Youth & Family Ministry

Youth & Family Ministry Handbook 2015 2016 Ascension Lutheran Church, ELCA 7937 Highway 51 South P.O. Box 940 Minocqua, WI 54548 (715) 356-4426 Fax (715) 358-3671 Email address: ascensionchurch@frontier.com www.ascensionminocqua.org

A Note from the Director of Youth and Family Ministries It s exciting entering a new program year filled with Faith Formation opportunities for you and your family to experience at Ascension. As you read through this Youth and Family Ministry handbook, please note that we are partners in ministry to your child(ren). God has enlightened and entrusted us with their special gifts at this time and place. Let s make the most of our time together. Stay connected. Come to Ascension and worship often. Visit our website, where you ll find our calendar of events, daily devotional, updates and more. Explore Seasons Of The Spirit, our unique Lectionary based format that challenges, supports, and invites us in new growth opportunities through learning, worship and service. 2

ASCENSIONS YOUTH AND FAMILY FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM We use exceptional resources from Seasons of the Spirit that can make a profound difference in our lives by bringing faith to life. The vision Seasons of the Spirit provides us with resources that empower all ages to be transformed in Christ as we: explore meaning and mystery in the Bible celebrate in worship, sacraments, education, and service engage in ministries of love, justice, and witness live in inclusive communities of faith, shaped and led by the Holy Spirit. Seasons of the Spirit is an ecumenical lectionary-based resource follows the seasons of the church year integrates the ministries of Christian education, worship, and service offers resources that nurture the imaginative spirit is created by an international team of writers and editors through a community development process is used by faith communities around the world, from Australia to North America to the United Kingdom Seasons of the Spirit is for everyone! Go online at www.seasonsonline.ca to access extra resources that support and enrich worship and learning. Library: Articles, Ask the Rabbi (background on Jewish traditions and practices), Living the Season at Home, Prayer 3

and Poem Gallery, Virtual Resource Booklet (includes crafts, recipes, and patterns) and more Links: websites referenced in the weekly materials to enhance the session resources Spirit Sightings and Spirit Screenings: weekly connections between the weekly lectionary passages and international current events or contemporary films Seasons FUSION BLOG: share your experiences, tips, and ideas with the entire Seasons community 4

General Information Absence If your son/daughter will be absent or must leave early, please send a note with your child or notify the office at 356-4426. Drive Safely and Wednesday Child Pick-Up Policy In the interest of safety we ask every parent to come into the building at 5PM on Wednesdays and pick up your child in their classroom. Children will not be released without an adult escort. Inclement Weather Policy When Lakeland Area Schools are closed, Wednesday Faith Formation classes will not meet. If schools are not closed and inclement weather develops, WMQA 95.9 radio station will carry our cancellation announcement or you may also call the office at 356-4426. Registration and Newcomers Policy Any family that is new to the community and wants their son/daughter in our Faith Formation programs must: Join the Church Attend a newcomers meeting 5

Ascension s Youth Activities Faith Formation Faith Formation classes begin in mid-september and continue until May. Specific program and schedule information is posted in the Ladder, our monthly newsletter. SUNDAY MORNING Preschool-1 st Grade meets Sunday mornings during the 10AM Service Nursery Care will be provided during the 10AM Service every Sunday WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON 2 nd -8 th Grade meets Wednesday afternoons 3:45-5PM followed by 5:15PM Contemporary Worship Wednesday Faith Formation classes begin in the Fellowship hall with a snack, followed by Grades 2-8 Faith Formation programs. We highly encourage families and youth to stay for our 5:15PM Contemporary Worship Service. We are also offering Contemporary Worship at the 10AM service on the 1 st and 3 rd Sundays of the month. CONFIRMATION MENTOR PROGRAM 9 th Graders are paired with a mentor for the year and usually meet on the first Sunday of each month. Lunch is always included. STEPPING STONES Stepping Stones is a process of learning and achieving milestones in ones Faith Formation journey. Stepping Stones is part of our Faith Formation programs. Most years having a stepping stone focus gives a child a significant and memorable milestone as part of their faith journey. The process of Stepping Stones begins with the promise that each parent made at their child s baptism and is reinforced at each milestone thereafter. It does not end with Confirmation but rather reminds us that our lives are continually in process and growing in Christ as we take new opportunities for serving and sharing the gifts of our lives and faith. 6

Vacation Bible School (VBS) Every summer we offer a GREAT VBS program for children in Preschool - 5 th Grade. It s an awesome week of learning through fun, song, craft and games. Christmas Pageant Worship Service Takes place the second Sunday of December at the 10AM service. Puppet Ministry Youth in Grades 4 through adult are involved in Ascension s Puppet ministry. It is a lot of fun and is a great way to be involved in ministry to the whole congregation. Skills learned through this ministry are used in a variety of settings involving education, music, and worship. Cradle Roll Following a baptism at Ascension, children from birth to three years are automatically enrolled in Cradle Roll. A welcome letter is sent with parenting Packet #1 followed by Packet #2 at age one and Packet #3 at age two. In addition there are informational monthly newsletters. YOUTH GROUPS SOLID ROCK Youth Group This group is for youth in Grades 1-5. The group meets once a month beginning in October. We have a lot of fun and offer some great opportunities such as fun nights at Camp Agawak and at church, bowling, swimming, Christmas caroling at the Senior Center, etc. This also plants the foundation for the continued involvement in relational ministries as the youth move into Middle School and on to High School. LAYMA LAYMA stands for Lakeland Area Youth Ministries Association. LAYMA began in January of 2003 with Ascension teaming up with the Lakeland area Catholic communities, and the Church of the Pines United Methodist Church. Youth Leaders from these churches gather to discuss ecumenical, social, and service opportunities for area youth. We provide organizational, leadership, and worship structures so that Middle and High School Youth can be involved, i.e., Mt. Olympus, Camping, Ski Trips, Summer Fun Nights, and local service projects, etc. 7

MUSIC GROUPS Angel Singers All children in pre-school through first grade participate as Angel Singers. We meet during church school every Sunday morning. Children learn songs, rhythm instruments, sign language and movements which reflect the lessons of the scripture. On occasion they will share a song during the service. Rushing Wind Directed by Gregg this group is open to youth Grade 6 through 12. The group focuses on contemporary worship music through the use of percussion, guitars, keyboards and vocalists. This group practices on Wednesdays at 4:45PM and leads the Wednesday evening service at 5:15PM. Tamarack This group is open to post High School through adult furthering the contemporary music theme and will perform special music the first and third Sundays of the month at the 10AM service. Rehearsals are at a designated time prior to the service. 8

Preschool (4 year olds) and Kindergarten Basic Teachings Curriculum: Sparks Bible from Augsburg Fortress The groundbreaking Spark Children s Bible forms the core of the curriculum. We introduce kids to 48 Bible stories through hands-on activities, art, music, cooking, interactive storytelling, puppets, etc. Each family will be gifted with this beautiful Bible on Bible Sunday to reinforce and share the stories at home. To learn more go to www.wearesparkhouse.org Activities Faith Formation Classes - Sundays 10 a.m. Angel Singers - Sundays 10:45AM Children s Christmas Worship Service Vacation Bible School Parents Help By: Bible: Sharing Bible Stories Prayer: Teaching prayers of thanks, apology and petitions for others Worship: Bringing children to worship and the Sunday sessions Stepping Stone milestone Entering the Sunday Faith Formation sessions: Children and Parents meet their teacher on Rally Sunday in the beginning of September 9

First Grade Basic Teachings Curriculum: Sparks Bible from Augsburg Fortress The groundbreaking Spark Children s Bible forms the core of the curriculum. We introduce kids to 48 Bible stories through hands-on activities, art, music, cooking, interactive storytelling, puppets, etc. Each family will be gifted with this beautiful Bible on Bible Sunday to reinforce and share the stories at home. To learn more go to www.wearesparkhouse.org Children of this age also begin preparing for their First Communion with a special home curriculum The Welcome Table. The lessons they learn at home are reinforced through Sunday church classes and retreat experiences. Activities Faith Formation Classes - Sundays 10 a.m. Angel Singers - Sundays following the Children s Message Solid Rock Youth Group (Grades 1-5) Children s Christmas Worship Service Vacation Bible School Parents Help By: Bible: Sharing Bible Stories Prayer: Teaching prayers of thanks, apology and petitions for others Worship: Teaching the Kyrie and Hymn of Praise refrain Glory to God and other familiar hymns and liturgy that are sung during the worship service. First Communion: Participating in retreat events leading up to First Communion including the family preparation as outlined in the Welcome Table book. 10

Second Grade Basic Teachings Curriculum: Seasons of the Spirit The Lord s Prayer In the early grades of school our resources begin to address the more abstract thinking skills of children using dramas, stories, and activities that connect with real life and the eager minds of this enthusiastic group. Spiritual development is nurtured through ritual and encouraging relationships with peers and adults. Activities Seasons of the Spirit - Wednesdays 3:45-5:00 p.m. Solid Rock Youth Group (Grades 1-5) Children s Christmas Pageant Worship Service Vacation Bible School Parents Help By: Bible: Sharing Bible Stories Prayer: Helping your child memorize the Lord s Prayer Worship: Teach responses used in the liturgy: The Lord be with you Response: And also with you and Go in peace. Serve the Lord Response: Thanks be to God Learn/Review the Kyrie, Holy, holy, holy, and Lamb of God. Stepping Stone milestone Making Prayer Pillows and knowing the Lord s Prayer 11

Third Grade Basic Teachings Curriculum: Seasons of the Spirit My Bible Activities Seasons of the Spirit - Wednesdays 3:45-5:00 p.m. Solid Rock Youth Group (Grades 1-5) Children s Christmas Worship Service Vacation Bible School Parents Help By: Bible: Teaching the books of the Bible and how to look up book, chapter and verse. Prayer: Learn to write brief prayers Worship: Teach responses used in the liturgy: The Lord be with you Response: And also with you and Go in peace. Serve the Lord Response: Thanks be to God Learn/Review the Kyrie, Holy, holy, holy, and Lamb of God. Stepping Stone milestone Bibles given out to Third Graders in October 12

Fourth Grade Basic Teachings Curriculum: Seasons of the Spirit The Ten Commandments These children enjoy making new friends and typically have the confidence to work in groups. The weekly resources encourage them to use their imaginations and life experiences as they develop biblical knowledge, ask questions, and explore the faith traditions of others. Group projects introduce them to issues of justice and fairness. Activities Seasons of the Spirit - Wednesdays 3:45-5:00 p.m. Solid Rock Youth Group (Grades 1-5) Children s Christmas Worship Service Vacation Bible School Summer Camp (Fortune Lake, Camp Luther, etc.) Parents Help By Bible: Teaching Your child the Ten Commandments and their meanings. Review the books of the Bible and how to look up book, chapter and verse. Prayer: Talk about words that are hard to understand in prayers. The Lord s Prayer should be memorized by now and used frequently. Psalms can be read responsively and used as prayers. Worship: Regularly attending and discussing the liturgy and addressing your son/daughter s questions Stepping Stone milestone Knowing the Ten Commandments 13

Fifth Grade Basic Teachings Curriculum: Seasons of the Spirit - Wednesdays 3:45-5:00 p.m. The Apostle s Creed Activities Faith Weaver Friends - Wednesdays 3:45-5:00 p.m. Solid Rock Youth Group (Grades 1-5) Vacation Bible School Summer Camp (Fortune Lake, Camp Luther, etc.) Parents Help By: Bible: Prayer: Helping your child memorize The Apostle s Creed and its meaning. Review the Ten Commandments and their meaning. Describe prayer as a constant communication with God throughout the day. Begin individual prayer journals in which prayers can be written in sentences. Worship: Regularly attending and discussing the liturgy and the sermon, and addressing your son/daughter s questions Stepping Stone milestone Knowing the Apostles Creed 14

Sixth Grade Basic Teachings Lectionary based Seasons of the Spirit supplemented with occasional lessons from the Here We Stand Multimedia Confirmation Program from Augsburg Press covering the Lutheran Catechism. Young teens enjoy being more self-directed in their learning. Friendships are important to them and together they are beginning to explore a variety of viewpoints within their community and world. Our weekly sessions provide opportunities to actively explore the Bible and encourage the development of communication skills. Varied activities meet the needs of different learning styles, and service projects will introduce ways to connect with the church and the community. Faith Formation Faith Formation Classes - Wednesdays 3:45-5:00 p.m. Occasional guest speakers sharing stories of faith, Christian lifestyles, and service Sixth grade youth will have four service outings during the year helping with projects around the church and adopt-a-highway Youth Groups Lakeland Area Youth Ministry LAYMA (Grades 6-12) Youth Events Other Activities Vacation Bible School as helpers, Summer Mission Trips Rushing Wind Music Ministry, Puppet Ministry Parents help by Attending one of two similar orientation meetings in September for parents and youth in grades 6-8. Bible: Teaching The Apostles Creed and its meaning. Reviewing the Ten Commandments and their meaning. Prayer: Describe prayer as a constant communication with God throughout the day. Begin individual prayer journals in which prayers can be written in sentences. Worship: Teach more about the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion. Attending church regularly and participating in worship. Stepping Stone milestone Community service and outreach 15

Seventh Grade Basic Teachings Lectionary based Seasons of the Spirit supplemented with occasional lessons from the Here We Stand Multimedia Confirmation Program from Augsburg Press covering the Lutheran Catechism. Faith Formation Faith Formation Classes - Wednesdays 3:45-5:00 p.m. Occasional guest speakers sharing stories of faith, Christian lifestyles, and service Seventh grade youth will have four service outings during the year. Youth will help with projects involving adopt-a-highway, food pantry, helping hands, etc. Youth Groups Lakeland Area Youth Ministry LAYMA (Grades 6-12) Youth Events Parents Help by Attending one of two similar orientation meetings in September for parents and youth in grades 6-8. Getting Youth to Church and Classes Helping them pick two service projects (Suggestions for service projects are in the Confirmation packet given to each youth at Orientation ) Helping them sign up (at orientation) and fulfill their two months of acolyte dates Helping them with eight sermon notes Winter Retreat Grades 7-9 It is a great weekend in a beautiful setting with opportunities for fun, sharing, great food and activities. Youth in 7 th and 8 th Grade MUST ATTEND a Winter Retreat at least once. Stepping Stone milestone Community service and outreach 16

Eighth Grade Basic Teachings Lectionary based Seasons of the Spirit supplemented with occasional lessons from the Here We Stand Multimedia Confirmation Program from Augsburg Press covering the Lutheran Catechism. Faith Formation Faith Formation Classes - Wednesdays 3:45-5:00 p.m. Occasional guest speakers sharing stories of faith, Christian lifestyles, and service Eighth grade youth will have four service outings during the year i.e. adopt a highway, One Penny Place, Helping Hands. Youth Groups Lakeland Area Youth Ministry LAYMA (Grades 7-12) Youth Events Parents Help by Attending one of two similar orientation meetings in September for parents and youth in grades 6-8. Getting Youth to Church and Classes Helping them pick three service projects in addition to the above (Suggestions for service projects are in the Confirmation packet given to each youth at Orientation) Helping them sign up (at orientation) and fulfill their two months of acolyte dates Reminding them about their sermon notes Stepping Stone milestone Global service and outreach Winter Retreat Grades 7-9 It is a great weekend in a beautiful setting with opportunities for fun, sharing, great food and activities. Youth in 7 th and 8 th Grade MUST ATTEND a Winter Retreat at least once. 17

Ninth Grade - Confirmation Mentor Program Basic Teachings Youth begin a Confirmation process this year that leans more heavily on their personal faith experience and their relationship with another Christian than it does on textbooks and other traditional approaches to education. We utilize the Making Disciples Confirmand/Mentor journal from Logos to help participants reflect on 13 core themes of Confirmation. Mentor Program Schedule Youth choose their mentors in the spring of their 8 th Grade year. During the summer we assemble the mentors and have a Mentor Training session in September. Mentors and youth normally meet on the first Sunday each month from October through April. A typical session begins with worship at 10AM followed by group/mentor time and lunch. Each family is scheduled to prepare lunch once during the year. We finish by 1PM. Confirmation is celebrated the first Sunday of May at the 10AM Service. Activities LAYMA Youth Group Activities Annual Mission Trip ELCA National Gathering every three years Mentor Program (Stepping Stone) Expectations Attend the Sunday classes Church attendance (at least 3 times/month) Four Service Projects Eight Sermon Notes Additional service expectations include: Food For Kidz set-up at the High School on the third Friday in October at 4PM; Christmas decorating on a Saturday in mid-december. 18

Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Grade Activities LAYMA Youth Group Activities High School Youth will meet on designated Sunday s following the 10AM service. Rushing Wind - Contemporary Music Group meets Wednesdays from September-May at 5PM to prepare & lead the music for our 5:15PM Wednesday Contemporary service. At the annual Middle School Winter Retreat youth leadership oriented high school youth can sign on as Junior guides. Annual Mission Trip ELCA National Gathering every three years High School Service & Action Forums Includes hands-on working with community service programs including leadership, individual needs, senior center, etc. Parent s Help By Growing in your own faith and being active and involved in church and worship. As young adults we value and need their presence the gifts and ideas they bring. Share your experience of worship together and maturely discuss areas of challenge and encourage them to find something meaningful and positive they can take from their experience Invite them to get involved in a ministry, i.e. drama, teaching, music, puppetry, volunteer opportunities, mission trips, etc. Remind them of events coming up. Enjoy them and their questions. Stepping Stone Experience A Lifetime process recognized through daily living their Christian life and commitment. 19

Youth on the Duluth Mission Trip 20