Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones are intentional times when parents 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 begin by meeting with families preparing for their child’s baptism we invite parents and child to gather for the following Stepping Stones (most include a 3-week parent and child series which culminates with a blessing before the congregation).
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: Loving Your Neighbor
October 25, 2020
10 a.m. Zoom Meeting followed by at-home learning
Why is it important to love our neighbors, and how do we do that in the time of COVID? In this one-week parent/child class we will learn about the story of the Great Commandment and Jesus’ command to “Love your neighbor as yourself. Contact cindy@immanuel.us for more information.
1st Grade: Introducing Holy Communion
Sundays, January 24 & 31, & Feb. 7, 2021
Jan. 24 & 31:10 a.m., Zoom Gathering
Feb. 7: Blessing during the 9 a.m. worship
We have a blessing of children, first-time communing and those already communing, on Sunday, February 7, during the 9 a.m. worship service (LIvestreamed and in-person options).
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 baptized 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.
- Parents and children will gather together to learn of Christ’s welcome that all come to the table.
- Families may elect to have their child commune prior to this Stepping Stone.
- This will take the place of your child’s Sunday School class for these weeks.
2nd Grade: The Lord's Prayer
Sundays, November 8, 15 & 22, 2020
10 a.m. Zoom Gathering
Students will be blessed in worship during the 10:30 a.m. service on Nov. 22 (Livestreamed at-home blessing)
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. You can expect to have fun as you learn with your child! This three-week series will take the place of your child’s Sunday School class for these weeks. If you have questions about these arrangements please contact martin@immanuel.us.
Blessing: There will be a blessing of second graders and parents in worship on Sunday, Nov. 22, during the 10:30 a.m. service.
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.
- Video introductions to The Faith5
- Hard copy intro to The Faith5
3rd Grade: Stepping into the Old Testament
Sundays, September 27, Oct. 4 & 11, 2020
10 a.m. Zoom Gathering
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 in worship on Sunday, Oct. 11, right after the Stepping Stone, during the 10:30 a.m. service
4th Grade: Stepping into the New Testament
Sundays, January 3, 10, 17, 2021
10 a.m. Zoom Gathering
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. The schedule will be as follows:
January 3, The Good News (Matthew – Acts)
January 10, Amazing Grace: Paul’s Letters (Romans – Philemon)
January 17, The Universal Letters and Revelation (Hebrews – Revelation)
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 in worship on Sunday, January 17, right after the Stepping Stone, during the 10:30 a.m. livestreamed worship service.
Contact Minister of Faith Formation, Martin Rathjen, for more information: martin@immanuel.us
5th Grade: Celebration of Communion
March 7, 14, 21, 2021
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.
- Parents and students will experience a re-enactment of the Exodus and experience a sample Seder Meal – a meal in which Jewish people celebrate Passover (it was during Passover that Jesus began - “instituted” - Communion).
- Each participant will also design and shape their own Communion cup.
- We will gather for learning activities and classroom instruction. Each participant will glaze their communion cup and families will design and decorate a Celebration of Communion plate.
- We spend a great deal of time working in family units, so the presence of an adult is important. If a parent is unable to attend we suggest inviting another adult who is significant in the 5th grader’s life: a baptismal sponsor, grandparent or other relative.
- Celebration of Communion: During the 10:30 a.m worship service on March 21 (right after the final Stepping Stone)
Schedule
March 7, 10 a.m. - Exodus Role Play* & Cup Making*
March 14, 10 a.m. - Workshop, Cup Glazing* & Plate Painting*
March 21, 10 a.m. - Seder Meal*
Celebration of Communion in Worship TBD
*Details of if/how these activities will occur will depend on the spread and/or containment of the virus.
6th Grade: Stepping into the Apostles' Creed
Spring 2021
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 martin@immanuel.us with your questions.
A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America