Milestone Classes

So many important faith milestones, including Baptism and First Communion, often happen during the childhood years. The parents, caregivers and congregation surrounding these children have a wonderful and serious responsibility. Living in the baptismal covenant means proclaiming to children the good news of God's abudant love. This love is manifested in baptism and communion, and revealed in the Word, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and ultimately daily life.

St. Martin's Lutheran Church seeks to partner with families through education and a supportive community. We provide classes for parents (and children) to help feel comfortable, ready and at ease as they approach the mystery of God's presence in the sacraments. These classes seek to provide spiritual connection, practical guidance and a sense of community.

Baptism is entrance into the community of God's people. Baptism initiates a lifelong journey that shapes every aspect of our lives and gives meaning to every moment.

To schedule an infant or child baptism, please contact one of the pastors. Following an initial contact, parents and children (if age appropriate) will attend a short Baptism Instruction class before the child's scheduled baptismal date. Participating in the child's baptism will help parents grow in faith along with their children. This enrichment class will help parents understand the importance of nurturing the faith life of children through the divine gift of Baptism.

Our next class is offered on Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 12:15. Lunch is provided. If you are interested in attending this class, RSVP to the church office at 476-6757. For other dates, contact the church office or browse the online calendar.

The Baptismal milestone class is optional for adults. To schedule an adult Baptism, contact the church office.

One of the ways parents help keep the promises to "provide for their instruction in the Christian faith" is to prepare their children for their participation in the Lord's Supper. This is an important milestone in the life of a Christian because it is here where we receive God's forgiveness and are strengthened for service by God's abiding love. This sacrament is a gift of God's love to you and your children.

First Communion Instruction classes are held twice a year in October and near Holy Week. For dates, contact the church office or browse the online calendar. To enroll your child in the class, sign up on the Children's Ministry bulletin board or contact Sharolyn Browning, Interim Children's Ministry Coordinator.

We invite parents to place the Bible into the hands of their children three times during worship: as a two-year-old enters Sunday School, as reading skills begin in first grade and at the entrance into Confirmation class at sixth grade. These special presentations are traditionally on Rally Day in early September.

The Lord's Prayer Milestone class makes use of the God and Me medal program. This program is recognized by the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Camp Fire programs, but all 2nd and 3rd graders are encourage to participate. It is a five week class for the child and their parent(s) in which they explore the Lord's Prayer. This class is offered in the Fall of even numbered years or if there is interest for an additional class. The God and Me medal is awarded on Boy Scout Sunday (February) or Girl Scout Sunday (March) during Sunday morning worship.

The Ten Commandments Milestone class makes use of the God and Family medal program. This program is recognized by the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Camp Fire programs, but all 4th and 5th graders are invited to participate. It is a seven week class for the child and their parent(s) in which they explore the Ten Commandments in the context of living in the community of a family. This class is offered in the Fall of odd numbered years or if there is interest for an additional class. The God and Family medal is awarded on Boy Scout Sunday (February) or Girl Scout Sunday (March) during Sunday morning worship.