VBS IS COMING:
Baobab Blast!
Place: Zion’s Lutheran, Jonestown
Date: July 12 – July 16
Time: 9:00 – 11:00 A.M.
Ages: 4 yrs. old thru completion of 6th grade.
To register: Email Janet Bird @ jbird75@comcast.net
Volunteers that are currently in seventh grade through adult are needed to help with crafts, games, snacks and storytelling. Group leaders are also needed. To volunteer or if you have any questions, Contact Janet Bird – 865-5636 or jbird75@comcast.net.
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Here at Zion's, we cherish children and seek to support families in raising children in faith.
We bring children of all ages, including infacts, to the altar and font for Baptism. By being Baptized as infants, children can grow up knowing that they have been claimed by God. Here the parents make the promise that they will nurture their children in faith. We also as a congregation make the pledge to support the children and families in raising up the children in faith. These are big promises. First and foremost though, God makes a promise to be God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for the child.
But again, parents and the congregation make a promise to raise the children in faith. So, here is what we do to help parents fulfill their obligations (and with joy see their children grow in faith, hope and love!):
Most importantly, we welcome the children in worship. Each week we have a children's message; this is done once a month by the pastor, but otherwise various people in the congregation give the message. Our service follows a similiar pattern each week, called the liturgy. The liturgy is interactive, giving children and their families a chance to participate in the worship; the pattern also helps make children feel comfortable in worship.
Along the way, we have some stepping stones on the Baptismal journey
Pre-age 3 --
Little's One's Play group that meets on Wednesday night
Age 3 --
Children can begin attending Sunday School;
Children may begin singing in the cherub choir
1st grade
Children recite the Lord's Prayer in front of the congregation
2nd grade
Children can begin singing in the junior choir
Children receive communion instruction
Children can attend kid's club on Wednesday night's
3rd grade
Children receive Bibles
4th grade
Children can begin serving as acolytes
7th grade
Children receive the Small Catechism (a basic guide to Christian faith and practice, written
by Martin Luther in 1526 and studied, memorized and learned in various forms and
languages for nearly 500 years!)
8th grade
Children come forward, on Pentecost Sunday, and make public affirmation of their Baptism;
The congregation confirms their faith
We also do various seasonal projects with the children, including the beloved annual Christmas Pageant.
Also, their Sunday School offerings help local causes, teaching children at a young age how they are blessed to be a blessing!
