend the Bible Adventure Learning Session on Sunday, August 15th following the second service. The Learning Session will provide participants with an overview of the features found in the Adventure Bible, as well as tips and tools for studying God's word at home. Please RSVP to
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no later than Wednesday, August 11th, if you plan to participate.
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For more information or to get involved in the planning process, please contact
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Director of Faith Formation. |
