Spiritual Growth

As a community that seeks to walk with Jesus in daily life, we honor all questions and value everyone’s journey. We may not always have all the answers, but we do have a desire to be in conversation with one another about important issues of faith, theology, and society. We offer regular opportunities for spiritual growth throughout the year.

Sunday School

During the school year, we offer regular Sunday School for adults and children of all ages on Sunday morning at 9:15. Children receive special music and liturgy training as a regular part of their Sunday school experience.

St. John's youth make a video of Noah's Ark

Animals take a break from filming "Noah's Ark: The Movie"

Special Classes

Throughout the year, the congregation offers opportunities for Bible study, theological reflection, moral deliberation, and the development of personal spiritual practices. Some of the topics we have examined include:

Living the Questions: A Progressive Discussion of Christian Faith

Hebrew Texts for Advent

Ecology and Liturgy

Luther for Today

Centering Prayer

Practicing the Apostles' Creed

Archaeology in the Bible

Images of the Reformation

Poetry as a Faith Practice

Baking bread for first communion

First Communion

Decisions about first communion are primarily made by each family in conversation with the pastor. Children may be ready and eager to participate at different ages. We welcome all children to the table. A class in communion instruction is offered for all children during Lent of their First-Grade year. They receive a Bible from the congregation at the Easter Vigil. For some children, this will be their first communion. For others, it is a deepening of their understanding of the sacrament. Parents are encouraged to speak with the pastor about these issues.

Confirmation class assists with Blessing of the Pets

Confirmation

Confirmation, more appropriately titled “Affirmation of Baptism”, instruction is offered for young adults of middle-school age. Class meets weekly for one hour for two years with confirmation camp provided each summer. This instruction is an opportunity for our youth to learn about and to claim the faith in which they were baptized.