A faith milestone is a marker along life's journey that says, "This is something important and God is here, too." Marking a milestone is a Bible-based spiritual practice in both home and congregation, that help all generations recognize God's presence in all of life.
We celebrate Milestones as a community throughout the year; like backpack blessings at the start of school years, graduations, Bible presentations, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. We also offer take home kits to celebrate 25 different milestones throughout all life stages! They are located in the parish hall and provide simple prayers, scriptures and a symbolic gift tied to that milestone that can be celebrated in the home. More information is below.
We celebrate Milestones as a community throughout the year; like backpack blessings at the start of school years, graduations, Bible presentations, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. We also offer take home kits to celebrate 25 different milestones throughout all life stages! They are located in the parish hall and provide simple prayers, scriptures and a symbolic gift tied to that milestone that can be celebrated in the home. More information is below.
Milestones celebrated with the community:
Receiving a FaithChest at Baptism: at each Baptism the family is given a box with special items to remember their baptism and to store their Baptismal candle and gown.
Blessing of the Backpacks: at the beginning of the school year children and teens are invited to bring their backpacks and all adult educators to bring their cases/backpacks to be blessed and receive a symbolic gift to hang on their bags.
Bible Presentation: each September we celebrate a milestone in the lives of our young people with the gifting of a Bible to grow in God’s word. Students new to our programs, children transitioning from nursery to KidsWord, and children in grade 4 who all received Bibles.
Blessing of the Animals: each October you are invited to bring your pets to sit with you during the 10 am service! All pets should be leashed or in a cage/crate. Alternately, you can bring a photo of your pet on your smartphone, or in a frame, or even a stuffed animal to be blessed.
Blessing Cup Celebration: every other year families who are interested in learning more about Communion engage in a multi week learning process together, culminating in a special Sunday morning service where their family Blessing Cup they have created is blessed and used at communion and then taken home along with a Family Blessing Cup Prayer booklet.
Confirmation: every other year, those who wish to reaffirm their faith can do so at a special service presided by our Bishop.
Graduation: each May, all high school and college graduates are honored at a special service.
Blessing of the Backpacks: at the beginning of the school year children and teens are invited to bring their backpacks and all adult educators to bring their cases/backpacks to be blessed and receive a symbolic gift to hang on their bags.
Bible Presentation: each September we celebrate a milestone in the lives of our young people with the gifting of a Bible to grow in God’s word. Students new to our programs, children transitioning from nursery to KidsWord, and children in grade 4 who all received Bibles.
Blessing of the Animals: each October you are invited to bring your pets to sit with you during the 10 am service! All pets should be leashed or in a cage/crate. Alternately, you can bring a photo of your pet on your smartphone, or in a frame, or even a stuffed animal to be blessed.
Blessing Cup Celebration: every other year families who are interested in learning more about Communion engage in a multi week learning process together, culminating in a special Sunday morning service where their family Blessing Cup they have created is blessed and used at communion and then taken home along with a Family Blessing Cup Prayer booklet.
Confirmation: every other year, those who wish to reaffirm their faith can do so at a special service presided by our Bishop.
Graduation: each May, all high school and college graduates are honored at a special service.
Milestone Kits to take home: Use these simple prayers, blessings and symbolic gifts to realize that God is in the midst of every milestone of our lives.
Four Elements of a Faith Milestone:
- Naming the sacred and ordinary events that are recognized in our daily lives - Equipping brings generations together, builds community, invites conversation, encourages storytelling and provides information - Blessing the individual and marking the occasion in a worship service and in the home -Gifting is a tangible, visible item that serves as a reminder or symbol of the occasion being marked, as well as a resource for the ongoing nurture of faith in daily life |
Kits to take home include:
Children and Youth:
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