Family Ministry

The Family Ministry committee works with Pastor John and the congregation to recognize the faith growth of our youth from birth to high school graduation and we call these milestones, “Faith Stones.” The following are some highlights for plans for this upcoming school year:

• Throughout the year, the 3^rd and 4^th graders will explore the Bible during a few sessions held for families during the Sunday school hour.
• We offer sessions for preschoolers every other year, so the next offering for them will be the 2012-2013 school year.
• This past year we had a faith stone for 5^th graders, however, this is undergoing some updating. This will be changed to the 6^th Grade Faith Stone which will be offered in the Fall of 2012. We apologize for the confusion, but the content is more fitting for 6^th graders and it also conflicted with the Holy Communion Faith Stone for 5^th graders.
• NEW! New this year will be a faith stone for 1^st and 2^nd graders (name TBD!) to explore the wonders of worship.
• We will also be planning a service opportunity. We welcome ideas and suggestions!

Watch for details for upcoming events!

FAMILY MINISTRY UPDATE

The following Faith Stones will be taking place this fall:

• Families of 3^rd and 4^th graders: Watch for details about the first session to explore the Bible. This is held during the Sunday school hour for 3^rd/4^th graders and their parents in the fall.
• Families of 1^st and 2^nd graders: The Wonders of Worship Faith Stone is held in November and January. Two sessions are held during the Sunday school hour for 1^st and 2^nd graders and their parents. 

Service Opportunites: 

SUNDAY SCHOOL BIRTHDAY BAG  As your child celebrates his/her birthday, we invite your child to remember those who are less fortunate. We will collect items to put together Birthday Cake Kits to give to the Dubuque Food Pantry so that others have a chance to celebrate their birthdays with a cake, too! We invite your child to bring items for a Birthday Cake Kit on or near his/her birthday.

A Birthday Cake Kit will contain the following:

1 cake mix

1 can frosting

1 package candles

1 package small plates

1 package napkins

Children can bring some or all of the items to the SS opening near their birthday. We will collect the items and recognize the birthdays for that week.

The Sunday school children assembled 15 Birthday Kits and they were delivered to the Food Pantry in December. They were very appreciative!! THANKS!

During Advent, we gather and assemble items to send care packages for our college students and shut-ins.

Family Ministry also plans and hosts various social events for the congregation throughout the year. Singles, families, people of all ages, are invited to gather for games, bowling, movies, etc. If you have ideas to share or wish to help with these events, please contact Heather Felderman, 557-7379, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Bill Nybeck, 599-2383.

***If you are interested in joining our committee and working with the development and faith formation of our youth, please let us know.