Children, Youth, and Family

Mission

Our mission in Children, Youth and Family Ministry is to share the love of Jesus by becoming partners with you in Faith Formation.  As Lutherans, we believe that we are saved by God’s grace through Spirit-given faith for a life of good works.  We model this  through our actions and outreach.  The Children, Youth and Family Ministry is an important area of ANY church and we strive to welcome, encourage and support all children, youth and families.

The OSLC Nursery at East Mesa provides a safe and clean environment for parents to take their infants and toddlers. The nursery has a speaker system that allows an opportunity to listen and participate in worship while attending to your child(ren). Nursery attendants are NOT provided.

 

Milestone Ministry

At Our Savior’s we like to celebrate some of the important times, called Milestones, with our families. Listed are some of the Milestones we celebrate:

  • Baptisms
  • Back to School Blessing
  • Bible Presentations
  • First Communion
  • Affirmation of Baptism
  • High School Graduation

Baptism

Baptism is the first of the two Holy Sacraments recognized by the Lutheran faith.  When a family brings a child to be baptized, the child becomes a part of a  larger family, the body of Christ.  That larger family, the church, parents and God-parents / sponsors promise to pray and assist in raising the child to become a mature Christian adult. The child will receive a Faith Chest, a First Bible, a candle, a napkin and a certificate.

OSLC also welcomes youth and adults to receive this Holy Sacrament.

 

 

First Communion

The second of the two Holy Sacraments is Holy Communion. First Communion is held on Maundy Thursday or Easter Sunday.  Preparation Class for Holy Communion is held on the Saturday two weeks prior to Easter Sunday. Instruction consists of the children, along with at least one parent, attending the class on the meaning of the Holy Sacrament.

 

 

Confirmation and Affirmation of Baptism

While Confirmation is a Lutheran Rite of Passage, it is more importantly a chance for young people to affirm as their own, the covenant made with them in baptism and to commit themselves to a life of discipleship. Confirmation is a two year program of instruction, normally taught to 7th and 8th grade students. Confirmation is taught by the Pastors.  The Rite of Confirmation/ Affirmation of Baptism is      normally held on Reformation Sunday, October 31, or the nearest Sunday.

 

 

 

Bible Presentation

One of the promises made in Baptism is to place the scriptures into the hands of your child.  Our Savior’s partners with parents to fulfill this promise.  We provide an opportunity to learn about the Bible with your child in a group setting and then present your child with his or her own Bible in a special presentation during worship. Bibles are presented when a child begins Kindergarten, Third Grade and Affirmation Classes

 

Back to School Blessing

The start of the school year is an exciting and sometimes scary time.  We at OSLC like to remind all our students, from Pre-K through Graduate school, and teachers also, that Jesus is with them always.

 

High School Graduation

High School Graduation is an important milestone that serves as a gateway to adulthood. We celebrate and recognize our graduates with a blessing and they are presented with a quilt made by the quilters of Our Savior’s.