Youth Ministries

Ministries

MILESTONE MINISTRIES: Celebrate life’s most important moments with us… At Salem, we celebrate life’s most important moments, recognizing God’s presence in our everyday lives! We invite individuals of all ages to join us in our journey as we grow in faith and discipleship.

Baptism: This is the beginning step in a person’s lifelong faith journey. Through baptism we are welcomed into the Church and the Kingdom of God. If you are interested in baptism for yourself or for your child, you are invited to contact the church office to set up an appointment with one of the pastors.

Bible Presentations and Blessings: Salem recognizes that the Bible is an essential source of guidance throughout our faith journey. We celebrate God’s Word with our preschoolers and 3rd graders, as well as our youth when they enter Confirmation, by presenting them with an ageappropriate Bible and extending a blessing over them.

Backpack Blessings: This annual event marks the passing of the summer, and celebrates the beginning of the school year. Students of all ages are invited to bring their backpacks to the altar, where they receive a blessing and a small gift. Whether they are entering Kindergarten, or preparing to leave for college, this event reminds students that God is with them always.

First Communion: A child’s first communion is an important milestone event. We invite our 5th grade students and their parents to participate in instruction and discussion of the mystery of Holy Communion. After participating in this instruction, our young people are recognized during a worship service.

Affirmation of Baptism: This significant milestone affirms an individual’s baptismal faith to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) During seventh and eighth grade our youth commit to ongoing worship, education, fellowship and service to the world in the name of Jesus Christ. Confirmation instruction includes Bible study and the Lutheran Catechism and culminates in their Affirmation of Baptism in the spring.

Blessing of the Keys: When high school students become first time drivers, they step into new responsibilities and leave their younger years behind. Among ancient peoples, the rite of passage into adulthood has always been a quest connected to a more adult understanding of the world. Freedom, independence, adventure and the open road; all things our youth are excited to have, all things we want for our kids, and all things that scare us as our children grow up. At Salem we bless the keys of new drivers annually and provide them with a small gift to remind them of God’s presence with them. Every third year, we invite a police officer to spend a Sunday School hour with high school students and their parents during Sunday School to discuss the concerns and responsibilities of new drivers and answer questions.

High School Graduation: At the completion of high school, our youth are faced with choices about future life paths. Salem celebrates this milestone with a blessing in worship, a graduation reception and the gift of a handmade quilt, reminding them that God has a plan for their lives. “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)