Faith Milestones
Marking faith milestones from birth to graduation by naming, blessing, equipping, and gifting families for each faith step is central to the spiritual growth of our families.
Passing on the Christian faith to others involves the work of the Holy Spirit to give birth to a trust and confidence in the creative, redeeming, and renewing power of God for us and creation.
By marking milestones, we can better “Tend the Baptismal Journey” through all the ages and stages of a life centered in Christ. *
Faith Milestones at Spirit of Joy:
- Birth
- Little Lambs
- Baptism
- Anniversary of Baptism
- Sunday School
- Blessing of Students (and Backpacks)
- Prayer Pillows
- First Communion
- The Lord's Prayer
- Study Bible
- 4th & 5th Grade Service Project
- Beginning Confirmation
- Confirmation
- High Adventure Trips / ELCA Youth Gathering / Missions
- High School Graduation
Birth
Newborns are welcomed and given the gift of Christian lullabies.
Little Lambs Sunday School
Newborns, toddlers, pre-schoolers not yet enrolled in Sunday School are welcome to gather together once a month during the school year for simple songs, Bible stories, and gentle activities.
Baptism
Children baptized at Spirit of Joy receive their first milestone and a beautiful hand-crafted Faith Chest. We celebrate this first step of our faith journey with great joy!
Anniversary of Baptism
At the celebration of Jesus’ baptism in January, we gather all the children baptized in the previous year to have a “class reunion” photo, receive the second milestone, and have a “baptism birthday” party.
Sunday School
At age three, children are invited to participate in Sunday School. Three year olds are gifted with a Beginner’s Bible. Children up through 5th grade are welcome to attend Sunday School at Spirit of Joy.
Blessing of Students (and their backpacks!)
At the beginning of each school year, Spirit of Joy partners bless all students – from pre-school through graduate school.
Prayer Pillows
In kindergarten, children receive a Prayer Pillow. This milestone celebrates the gifts of prayer. Parents and children learn that they can pray anywhere, anytime during a fun-filled activity session. Prayer Pillows have become a real highlight for our kindergartners!
First Communion
First Graders receive a milestone and instruction before they receive their first Holy Communion. Older children who have not received instruction before are also invited to participate. Pastor Jeff leads a Saturday session with students and parents to learn about this sacrament of the church.
The Lord’s Prayer
Second Graders enjoy a special Lord’s Prayer breakfast and learning session during the season of Lent. They lead the congregation in praying this special prayer that Jesus taught us.
Study Bible
Third graders receive a NRSV Study Bible. Pastor Jeff has several sessions with the students and their parents. Bible basics are taught, and children are taught how to use their Bibles for reference and devotional purposes.
Fourth and Fifth Grades
The older elementary students are offered opportunity for participation in various service projects. Students learn about our neighbor’s needs – locally and globally. Families are encouraged to work together in service to neighbor in Christ’s name.
Beginning Confirmation
Sixth graders begin confirmation study with Pastor Jeff. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism is given, and students are recognized and blessed as they begin a deeper faith journey.
Confirmation
After completing two years of confirmation instruction and a year of one-on-one mentorship with a caring adult from SOJ, students are confirmed in the Christian faith through the Service of Affirmation of Baptism. Red stoles are given to the students as symbols of their commitment to the Christian faith and their intent to live lives of service to God.
10th and 11th Grade
High adventure trips, ELCA National Youth Gatherings, and mission/learning trips are part of the experience of high school students at Spirit of Joy.
High School Graduation
In May high school graduates receive beautiful quilts hand-crafted by Spirit of Joy seamstresses. The quilts are presented with a special blessing of graduates and parents/guardians during the worship service.
*Spirit of Joy thanks our partners in ministry at the Youth and Family Institute for their leadership and research in faith formation.