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:

• The Faith 5 (PDF)
• Faith Habits - Prayers and Rituals (PDF)

Kindergarten: Your own Bible and Loving Your Neighbor

September 7 at 9:00 am in Luther Hall

Blessing in Welcome Worship on September 14

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.

1st/2nd Grade Year 2: The 10 Commandments

October 26 and November 2 at 9:00am in Luther Hall

Blessing in worship on November 2

Many people living with a young child can testify to their legalistic nature – they love to catch someone else breaking the rules!  So now, more than ever, they’re open to learning and remembering God’s Law! We will learn the reason behind each commandment that God has given, and work to memorize the full list. This Stepping Stone will help children (and their adults) to recognize right and wrong in the world, and know how to follow God's Word like Jesus did.

1st/2nd Grade Year 1: The Lord's Prayer

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.

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/4th Grade Year 2: Stepping into the Old Testament

September 28, Ocotber 5, 12 at 9:00am in Luther Hall

Blessing in Welcome Worship on September 14

This series aims to introduce students 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 students will use their Bible with parents at each of the sessions - Please have your child’s Bible (and Bible highlighter) with you! (Let us know if you don't have a Bible or highlighter). 

3rd/4th Grade Year 1: Stepping into the New Testament

This series introduces the New Testament with an overview of the stories, highlighting key Bible verses, participating in active learning and activities with caregivers, 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). 

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.

6th Grade: The Apostles' Creed

April 8 and 15 at 6:15pm, April 19 at 9:00am in Luther Hall

Blessing in worship on April 19

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!

For more information, please contact...

Grace Porter
Director of Children’s & Family Ministry
952-230-0356 (direct dial)
952-937-8123 ex. 56
grace@immanuel.us