Link bar top Link Bar right
09/10/2010
7:00 pm ACOA Group
09/17/2010
7:00 pm ACOA Group
 


Education

Because Lutherans believe that God is the actor in baptism and salvation, and that there’s nothing we can do to earn God’s favor or forgiveness, we baptize infant children. During that baptism service, both the parents and sponsors, as well as the congregation, make promises to that child, committing themselves to teaching that child the meaning behind his or her baptism, including the story of God’s love for the world.

The members of Mt. Zion take this pledge very seriously and so focus our attention on providing quality education for our children and youth. This takes place in many different forms, including:

Sunday School: an hour of instruction every Sunday morning during the school year from 9:45-10:45, where children learn Bible stories, songs, and important concepts of the faith (prayer, the Apostle’s Creed, etc). Older youth also meet for High School Forum dealing with current topics and their intersection with a life of faith.

Confirmation: a three-year process begun in the fall of 7th grade, and culminating with a Confirmation/Affirmation of Baptism service on Reformation Sunday of the 9th grade year. It includes Scripture study, Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, history, Lutheran theology, and the marks of discipleship.

First Communion: 3rd graders receive instruction as a class to receive their First Communion on Palm Sunday. These classes take place outside Sunday School, and include multisensory experiential learning to enhance the child’s grasp of God’s gift in Holy Communion.

Vacation Bible School (VBS): For one week during the summer, Mt. Zion’s children gather to learn, celebrate, worship, draw, run through the sprinklers, sing, and eat snacks together, led by a devoted team of both adults and youth.

Children’s Ministry Events: Throughout the year, our children are invited to events at Mt Zion that mark the church year and help children enjoy and learn from the stories of the church. Examples have included a Birthday Party for Jesus, a Bible Heroes Festival, a Kids’ service day, and an overnight event at the Pettit Ice Center. For more information about these events, see the Children’s Ministry page.

Work Camp: Mt. Zion’s high school youth group participates in a work camp program that is a journey in faith, discipleship, and perspective. Our youth gain a sense of purpose in helping those in poverty, explore their own calls to discipleship, and grow together as a group. For more information, see the High School page.

National ELCA Youth Gathering: Once every three years, the high school youth from all over the country gather together for an incredible week together. They hear fantastic speakers, participate in service projects and Bible study, bond together as a group, and explore new things like rock climbing and God’s call for their lives. For more information, see the High School page.

We are always seeking those who are hearing God’s call to participate in the educational development of Mt. Zion’s children and youth. If you feel a call to participate or lead in any of these events, please contact the Pastors, or Mike Naumann - the Youth Ministry Coordinator.