At St. Philip’s Lutheran Church, we are excited to partner with families as their children grow in their faith through Ministry Stepping Stones, Sunday morning lessons, and service based activities. It is our hope that through these, children and youth will develop and nurture their love for Jesus.

Join us during the program year on Sunday mornings as we come together to hear and experience God through story, music, play, prayer, acts of service, and other activities.

The 2024-25 program year begins on Sunday, September 8, 2024! Classes for all ages run from 9:20 am to 10:20 am.

Scholarships are available for all activities and events. Please talk to our Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries, Connie Yerigan if scholarships are needed. No one will be excluded from any opportunity due to financial reasons.

Ministry Stepping Stones

Ministry Stepping Stones are milestone markers in a child’s faith journey. From a young child receiving their first Bible when they join Sunday School through youth standing up and affirming their faith through Confirmation in the fall of their 9th grade year, Ministry Stepping Stones will provide the framework to help your child grow in their faith.

At St. Philip’s, we have seven Ministry Stepping Stones:

Receive their Spark Story Bible 

At St. Philip’s, children are invited to participate in Sunday School beginning at age 2 ½ years old. It is here in their first Sunday School class that they will receive their Spark Story Bible. With meaningful Bible stories, colorful pages, and everyone’s favorite little caterpillar Squiggles, your child will love their first Bible.

First Communion

Children vary in their readiness for communion.  Around the age of 7-8 years old, your child may be asking the following questions:

• Is the child asking questions about Holy Communion?
• Is there a verbal desire being expressed to receive communion?
• Does the child participate in the worship service? (sings along in worship, says the Lord’s prayer, and the Apostles Creed…)
• Does the child talk about feeling left out when other family members commune?
• Does the child understand being wrong and being forgiven?

At St. Philip’s when your child is in 2nd grade, they will attend our First Communion Classes. Classes this year will be on Thursday evenings, March 27th and April 3rd.  Beginning at 6:30 pm in the Youth Room.  

Children will receive their First Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 17th at the 6 pm worship service.

Receive their Spark Bible 

Children in third grade will receive their next Bible, the Spark Bible. This Bible features stickers that introduce Bible marking methods to help connect kids with the Bible. It also includes kid-friendly introductions to the books of the Bible, along with definitions, facts, trivia, and questions to help kids think about their faith. 

Receive The Small Catechism 

Children in fifth grade will receive a copy of Luther’s Small Catechism. Martin Luther wrote the catechism as a teaching tool of Christian doctrine and faith for individuals and families. The Small Catechism sums up Christian doctrine by dividing it into six chief parts: the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, Confession, and the Sacrament of the Altar. Children will learn about the catechism in their Middle School program years.

Join the Youth Program/Receive their Colaborate Student Bible 

Youth will receive their Student Bible in 6th Grade. The Student Bible features interactive graphics, interesting facts, and insightful commentary. This NRSV Bible is designed to bring the story of God to life for students. It’s smart, it’s fun, and it’s a Bible your youth will hang on to for years.

Attend the Youth Retreat

In the fall of your child’s 8th grade year, they will attend a Youth Retreat. We will spend a day at camp working on service projects and enjoying some favorite camp activities, while also getting a chance to meet together with other confirmands and also spend time learning with our church group. 

Retreat date will be announced at the start of the program year. 

Confirmation

Youth participate in group activities and learning during their 6th Grade through 8th Grade years.  They will be Confirmed during the Fall of their 9th Grade year.  

Requirements and expectations for Confirmation are important as we are helping to guide and form the youth into active members of our congregation.  

St. Philip’s Confirmation requirements and expectations include: (each year of the program)   

• Regular worship attendance
• 12 worship notes
• 12 service/worship involvement opportunities; which include, but are not limited to…
  • prep/serve Wednesday evening Community Suppers
  • reading during worship
  • special music during worship
  • helping in the Food & Clothing Shelf
• Regular participation in Sunday morning and Wednesday evening ministry activities and opportunities
• Engage with a mentor during the Lenten season (more info below)
• Attend Middle School Retreats/Lock-ins
• Complete a Faith Expression project prior to your Confirmation

**Each program year consists of roughly 30 weeks **