Children

The Family Ministry provides events at important milestones in the life of a child to help parents fulfill their Baptismal promises. These events are used as teaching moments for parents and children alike and are a time to connect families with each other and the church.
Baptism: Through the waters of baptism, we are given the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation, and we also become part of God's family.
Baptism Reunion: This gathering is for all who had a child baptized over the prior year. This provides a time of fellowship and support for parents and their children.
Stepping into Sunday School: The day before Sunday School starts, parents and their 3 year olds are treated to a welcoming event where they visit the 3 year old classroom, and discover what Sunday School is like. They make chains of faith to take home reminding them of how we, through faith, are joined with others in our family, people in the church, and those in their Sunday School class.
Blessing of the Backpacks: On Rally Day, all children are invited to bring their school backpacks with them to the 9:30 am service. Through the children's message and blessing, children are reminded of how God goes with us.
First Communion Preparation and Follow-up: The invitation is extended for children who are in 2nd grade or older to prepare to receive Communion. Children and parents attend a class to learn about the mystery and gift that is Holy Communion. Classes include making bread, learning about Passover, tasting some of the Passover meal, what happens in Holy Communion and the general "how-to's" of receiving Communion. Then on Maundy Thursday these children receive their first communion. After the first communion, the children come back together to learn how and why communion is set up like it is, to talk about what difference it makes to receive communion, and ask any questions that they might now have since receiving their first communion. In addition, the follow-up class provided training on how to be an acolyte assistant in worship. When children have finished 2nd grade, they are a part of the assistant acolyte ministry of the church on communion Sundays.
Bible Presentations and Bootcamp: At baptism, parents promise to place the Holy Scriptures in their child's hands. During worship one Sunday in October, 3rd graders receive a Bible to help parents fulfill this promise. Following the Bible presentation, 2 opportunities are offered for 3rd graders and their families to learn more about how the Bible is put together, as well as how and why we read the Bible.
Lighting the Way - Students in 5th grade and their parents are invited to learn more about worship... why we do what we do in worship, and how to acolyte (light the candles in church).
Intro to Confirmation: Confirmation classes are offered for students in grades 6-8. In the fall we hold orientation for 6th graders and their parents. Students are introduced to small group leaders and families are given an overview, goals and why confirmation events are an important part of the faith journey.
Affirmation of Baptism: After completing the confirmation program, students in 9th grade are invited to affirm their baptism. Each student writes about their own faith journey and discusses their faith journey with one of the pastors. On Reformation Sunday, 9th graders publicly affirm their faith during worship.

Our journey of faith occurs from the cradle to the grave. At Holy Cross we seek to honor and lift up those milestone events. Through milestone ministries we celebrate and mark the important events and times in the lives of children and youth. By doing so, we as a congregation and as families of faith live out the promises that are made when someone is baptized. Milestone ministries serve as an important way of connecting, supporting and equipping families and the congregation to pass on the faith.

Pastoral staff provides spiritual guidance, key leadership as well as development for parents and other volunteers involved in each event.

As Needed

As Needed

Varies, check newsletter for events

Pastor Krista Henning-Ferkin

847.367.4060

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