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Childhood Milestones

Childhood Milestones are designed for parent(s) and sponsors to participate with their children.

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Baptism

By appointment with a pastor

For most of us the formal beginning of our faith journey occurred at the baptismal font. Through the waters of baptism, we are publicly claimed as a Child of God and become a part of God’s family. The congregation, parent(s) and sponsors of the individual promise to support this person on their faith journey as they grow in age and wisdom through God’s love.  

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Toddler Playdate

Our “easiest” milestone! We offer families with children age 2 and under a chance to connect to each other and offer up resources for raising a child that knows they are loved by God. We know the first words of faith in a child’s life are lived out in the joyful praise in play.

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Blessing of the Backpacks

We welcome students and offer a special blessing during a worship service. This milestone marks the beginning of each new learning year.

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Kindergarten: Playful Prayerful

Prayer is our connection to God and an open line of communication. This milestone offers an opportunity for families to talk about prayer and to learn about integrating prayer into our daily lives.

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First Grade: Worship Workshop

This worship milestone is a time for parents and children to explore our worship space, to find meaning behind what we do in worship and a time to ask questions about all they see in worship. We finish our instruction with providing simple workbooks for families to go through together during worship. We bet the adults learn something new too! 

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Second Grade: First Communion

In this milestone, we learn about the mystery and gift that is Holy Communion. Class includes making bread, learning about the Passover, the events surrounding Jesus’ institution of the Lord’s Supper, what happens in Holy Communion and the general “how-tos” of receiving Holy Communion. Two sessions are offered each year with the fall class celebrating First Communion on World Communion Sunday (first Sunday of October) and the spring class celebrating First Communion on Maundy Thursday.

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Third Grade: Bible Basics and Presentation of Bibles

At baptism, parent(s), sponsors and the congregation promise to place the Holy Scriptures into the hands of each baptized person. At Holy Cross, we do this in third grade with a class for parents and children to learn together. We cover how to use a Bible, how it is organized, and share favorite Bible verses. This is immediately followed by our worship service where the congregation gives a Bible to each child.

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Fourth Grade: Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments are one of the things that parent(s), sponsors and the congregation promise to place in each baptized person’s hands. But what does that actually mean? How does that apply to your family or the life of a fourth grader? Join us as we explore these questions and dive deeper into scripture.

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Fifth Grade: Live Your Faith

We’re told to follow Jesus, but how? What do you do? Kids and their adults will explore these questions together with focus on the Bible passage from Matthew 25:35-40 before gathering and preparing for a service project. 

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Commissioning and Blessing of Teachers

A time is set apart during worship to lift up and bless all those called to live out their faith by serving as a teacher and mentor for others. We honor and lift up the service of teachers, coordinators, helpers, shepherds, substitutes, directors and staff in our Sunday School, Confirmation, CrossWays Preschool and Celebration! Childcare programs.

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Middle and High School Milestones

 

Sixth Grade: Introduction to Acolyting

In September, all incoming sixth graders beginning Confirmation participate in an introduction night based around relationship building, Confirmation life and acolyte training. Students are reminded why we worship, the role and importance of the acolyte and how to be a leader in a worship service.

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Affirmation of Baptism

Ninth grade students who have completed the confirmation program are invited to publicly affirm their baptism. In addition to the preparation that occurs in the Confirmation program, each student writes a faith statement and discusses it with our ministry team. On Reformation Sunday, students make public affirmation of their baptism, proclaiming the baptismal promises that their parents/sponsors previously made on their behalf and claiming their faith life as their own.

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High School Graduation Recognition

Graduation from high school is an important milestone and time of transition for students and families. We celebrate this milestone in worship with a prayer and blessing of those who graduated and their families.

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Adult Milestone Conversations

Adult Milestone conversations will be offered periodically through various programs/workshops. 

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College Breakfast

The college years are a significant time for personal growth. The college breakfast provides a time to connect with other young adults navigating through their college years as well as to reconnect with church friends and a pastor. This milestone conversation often occurs during winter break or near Christmas.

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Marriage Preparation

Marriage is individual and unique for each couple. These conversations are by appointment with a pastor. We recommend contacting the church office and pastors six months prior to anticipated wedding day, if possible. 

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Reconnecting as the last child leaves home

Perhaps you’ve spent years developing your normal routine and schedule including significant time at children’s events. Now what? How do you define and live into the new normal? What are best practices and financial realities for the re-entry of young adults when they return home? Conversations with other families can often ease these anxieties.

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Retirement

Retirement… ah, the good life, right? Transitioning into a new life stage takes time, reflection and readjustment. This includes practical considerations like updating finances, legal matters and legacy planning as well as spiritual and relational aspects as much of our time and identity came from our “work”.

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Caring for Parents

Transitioning from being the child of a parent to the caregiver of a parent can be trying. What are some things to consider? Power of Attorney for legal and health, medical needs, housing needs and a change in relationships, just to name a few. How do we encourage the idea of honoring parents? It takes on a new perspective as roles shift and we are here to walk with you. 

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End of Life Planning

Individual appointments are available to converse with a pastor. We also encourage you to pick up a copy of the “Five Wishes” workbook in the narthex. It will aid in beginning conversations with loved ones, or in thinking of your own end of life planning.

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