Parents Link

We believe every child is a member of the faith community at birth. In baptism the congregation promises to partner with parents and support children in their faith development. As part of that promise we are intentional about providing resources like Ideas for Parents in the hard copy of our monthly newsletter. Due to copyrights on this material we are unable to include the information in the PDF file of our monthly newsletter. If, however, you would like copies, please contact the church office.

We celebrate specific milestones in the lives of children such as first communion and the presentation of gift Bibles for preschoolers, third graders and confirmands. These indicators are signs of a growing faith. It is our privilege to celebrate these events with you and your child.

Five Themes of Faith Formation

	Faith is formed by the power of the Holy Spirit, through personal, trusted relationships, often in our own homes.
	The church is a living partnership between the ministry of the congregation and the ministry of the home.
	Where Christ is present in faith, home is church too!
	Faith is caught, not taught.
	If we want spiritual children and youth, we need spiritual adults/parents.

Four Keys
Parents can double the probability that their youth will build a life of faith in Christ by establishing a home where faith is freely shared and related to in everyday circumstances of family life through the practice of the 4 Keys:

1. Caring Conversations
2. Family Prayers and Devotions
3. Rituals and Traditions
4. Acts of Service
(Based on Search Institute’s “Effective Education Study,” Family Strengths research at U. of NE and Dr. David Anderson’s study of Luther and Lutheran practice.)

Additional Resources
We invite you to check out these websites for additional resources for parenting.


www.mvparents.com
www.parentingteens.about.com
www.kidsource.com
www.search-institute.org/archives/wpcd.htm#2

Our congregation is committed to providing a safe environment where children can learn and grow. Learn more about our commitment by clicking on the Safe Community Brochure under Forms Download..