Faith Milestones
Milestone Ministry recognizes faith milestones in the life of Zion Lutheran members. These milestones always include faith events for parents + kids and special recognition during worship. Milestones include:
- 6th-Graders are invited to join Faith Foundations and receive a blessing.
- 7th-Graders are blessed as the Faith Foundations year begins.
- 8th-Graders learn what it means to created in the image of God.
- 9th-Graders are blessed as they begin one-on-one mentor meetings and receive a study Bible
- 10th-Graders are confirmed on Reformation Sunday and receive prayer shawls during the Affirmation of Baptism rite.
- 11th-Graders take a walk through the Psalms and talk about financial literacy.
- 12th-Graders are recognized on their high school graduation.
Faith Foundations
Faith Foundations (our formal faith and learning programming) takes place through the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grades.
- 6th, 7th and 8th graders participate in weekly guided lessons during the school year focused on the Small Catechism and the Bibleon a three-year rotation.
- 9th graders complete a year of community engagement, conversations with a faith mentor, and an independent faith capstone project. This is a creative, visual display that ties together what they have learned over their Faith Foundation years.
- The Affirmation of Faith rite is held on Reformation Sunday of the 10th grade year.
- 9th graders complete a year of community engagement, conversations with a faith mentor, and an independent faith capstone project. This is a creative, visual display that ties together what they have learned over their Faith Foundation years.
Upcoming Events
ELCA Youth Gathering
There will be a meeting on Sunday, October 18 at 11:00 AM in Saundra’s office for those interested in attending the ELCA Youth Gathering in Minneapolis next summer. We’ll talk about the current trip itinerary, changes in structure of the event that have been made, estimated cost, and fall fundraising options. This will be the last informational meeting before registration in November! Youth can still be added after the initial November registration deadline, but additional costs will apply.
Registration for the ELCA Youth Gathering will open in November for students currently in 8th grade through seniors in high school.
For more information on the ELCA Youth Gathering, please click here.
MS & HS Faith Explorers
On Sunday mornings when there is no Faith and Fellowship, join MC Saundra and our adult volunteers in the youth room after worship for snacks, conversation, and discussion about the week’s lesson. Then stick around for some friendly competition with Mario Kart, foosball, Throw Throw Burritos, and more! This time is not required for confirmation—just come and join us on the weeks you’re able! We’d love to see you there!
Progressive Suppers
Progressive suppers are back! On November 1, we’ll gather at Zion at 4:45 PM for a prayer and to load up the church van to head to our first host. After appetizers and dinner at two different locations, we’ll return to Zion for dessert and fellowship together. Suppers are open to middle and high school youth—bring a friend!
The other remaining progressive supper date for the fall is Sunday, December 6.
Soul Shop Opportunity for High School Youth
We have been invited by Bethlehem Lutheran Church to join them for Soul ShopTM on October 28 from 8-9 PM. If you would like to attend this free workshop, please visit with MC Saundra to get registered. Friends are welcome!
Soul Shop™ for Youth is an engaging, hope-centered experience that helps high school students care for their own mental health while learning how to support friends who may be struggling. David Galvan will be the facilitator via ZOOM. David has been teaching, training and facilitating conversations about whole-person health with students and adults since 2010. He has personally spoken to nearly 30,000 students and recently became the Youth & Young Adult Director for Soul Shop™. David is dedicated to the mission of ensuring that every person has access to help, healing and hope.
In a safe and honest environment, youth will:
- Talk openly about stress, sadness, pressure, and hope
- Learn healthy ways to manage difficult emotions
- Recognize when a friend may need help
- Practice listening and responding with care
- Identify trusted adults and support systems
The goal is simple: to remind young people they are not alone and that reaching out is a sign of strength.
