To prepare for baptisms, we ask families or individuals to attend a baptism class that explores the meaning of baptism, helps plan for this event, and answers any questions you might have.  The baptism class is offered the second Wednesday of every other month at 5:00 p.m.  Classes are offered in January, March, May, July, September, and November.  To sign up for the class, please call the church office at 320-762-2196.

Baptisms are typically offered at all of the Saturday services.  Because of time constraints and the amount of content on certain Sundays, there are some limits as to when baptisms are planned, especially on those Sundays when we offer Holy Communion.  You are encouraged to consider these limits when you make your plans.

Bibles (3 Year Olds & 3rd Grade)

Children 3 years of age are presented "The Beginner's Bible" and welcomed to attend Kingdom Kids Sunday school on the first day of Kingdom Kids in worship.  Children in 3rd grade are also presented their own Girls or Boys Life Application Study Bible during the year in worship.  This is a special day when we remember our baptismal promises to faithfully bring children to worship in God’s house, place the Holy Scripture in their hands, and provide for their instruction in the Christian Faith.

Classes are offered prior to the presentation of Bibles to provide a brief overview of the Bible, review Bible reading, and offer devotion and study for children and their families. The class will discuss the Bible’s role in worship and Christian education and invite families to begin thinking, feeling, exploring and wondering about the Bible.

Parents are the first and primary teachers of their children. The presentation of the Bible can help turn the home into the first church; a place of mutual conversations between adults and children about matters of faith. The classes preparing for the presentation of the Bible offer adults opportunities for their own Bible study, as well as providing them with skills and resources to share the Bible with their children.

Children do not understand the Bible as adults do.  They understand the Bible in ways characteristic of children. Even so, God meets children as they read the Bible. Children think, wonder and feel about this meeting and this God. The church’s task is to guide children so they continue to engage the Bible both now and as adults. The presentation of the Bible is an occasion when we call children with their abilities, limitations and experiences to consider what we cherish. It is also an opportunity to call the whole congregation to continue to engage the Bible throughout life.

The Bible is the living word of the living God. It is where Christ’s disciples go to ask what God has done, is doing and is yet to do. It witnesses to God’s gracious activity in the world and to the faith of God’s people over time. It shows us a God who loves us and helps us see our own need for God. As such, it is fitting that we help children to read, study and meet God. The presentation of the Bible is a powerful congregational practice that can lead to a lifetime of Bible reading, study and revelation.

First Communion (Fifth Grade)

The Word of God, Holy Baptism, and Holy Communion are the center of our Christian life and worship.  The Word of God is God’s self-revelation and communication that assures people of love and salvation.  Holy Baptism is the sacrament of water and the Word by which we enter God’s family and begin our trusting relationship with God.  The shared Word, bread, and wine of Holy Communion nourish our faith and renew us for lives of service.

First Communion instruction is offered as part of a Celebration that emphasizes the coming to union with Jesus.  Children in fifth grade as well as any others interested are invited to attend this Celebration.  The First Communion Celebration will be offered once each year in the Spring and includes instruction from the Pastors, the making of a communion cup to be used in the First Communion, and a family meal. 

The purpose of this celebration is to teach children about The Lord’s Supper and lead them to participate regularly in this supper.  Parents and guardians have a vital role in this preparation for Holy Communion.  Children need the support of faith from their parents at this very crucial growth point towards independence and you are their example and key instructor of faith at home.

Children who have prepared for First Communion are invited to receive their First Communion on Maundy Thursday during the evening worship service.  There is a re-enactment of the Lords Supper that creates a meaningful and memorable experience for the child and their family during this very important time in their spiritual growth.  Students will receive a certificate, wear a flower, and receive Communion in their hand painted Communion cups during worship with their families.  The names of all those receiving First Communion will be printed in the bulletin.

Confirmation

When we are baptized our parents make some promises. Promises to:

• Bring us to worship
• Help us have a relationship with God
• Emerge us in our Christian faith

We at First Lutheran want to be a part of that process, and encourage both students and parents in making that happen.

One of the ways we do that is through First Lutheran’s Confirmation Program. It begins in 7th grade and goes through the fall of your 10th grade year. It includes class time, small groups, service opportunities, one-on-one mentoring, a retreat, and a chance to grow in your faith.

Graduation

Graduation is an important milestone in the life of a young person.  We celebrate the event with our graduates by having a special worship service with a reception to follow.  This service is held on the day of graduation and each student shares with the congregation their future plans and we send them onto the next part of their journey with blessings & the promise of God's presence to be with them always.