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 creating 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.
As a congregation that embraces lifelong learning, Milestones Ministry is 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 2nd Graders, Entering Confirmation, the Rite of Confirmation, Senior Recognition, the annual Backpack Blessing, and an All Saint’s Service of Remembrance.
For more information or to get involved in the planning process, please contact
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Director of Faith Formation.
Baptism
In the waters of Baptism we are adopted into God’s family and marked with the cross of Christ forever. This is an exciting milestone for the church to celebrate with individuals and families as we promise to walk with them in faith. Baptism marks the beginning of a lifelong journey with God that continues through all of the other milestones that we celebrate. For more information or to schedule a baptism please contact one of the pastors.
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First Communion
The sacrament of Holy Communion is a gift from God given to the church. In this meal of bread and wine we gather as one Body around the table to meet Christ face to face. Twice a year at First Lutheran we offer a brief training to better equip our members who are going to receive Holy Communion for the very first time.
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Adventure Bible
 Each fall, students in 2nd grade receive their very own Adventure Bible as a gift from the congregation. Students and parents are invited to participate in a Milestone learning session where they will learn some Bible basics and some tips and tools for reading their Bible that will help them as they set out on their own Bible adventure. Serving as a renewal of the promises made at baptism, this milestone is celebrated during worship, allowing parents and the congregation the opportunity to acknowledge and affirm their vow.
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Backpack Blessing
Celebrated each year at the beginning of the school year, the Backpack Blessing signifies the beginning of the school year and is a reminder to all of us to keep students, teachers and staff in our prayers as they begin the new school year. Students of all ages, along with teachers and educational staff are invited to bring their backpacks, briefcases and totes to worship for a special blessing. Participants also receive a special keychain to to attach to their bag as a reminder that God is present, even at school.
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Affirmation of Baptism
Confirmation is a time when our young members prepare to affirm their baptisms, and take on themselves, the promises that their parents made for them. These are unique years for study, exploration, conversation about what it means to say that you will live your lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. It is the goal at First Lutheran to grow disciples for today and the future, equip our confirmands to think about and make decisions based on faith and the scriptures and to be able to engage others, using thier own faith stories.
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Graduating Seniors
Graduation is a major life milestone, and so as a congregation we want to take the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate our graduating seniors. We take a moment to remind them of God's presents in their lives as we lift them up in prayer and give them an afghan made by members of First Lutheran. In this time of transition, it is important for them to know that God is with them where ever they go.
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Service of Rememberance
The Service of Rememberance has become an annual tradition of significance for many who have experienced a loss in their life. Celebrated on All Saint's Sunday, the Service of Rememberance reminds us that in our grief and in our loss, God is there too. The service is open to anyone who has expeirenced the loss of a loved one, anyone who is grieving, and anyone who supports them. All participants will receive a blessing of hope and healing and a special gift of rememberance.
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