FAITH MILESTONES
Faith Milestones are part of our Christian education program, which involves children, youth and parents in partnership with Sunday school teachers, staff, congregation and pastors.
We call parents and their children to the altar of the church at 5 different points in their lives, to reaffirm the promises of Baptism. Three of the steps have a parent and child class before the actual blessing, as indicated by an asterisk. We believe every child is a member of the faith community at birth. In Baptism, the congregation, parents and the God-parents/Sponsors promise to support children in their faith development. As a part of that promise we are interested in the developmental milestones your child reaches in his/her faith life. These Milestones will be celebrated by the entire faith community as we embrace children as members!
THE 5 FAITH MILESTONES
Baptism*
Baptism is the 1st of the 2 Holy Sacraments recognized by the Lutheran faith. When a family brings a child to be baptized, the child becomes a part of a larger family, the family of Christ. That larger family, the church, parents and God-parents/sponsors promise on that day to pray and assist in raising the child to become a mature Christian adult. The child will receive a candle, napkin, Faith chest, First Bible and a certificate. Although it is traditionally thought of as an infant or young child being baptized, OSLC also welcomes adults to receive this Holy Sacrament as well. Please contact the East Mesa office, 480-984-5555 or info@oursaviorslutheran.org to find out more information or to start the baptismal process.
Bibles
When students enter either 3rd or 4th grade they will receive an age appropriate Bible. Bibles are an essential tool to be used in Sunday school classes and as they grow and learn about the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The Bibles are typically presented to the students at the beginning of the Sunday School year.
1st Communion*
Communion is the 2nd of two Holy Sacraments recognized by the Lutheran faith. At OSLC, First Communion class is held with children that are entering 5th grade. This class is taught by one of our pastors before the child receives his/her First communion on the 1st Sunday in November, Christ the King Sunday. OSLC has an open communion table. Anyone who believes in Christ may receive the Holy Sacrament of communion.
Confirmation*
This is also known to some people as Catechism class. This is a 2 year class taught by a pastor for students entering 7th grade. Students will receive a prayer book, certificate and pin during a Confirmation ceremony at the end of the 2 years. The Confirmation ceremony is held on Reformation Sunday, the last Sunday in October. Please see the Confirmation page for more information on this class.
High School Graduation:
Students that are graduating High School will receive a hand crafted quilt made by women of OSLC. The quilt is a reminder to the student that as they enter the "adult" world, God's love will always surround them.
OTHER LIFE MILESTONES
Blessing of Backpacks
At the beginning of each school year, students of all ages, elementary to college, can bring their backpacks up to the altar to receive a blessing for the school year.
Blessing of Car Keys
There's no doubt about it, it is scary when your child gets their driver’s license. What better way to send our children out on the road than with a blessing of the car keys once they have received their driver’s license?