Growing in Faith

Growing in Faith (GIF) is a unque program that recognizes that there are milestones in our faith journey.  Each of these milestones is worth celebrating.  We celebrate these special days with a learning time for parents and children together, a congregational recognition during worship, and a gift from the congregation.  For more information on any of our milestones or our classes, please contact Ashlie Keith, Director of Childrens' Ministries.

2 Year Olds

My Church Book - Children receive a book all about St. Stephen to help them learn about the church before entering into their Sunday School years.  Recognition is planned for Sun, June 7, 2009.

3 Year Olds

Starting Sunday School - Children will get a tour of the church, meet other Sunday School classmates, play fun games and enjoy an Ice Cream Social as part of their preparation for the first day of Sunday School.  Recognition scheduled for Sept. 27, 2009. 

4-5 Year Olds

Learning About Worship - Children learn about the many different components in worship that will help them be active participants in services.  Class scheduled for November 8th, 2009, recognition scheduled for November 15, 2009.

Kindergarten

The Lord's Prayer - Using art and games, our Kindergarten children learn the meaning of this praryer and are able to provide their own interpretation.  Class is during Sunday School on Sunday, April 11, 2009.  Recognition is during the Children's Sermon on Sunday, April 18.

First Grade

The Ten Commandments - First graders learn the "rules of the Christian road" in a fun environment that focuses on the true meaning behind the commandments.  Classes are scheduled for January 10 and 17, 2010.  Recognition is scehduled for January 24, 2010.

Second Grade

First Communion- The ability to understand and participate in the sacrement of Holy Communion is an important milestone for our children.  For a complete list of classes and activities scheduled for this milestone, please go to our page on this webiste.  The celebration of First Communion is scheduled for Sunday, March 21, 2010.

Third Grade

Bibles - Our third graders receive their road map in their Christian journey and learn how to navigate and learn the teachings of our Lord.  Class is scehduled for Saturday, October 3, 2009 and recognition is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2009.

Fourth Grade

The Apostles' Creed - In fourth grade we start to put our faith into action by learning how to tell others about what we believe and what we have learned in our previous milestones.  Classes will be held during Sunday School time on Sunday, February 28 and Sunday, March 7, 2010.  Recognition is on Sunday, March 14, 2010.

Fifth Grade

Martin Luther - In this milestone our children will learn about the founder of the Lutheran Faith.  Class is scheduled for Sunday, October 25, 2009 and reconition is scheduled for Sunday, November 4, 2009.