Our children and youth ministries welcome students from preschool through high school. Children of all ages are a valued part of each family, our congregation, our community, and the entire church. While children and youth are the future of the church, they are the church of today and we celebrate their faith in Jesus, growth as students, and participation in the life of our church.
Sunday School
During the school year on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. children ages three through fifth grade meet for singing, praying, learning a Bible story, and activities to reinforce that Bible story. We have a two year rotation of lessons, year one focusing on Old Testament Bible stories and year two focusing on New Testament Bible stories. One facet of Sunday School is our Building Believers home based and church supported program. Students receive weekly points for attending worship, attending Sunday School, learning memory work, praying, using Christian media, and serving others. Students may earn up to twelve points each week and every 25 points students receive an award.
First Communion
Students fifth grade and older may participate in our First Communion program. At least one parent must accompany their child at a one day retreat in February led by Bob Brantsch and Pastor Tritten. Throughout the day students and their parents can be seen using their Bibles at learning stations, tasting the bread and wine, and painting their own Communion chalice. Sunday school for fifth graders in January and February uses an eight week curriculum “This is the Feast: Preparing for the Lord’s Supper” from Concordia Publishing House. First Communion Sunday is celebrated the last Sunday in February and a reception is held to welcome the new communing members of the Holy Christian Church.
Confirmation – 611
Students in grades six through eight explore the Bible and Luther’s Small Catechism each Sunday morning. We provide a Bible, Luther’s Small Catechism, binder, and backpack for each student. We also conduct small groups to develop relationships among the students and to engage in interactive learning. We do service projects, social events, and overnight retreats including the annual Ohio District Youth Gathering in Columbus. Confirmation is called 611 and is based on Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Protecting Children
Any adult working with children or youth under eighteen years of age must attend our two hour in person training, receive a background check, and submit references. After five years workers must attend a one hour refresher course and background checks are conducted again. Training, background checks, and references are kept locked and confidential by our Prevention of Abuse of Children Committee. Since 2004 over 150 people have participated in our program and no one has been kept from serving with children. We love children, value volunteers, and keep them all safe so we may effectively experience the love of God.