Milestones

Baptisms

Baptism initiates us into a lifelong relationship with a God who loves us unconditionally. We are washed in the promise that nothing can ever separate us from God, and sealed with the power of the Spirit.

Lutheran Christians practice infant baptism. We remember that God does not require a mature or intelligent faith before claiming us. God opens wide the door and pours out faith upon us regardless of how qualified or prepared we are. Just as newborn children are always loved and included in the family, God welcomes us from the start.

Families wishing to baptize their children at Bethlehem should call the church office, 507-388-2925, to arrange a date and discuss the details. Baptism is just the first milestone we offer kids and families of Bethlehem. Click here for the Baptism Information form. Learn more on our Gather page, and click here to see all the Milestones.

Funerals

People of God know we are created in the image of God and born in physical bodies that will one day die. While we mourn the loss of those whom we love, we also trust that death is a normal part of creation, and that no matter when it comes, our death ushers us into eternal union with God.

Whenever possible, it is beneficial for each person to plan his or her own funeral service. This can be done at any age, whether or not you are sick or expecting to die soon. Here is a handy guide to get you started.

If a loved one is dying, we encourage you to let the church know so we can provide pastoral care for both the one who is dying and for their loved ones. Call the church office, 507-388-2925, at the time of death, too, especially if you hope to plan a funeral or memorial service at Bethlehem. A pastor will contact you to begin to make arrangements. Whether or not you require our help in planning a funeral service, we encourage you to let us know so that we can support and pray for you when you are grieving.

Family Faith Formation Milestones

For each age and stage of your child’s life, we welcome them (and you!) into the life of our congregation to learn and grow in faith in age-appropriate and meaningful ways. Click for a printable Family Faith Formation Milestones

Baptism - In celebration of your child’s baptism, we give you a wooden faith chest to hold all of the baptism mementos & faith-filled memories as your child grows in faith. As a part of the baptism service, we’ll connect you with a congregational sponsor. This is someone from the Bethlehem family who takes part in the service and will pray for your child.

One Year Old - Around the time of your child’s baptismal anniversary, a Frolic First Bible is given as a baptismal birthday gift by a pastor or staff member along with a personal visit. We invite families to light their baptism candle to remember this special day. You will be invited to join Sparks, our brief, bi-monthly gathering for littles and their grown-up in our nursery on Sunday mornings.

Two Years Old - Kids are invited to join Anna or Pastor Jacie for a Welcome to Worship milestone class in the sanctuary with their grown-up. Each child receives their own My Church booklet to help them explore our sanctuary and get curious about worship

Preschool - God's Little Lambs: A Welcome Ritual (September) Three-year-olds & those who are new to LIGHT & NightLIGHT will be given a small lamb as a tangible reminder that they are a beloved child of God and one of God’s own flock. It’s also their official welcome to our LIGHT & NightLIGHT.

Kindergarten - Spark Story Bible Recognition (Fall) All Kindergarteners receive their story Bible and a blessing during worship. We give a bookmark with stories to explore in their new Bible. Ten Commandments Class (Winter) Along with a grown-up, kids are invited to play with Matchbox cars and create rules of the road. Together, we discover why rules are important and understand, in an age-appropriate way, why God gave them to us.

1st & 2nd Grade - Prayer Class (Winter - Year 1) & Faith 5 Class (Winter - Year 2) Kids and parents learn about prayer and create a prayer practice as a family. Kids & parents gather to learn the Faith 5, an easy way of practicing faith and devotions in your daily life as a family.

3rd & 4th Grade - Deep Blue Bible Class (October - Attend either year) In preparation for attending camp and starting Torchlight in 5th Grade, we host an hour-long Bible class for 3rd & 4th graders and their grown-up to learn about the history of the Bible, why it’s important to us, and practice using it together. We will host it once per year and invite families to attend together once. Communion Retreat (Lent) & Recognition (Palm Sunday) 4th graders and their grown-ups gather to learn what communion means, bake communion bread to be used on Palm Sunday, and paint their own chalice.

5th & 6th Grade - Youth attend Torchlight, which meets exclusively on Wednesdays. Each grade group is paired with a small group leader who will form a relationship with them over the year. Brave Conversations w/ a Trusted Adult

• Year 1: 1) Mental Health & Suicide, 2) Technology,  Phones, & Boundaries 

• Year 2: 1) Healthy Relationships & Sexuality 2) Racism & Anti-Racism

7th & 8th Grade - Confirmation Classes & Blessing in Worship (Fall) Youth formally begin their Confirmation experience in 7th grade and ends in the spring of their 9th grade year. Confirmation ends in the spring of 9th grade as they are invited to confirm their faith publicly. Each grade group is paired with small group leader who will form a relationship with them over the year.

Brave Conversations w/ a Trusted Adult (Winter) The same conversations (see above) are offered every two years, and youth can attend with an adult when they’re ready.

9th Grade:

• Confirmation Class with Pr. Jay

• Confirmation Service (First Sunday in May)

• Welcome to H.S. youth group (Fall)

• Teens Encounter Christ Retreat (Fall)

• Youth Gathering or Trip (Summer)

10th, 11th & 12th Grade:

• 10th-12th: Keys of Responsibility Milestone for New Drivers (Spring)

• 12th: Blessing of Graduating Seniors & Reception (May)

• Teens Encounter Christ Team Leadership (Oct., Jan., Apr., or July)

• Youth Gathering or Trip (Summer)