Stepping Stones
Baptism
Prior to a Baptism, individuals or parents of children being baptized will meet with the Senior Pastor. This time is designed to give families and individuals an understanding of the sacrament of Holy Baptism and the importance of having a faith family to support them in their faith journey. Holy Baptism is open to everyone at any age. Baptisms take place during the worship service. Families are given the opportunity to choose the date and service they prefer.
Contact: Gudrun Dunt for more information or to schedule a meeting with the Senior Pastor.
Kindergarten
If you have a child entering kindergarten this school year, you and your child are invited to this meaningful event. Receive a special blessing and Bible during a worship service and gain insight on how to support your child in this school transition.
Contact: Amy Rademacher
My Bible
The My Bible event is an opportunity for parent and child to explore God’s Word in an exciting way. Your child will learn and experience the Bible in a fun and informative way that builds passion in scripture! All students receive a Bible as a gift from St. John’s. This stepping stone is open to all children entering 3rd grade. This hands-on learning experience will be followed by a special Bible blessing at the 5 PM Saturday Evening Service followed by a reception to celebrate this special stepping stone.
Contact: Amy Rademacher
Holy Communion
The Holy Communion event is an immersive opportunity for parent and child to experience the meaning of Holy Communion through history, the Church, and in our lives today. We encourage all eligible children to set aside time to be blessed through the sacrament of Holy Communion. The Holy Communion stepping stone is open to all students completing 4th through 7th grade. Leaders of the event include pastors and staff of St. John’s. During workshops, parents and children gather to experience instruction, discussion and hands-on activities centered around Holy Communion. Activities include an Upper Room experience (where guests experience traditional Passover foods), bread baking, chalice sculpting, and stole decorating. This stepping stone is completed with a special worship service with a reception following the service.
Contact: Amy Rademacher
Confirmation
Thee Rite of Confirmation gives youth a chance to say 'yes' to the God who said 'yes' to them in Holy Baptism. Youth make another step of faith by sharing their faith in unique and inspiring ways. There is a direct connection between Baptism and Confirmation in that both give an opportunity to respond to God’s call, covenant, and love. At Baptism parents and sponsors respond for the child and at the Rite of Confirmation each child responds for themselves by affirming baptismal promises. The Rite of Confirmation is available to all students completing 8th grade through 12th grade.
Contact: Amy Rademacher
STEPS OF THE CONFIRMATION STEPPING STONE
Parent Event
A parent event is held to give parents an overview of this Milestone as well as an introduction to Senior High Ministry. We encourage all 8th grade parents to attend the short event to hear more.
Faith 101
Parent(s) and student come together to share their faith. A chance to connect and reconnect through great stories and questions centered on exploring our faith journey. Families also begin to think and pray about the student’s upcoming Faith Share and learn more about how to write and present this statement of faith.
Faith Share
Students continue to step out in faith through a short Faith Share given during a worship service. Each student considers where God is in their lives and shares a short 2-3 minute story of their faith. Immediately following the Faith Share, pastor(s), family, and friends are invited to come forward to bless the student (Confirmand) in a brief rite. Faith Shares are scheduled from mid-May through August. Students have many options on which weekend/worship service they would like to schedule their Faith Share. Families are encouraged to invite friends and family to this special worship opportunity.
Family Worship Celebration
All Confirmands and their families come together to celebrate the faith journey each year on All Saints Sunday.
Graduation
The Graduation Stepping Stone helps the family prepare for the great changes coming as the student steps out of high school and into a big new stage of life. Let the church partner with you as you journey in faith together. The Graduation Stepping Stone is open to all current 12th graders. In addition, the Graduation Breakfast and worship service blessing are open to all graduating students from college/university and other schools for post-senior high students.
Contact: Katie Garee
STEPS IN THE GRADUATION STEPPING STONE
Faith 404 Event
Parent(s) and student come together to share their faith. A unique chance to connect and reconnect through great stories and questions centered on exploring our faith journey. A wonderful time to reflect on the senior high experience and anticipate the journey beyond.
Graduation Breakfast/Worship Blessing
Families of all graduating seniors gather for breakfast to honor what God has done and is doing in the student’s life. After breakfast, students and their families are honored during a worship service with a blessing.