Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones are intentional times when caregivers and their children gather to be equipped to grow in faith together and to grow in faith habits that can be used at home. This is a ministry that supports Immanuel families to live out their faith in their homes. We invite parents and child to gather for Stepping Stones each year (most include a multi-week caregiver and child series which culminates with a blessing before the congregation). Each Stepping Stone takes the place of your child's Sunday School/God Squad that week.
*If you normally attend 10:30 Sunday School, please note that Stepping Stones takes place at 9am only. I know that this is a change in schedule for you, but it is a way that we can get the whole grade together at one time. This way you can get to know other families with children of similar ages! If you have other children, they are encouraged to attend Sunday School during that time, and the nursery will be open.
Faith Habits for Families
Stepping Stones supports, encourages and equips families to live out their faith in their homes. A couple tools to assist you with growing faith in your home:
Kindergarten: Your Own Bible and Loving Your Neighbor
September 24 - 9 a.m.
Please join us for our Kindergarten Stepping Stone—Your Own Bible and Loving Your Neighbor! Kindergarteners and their parents will learn about the story of The Greatest Commandment, who is our neighbor, and how we can show love for our neighbors. They will also recieve a Spark Story Bible and decorate a Bible bag.
Contact grace@immanuel.us for more information.
1st Grade: Introducing Holy Communion
March 3, 10 - 9 a.m.
This series aims to help parents and child learn about Holy Communion- this is not a “first” communion class, rather, teaching children and parents about communion. Immanuel welcomes all people (children and adults) to participate in the Lord’s Supper. Children younger than first grade are welcome to come and receive forgiveness in the bread and wine - it is The Lord’s Table - and all are welcome.
Blessing: There will be a blessing of first graders and parents at the end of the Stepping Stone in worship on Sunday, March 10.
Please sign for this class using the form at the bottom of this page.
Contact grace@immanuel.us for more information.
2nd Grade: The Lord's Prayer
October 29, November 5 - 9 a.m.
What is prayer? Is it a magic wand we wave in front of God to get God to turn events and situations to our advantage? Is it simply a conversation? Is it worship? Why, when and how can we talk to God? Jesus gave us a guide in Matthew 6, what we now call The Lord’s Prayer.
In this series we will help children to understand the concepts embedded in the Lord’s Prayer: the holiness of God, God’s provision, the importance of forgiving as well as being forgiven, and so on. We will learn about prayer through experiential learning and parent-child interaction.
Blessing: There will be a blessing of second graders and parents at the end of the Stepping Stone in worship on Sunday, November 5.
Contact grace@immanuel.us for more information.
Resources
- The Lord's Prayer - for your meal table. Place this in the center of your meal table and use it to pray the Lord's Prayer at the end of your meal. Join hands around the table and join in prayer.
3rd Grade: Stepping into the Old Testament
October 1, 8, 15 - 9 a.m.
This series aims to introduce the 3rd Grader to the Bible and answer some questions like: Who wrote the Bible? When was the Bible written? How can I use the Bible? How do I find stuff in the Bible? The 3rd Graders will use their Bible with parents at each of the sessions - and there will be a public presentation of the Bibles in worship. This three-week series will take the place of your child’s Sunday School class for these weeks.
Blessing: There will be a blessing of third graders and parents at the end of the Stepping Stone in worship on Sunday, October 15.
Contact grace@immanuel.us for more information.
4th Grade: Stepping into the New Testament
January 12, 28, February 4 - 9 a.m.
This series introduces the 4th Grader to the New Testament with an overview of the New Testament, highlighting key Bible verses, participating in active learning and activities with parents, other students and at table groups.
Please have your child’s Bible (and Bible highlighter) with you! (Let us know if you don't have a Bible or highlighter).
Blessing: There will be a blessing of fourth graders and parents at the end of the Stepping Stone in worship on Sunday, February 4.
Contact grace@immanuel.us for more information.
5th Grade: Celebration of Communion
We invite and encourage 5th graders and parent(s), to join us for the Celebration of Communion which builds on prior learning and takes children deeper into the meaning of The Lord's Supper. Details on the Celebration of Communion page.
Contact grace@immanuel.us for more information.
6th Grade: Stepping into the Apostles' Creed
April 17, 24 - 6:15 p.m. in Luther Hall
These sessions will help students and parents claim the Apostles' Creed as their own, introduce students and parents to Confirmation ministry, and give them tools for home-centered faith practices that express belief in God in daily life. Participants will be involved in active learning, with interaction between parent and child, small group discussion and a variety of activities. Students will create a Give Jar (for use at home). Please bring your Bible with you!
Contact grace@immanuel.us for more information.
A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America