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Milestone Ministry

Milestone Ministry is a series of worship and educational events, held at significant moments ("milestones") in young peoples lives, the purpose of which is to help families and all caring adults fulfill their baptismal promises: "that, living in the covenant of their Baptism and in communion with the Church, they may lead godly lives until the day of Jesus Christ" (Lutheran Book of Worship, p. 121). The following worship events and learning opportunities are currently in place at TLVC. All of them fully involve parents, godparents, grandparents and/or other caring adults in the experiences.

Bullet AGE 0-1 YEARS and beyond - Baptism
Bullet Baptism bag given at baptism, includes items such as blanket with faith symbols, Baptismal Anniversary candle, parent and child developmental aids
Bullet Parents and sponsors meet with pastors or attend periodic classes.
Bullet Cross-generational "Baptismal Renewal Celebration" held in January


Bullet KINDERGARTEN - "Lord's Prayer"
Bullet Parents or other caring adults join children in this introduction to Christian prayer, using the Lord's Prayer as a model.
Bullet 2 week sessions usually in February


Bullet FIRST GRADE - "Ten Commandments"
Bullet Parents or other caring adults join children in this introduction to obedient living, learning about the Ten Commandments.
Bullet Weekly sessions in April


Bullet SECOND GRADE - "First Communion"
Bullet An introduction to the basic practices and beliefs surrounding the Sacrament of Holy Communion, shared for the first time on Maundy Thursday. Click here for more information on the First Communion program.
Bullet Held on 4 Sunday afternoons before Maundy Thursday.
Bullet Older children are also welcome to participate.


Bullet THIRD GRADE - "Opening the Bible"
Bullet An interactive introduction to the Bible's organization, themes and importance for daily living.
Bullet 5 sessions in February.


Bullet FOURTH GRADE - "Apostles' Creed"
Bullet Introduction to the basic formula for Christian doctrine, the Apostles' Creed.
Bullet Usually held for 3 sessions in November.


Bullet SIXTH GRADE - "Pre-Confirmation Bible Survey"
Bullet In-depth age-appropriate overview of the Bible in preparation for entering Confirmation in 7th grade.
Bullet Classes held Sunday morning, 9:10 a.m., September through May


Bullet SEVENTH GRADE - "Confirmation"
Bullet Begins with "Entering Confirmation" worship event, early fall
Bullet Two-and a half- year program taught by pastors in large group presentation and small group discussion format, with monthly fellowship or service project events
Bullet Includes week-long summer Confirmation Camps and fall weekend retreats


Bullet NINTH GRADE - "Affirmation of Baptism" Milestone
Bullet Confirmation program concludes with congregational project assisted by adult Mentor completed in the fall of Ninth grade
Bullet Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) Sunday held on Reformation Sunday, in October.


Bullet TWELFTH GRADE - "Graduation Milestone"
Bullet High School Seniors and other graduates celebrated in prayer and worship
Bullet Includes "Graduation Blanket" gift from church and parents for Seniors in May.


Bullet K - 12 "Blessing of the Backpacks"
Bullet Get the school year off to a great start with this blessing teaching children that God watches over and protects them always.


Bullet 3 yrs "Graham Cracker Breakfast"
Bullet Parents and children are welcomed to Sunday School and introduced to their Small Group Leaders, Activity Leaders and the Sunday morning routine. Families enjoy a time of games, crafts, and a breakfast of fruit, milk, juice, and of course graham crackers on the Sunday before Sunday School starts.


Bullet 16 - 18 years "Driver's License"
Bullet Parents or other caring adults and teens participate in milestone moment celebrating the responsibility of the open road. Teens are blessed and presented with a key ring.