Faith milestones is a family ministry program that recognizes critical faith development stages in the life of a child. It provides faith-based parenting education from baptism to graduation through a series of seven stepping stones. At these seven critical stages, the church, as the body of Christ, comes alongside parents to offer teaching, support and encouragement.
Faith Milestone #1 – Baptism
Parents/Guardians are commissioned as faith mentors for their own children. Within the baptism ceremony, parents/guardians and sponsors are asked to promise before God and the community of believers that they will raise their child in the faith, attend church with them, read the Bible with them, and teach them about Jesus. If you would like more info on Baptism, please contact our Director of Children’s Ministry Joann Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Faith Milestone #2 – Picture Bible
In this milestone, parents attend a class on the importance of having family devotions and the significance of "Blessing" your child with a written and spoken blessing. At the end of this class, families take part in a special service to commemorate this important milestone and speak a word of blessing over their child. At this time the children will receive their picture bible. This is also a time for parents/guardians to renew their commitment to be faith mentors for their child. If you would like more info on this Milestone, please contact our Director of Children’s Ministry Joann Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our next class is on Jan. 22nd & 29th at 9:15 am with the Bible Blessing at both services on February 12th.
Faith Milestone #3 – First Bible
By second grade, children have begun to read well enough to start using their own Bibles. In this milestone, parents are invited to a special class to help parents fulfill their baptismal promise to place the Scriptures into the hand of their child and teaches them about the importance of the Bible in their child’s faith development. Parents/guardians and sponsors take part in a special service and have the opportunity to present the Bible to their child and speak a word of blessing over their child. If you would like more info on this Milestone, please contact our Director of Children’s Ministry Joann Johnson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Our next class is on Feb. 5th & 12th at 9:15 am with the Bible Blessing at both services on February 26th.
Faith Milestone #4 – Entering Confirmation
Taking place at the beginning of Confirmation. Confirmation is a public rite of the Church preceded by a two year period of instruction designed to help baptized Christians identify with the life and mission of the Christian community. It also offers the opportunity for parents/guardians to renew their commitment to be faith mentors during these important years.
Parents/guardians take part in this service and join the pastor in speaking a word of blessing over the child as they begin Confirmation. If you would like more info on Confirmation, please contact our Director of Christian Education (DCE) Noël Fairchild at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Faith Milestone #5 – First Communion/Confirmation
Prior to admission to the Holy Communion, it is necessary to be instructed in the Christian faith (1 Cor. 11:28). The rite of confirmation provides an opportunity for the individual Christian, relying on God's promise given in Holy Baptism, to make a personal public confession of the faith and a lifelong pledge of fidelity to Christ. (An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism). Confirmation will take place on Palm Sunday and First Communion will happen on Maundy Thursday. Parents and Sponsors will speak a word of blessing during the Confirmation service.
Faith Milestone #6 – Blessing of the Keys
For youth, receiving a driver's license is a rite of passage that marks a whole new level of independence and freedom. In celebration of this momentous event, these youth take part in the church service and the pastor speaks a word of blessing over them and prays for God’s protection and guidance along every mile that is driven. If you would like more info on this Milestone, please contact our Director of Christian Education (DCE) Noël Fairchild at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Faith Milestone #7 – High School Graduation
When a child graduates from high school, they are ready for whatever lies ahead. In celebration of this momentous event, parents/guardians and youth take part in this service and join the pastor in speaking a word of blessing over the child. This day marks the end of the “Faith Milestones”.
