Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 11:18-19
Children and Youth Faith Formation
The most important influence shaping the spiritual lives of children and teenagers is their parents and living in a faith community (church) with family members, fellow believers, friends, teachers, and pastors who create space to wrestle with the difficult questions of faith and life. It is nearly impossible to live as an isolated Christian, so we are GATHERED by the Holy Spirit, FED the Word of God, and SENT to make Christ known.
MLC's goal is to support you as you make disciples (learners, apprentices, followers) of the children and youth in your life, so they grow in faith. Below are opportunities for children and youth to participate in our learning community. Valuable resources are available on our Family and Faith Formation page. |
God's Detectives
God isn’t out there somewhere "in a galaxy far, far away." God isn't "watching us from a distance." God hasn’t retired and he isn’t sleeping on the job. God is busy and active in Scripture, in our lives, in the lives of those close to us, in the community, in the world, and in the church. So let's start the investigation: the clues are everywhere! WHO: Children 3 years old through 6th grade (Sunday School). WHEN: Sundays from September through May at 10:15 to 11:00 AM Welcoming Young Children To Worship It is vital that children know that they are welcome in worship! This milestone event is to introduce young children and the adults who care for them to worship and the worship space. While this is especially for children in preschool, if you have a young child and have not attended this event in the past you are welcome to join us! WHO: Preschool Children and their parents. WHEN: This is typically held on a Sunday morning in the Fall after worship. Please check the calendar for more information. TIPS: Click Here for tips for parents. Bible Adventure Pastor Andrew introduces children and their parents to the wonderful adventure of reading the Bible! At the end of these three sessions, children will receive their own Bibles during a special worship service. WHO: 3rd or 4th Grade students and their parents. WHEN: This is typically held on three consecutive Sunday afternoons in September and October. Please check the calendar for more information. Vacation Bible School VBS is a joint endeavor with Journey United Methodist Church. The children learn Bible stories, sing songs, do crafts, make new friends, and have a great time learning about Jesus! WHO: Children 4 years old through 6th grade. WHEN: In the summer. Please check the calendar for more information. |
Fifth Grade Communion Class
Classes are held during Lent (February and March) and the children receive communion during a special service on Maundy Thursday before Easter Sunday during Holy Week. WHO: 5th & 6th grade students and their parents. WHEN: Please check the calendar for more information. Confirmation Baptism is at the heart of confirmation. Confirmation is properly known as “Affirmation of Baptism”—the time when youth become adults in the church and respond to God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and his call on us to "follow me." WHO: Two years of of classes for middle school and high school youth. Typically 7th and 8th grade students for the first two years; please check with the Pastor. 9th Grade youth typically affirm their Baptism on the last Sunday in October after two years of classes and meeting with the Pastor in September and October. WHEN: Please check the calendar for more information or contact Pastor Andrew. PLACE: TBA |