“People were bringing little children to Jesus... and He said: ‘Let the little children come to me, for the kingdom of God belongs to them.’” - Mark 10:13-14
•••At St. Philip the Deacon, we have a particular commitment to our youngest members, remembering that Jesus explicitly told his followers to “let the little children come to me.”
Our Children’s Ministry has programming for families and children from birth through elementary school, featuring special sessions and instruction around baptism and first communion.
From workshops to help you prepare for baptism to special programming to help your child transition from elementary to middle school, and everything in between, there are so many opportunities to connect, learn and grow.
If you are expecting a child, or if you have children who are toddlers through elementary age, we hope you’ll learn more about our offerings for you and your family.
For more information about Early Childhood Ministry and Baptism contact: Rachel Arends, Director of Early Childhood Ministry at 763-475-7129, or by email.
For more information about Faith Creek church school, contact: Kathy Hagedorn, Director of Children’s Ministry at 763-475-7138 or by email.
For more information about Special Programming for Elementary aged children contact: Trisha Ragner, Director of Special Programming at 763-475-7119 or by email.
Pour out your Holy Spirit.
Baptism workshops are held regularly for those preparing for the sacrament.
During the hour-long workshop participants will get acquainted with one another, explore the meaning of the sacrament, and walk through the order of worship in preparation for the special day. Parents will go home with a bag of age-appropriate goodies to support faith at home.
To register for a workshop, schedule a baptism or for more information contact: Rachel Arends, Director of Early Childhood Ministry at 763-475-7129 or by email.
The body and blood of Christ, given and shed for you.
Through the sacrament of Holy Communion, Christians have given thanks to God ever since Jesus first shared this sacred meal with the disciples.
A family-centered workshop to prepare children in grades 2 through 5 for the reception of their first communion is offered three times a year. Children and their parents make the decision when to enroll. Generally, children are ready for instruction when they start asking questions about their faith and Holy Communion.
For more information contact: Trisha Ragner, Director of Special Programming for Children at 763-475-7119 or by email.
Welcoming and supporting our littlest ones and their families.
Early Childhood Ministry celebrates the wonder of God’s love by encouraging, supporting and welcoming families of young children, ages newborn to three years old.
Programming includes Baptism Workshops, SPARK Bible Story Series, beginner Bibles for our 3-year-olds entering Faith Creek Church School, our annual Family Christmas Celebration, as well as many other opportunities for growth, fun and development.
For more information contact: Rachel Arends, Director of Early Childhood Ministry at 763-475-7129 or by email.
Helping our children learn the basics of faith.
Faith Creek Church School for children age 3 by Sept. 1, through grade four, is offered during Sunday morning worship throughout the school year and on Sundays during the 9:45 a.m. service through the summer.
Following the Children’s Message, children are dismissed to their Faith Creek classes where the love of Jesus is shared with the children as they study God’s word through Bible stories, sing praises on Worship Weekend, and experience new adventures on Special Program Weekends. Children also learn about helping others through specific mission projects.
For more information contact: Kathy Hagedorn, Director of Children’s Ministry at 763-475-7138 or by email.
Welcoming children with special needs.
Faith Creek Friends is a ministry designed to teach children with special needs about the love of God in a small group setting. Leaders have backgrounds in working with children with special needs such as Down’s Syndrome and autism among others.
If you have a child or know of a child who might be interested in joining Faith Creek Friends or for more information contact: Kathy Hagedorn, Director of Children’s Ministry at 763-475-7138 or by email.
Special programming for fun, growth and service.
St. Philip the Deacon offers a number of special events for children and their families throughout the year. Guided by faithful leaders in a caring, Christian community, children gather with their peers and families for fun, fellowship and service.
For more information contact: Trisha Ragner, Director of Special Programming for Children at 763-475-7119 or by email.
Making the transition from elementary to middle school.
During the year between Faith Creek and Confirmation, fifth graders are encouraged to worship regularly with their families. They are also equipped to take on leadership roles serving as acolytes, readers, and ushers.
Fifth graders also enjoy regular gatherings called Verse 5, where they continue to develop their faith in a peer group, prior to starting Confirmation in 6th grade.
For more information about Fifth Grade Ministry contact: Trisha Ragner, Director of Special Programming for Children at 763-475-7119 or by email.
Martin Luther“Faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing. And so it is impossible for it not to do good works incessantly . . . it is impossible to separate works from faith, quite as impossible as to separate burning and shining from fire.”