“Growing in Faith”Ministries

At Gethsemane, our prayer is that each person experience God’s amazing love.  It is through the love of God for us that we are inspired to become disciples of Christ: people who love God, love others, and serve the world. 

Our goal is to be a place where people of all ages can come together to grow as disciples, sharing their gifts with one another! We won’t just focus on knowing about God.  Our programs are designed to help us all to know God better! 

Mile Stones

Baptism (Infant +)
In baptism, God works through the water to pour his Spirit out on us. Through his mercy and grace we can know he loves us as his own children.  We can trust in his promises of eternal love and salvation, no matter what.  We celebrate baptisms with people of any age.

Gift of the Scriptures (2nd Grade+)
At baptism, parents make the promise to place in their child’s hands the Holy Scriptures and provide for their instruction in the Christian faith.  For students in 2^nd grade and older, we offer a class for families to learn how to use the Bible together during their daily lives. Parents present the Bible to their child during a worship service.

First Communion (4th Grade +)
Through the bread and wine we are served at communion, we are reminded of God’s self-giving love for us.  We gather together to remember Jesus’ death and resurrection for our sake.  To help children understand this wonderful celebration, we offer First Communion classes to children 4th grade and older. Classes take place in the spring during the Growing in Faith hour on Sunday mornings. First Communion is celebrated at the Palm Sunday service.

Confirmation (7th Grade +)
Our goal is to nurture the faith planted in your child by the Holy Spirit at his/her baptism. We want your child to see Gethsemane as a safe refuge from the complexities of being a teenager; a place where they are able to develop lasting friendships and receive loving support.

We seek to share with our youth a love for God’s Word. We seek to help each youth discover God’s plans for their lives. Our goal is to help you, their parents and guardians, to launch your children into life sure in the knowledge of God’s deep love for them.
To download the registration form for Confirmation, please click here.

High School and College Graduation
We offer a Discover Your Call:  Dependable Strengths workshop to help young people as they prepare to choose a college, career, or specific job opportunity.  We celebrate high school and college graduation during worship in the spring.

Growing in Faith  Sunday School for All Ages (All ages)

To learn to live as disciples, we need to practice being disciples.  When we do, we experience the very presence of God, working in, among and through us.  We discover our gifts and grow more and more into the people that God created us to be. 

At Gethsemane, Sunday School isn’t just for kids.  We can all grow in our faith, especially when we spend time together!

Why Sunday School for All Ages?

• People of different ages and generations are increasingly separated in our society.  This is a chance to build meaningful relationships across the generations.
• Children and adults are made to be in community together.
• Every age group has unique gifts to share.
• When families and friends participate together, they grow in relationships.
• When families and friends participate together, they learn skills and ideas to help carry faith into daily life.

How do you meet the needs of the different age groups?

• We all study the same topic or Bible story.
• In the opening and closing adults and children talk together and share stories and ideas.
• This year, we will offer 3 different activities each week, designed for different ages and interests.

 Do you study Bible stories?

• Yes!  Each week, we study a Bible story or text.
• Since people learn best when they are active, we use a variety of games, projects, and activities.
• We have a strong focus on activities that connect faith and daily life.

 Come and check it out!  You’re welcome any Sunday morning at 9:00. 

Youth Room Nights (7th Grade +)
All students 7^th grade and older:  come and join in the fun on Sunday evenings from 6-9 p.m.  We have a fun Bible study, snacks, and play lots of games in the gym—and all over the building!  Bring your friends!   

Youth Leadership Team (9th Grade +)
Students 9^th grade and older are invited to participate in our youth leadership team.  The group will meet once a month for Bible study, team-building and fun.  You could be a mentor to younger students and meet new friends your own age.  You can develop your leadership skills by planning and carrying out service projects and events!

Mission Trip (9th Grade +)
For the first time in 2010, we are excited to offer a local mission trip experience called “Common Ground.”  Students will be immersed in loving relationships during a life-changing week of service.  Students will learn about the diverse cultures and needs in our own community.  They will spend half the week working on service projects on the east side of the Twin Cities.  For the other half of the week, students will provide a free Vacation Bible School to children in the area.  Each day, we will spend time dwelling in God’s word, worshiping, and growing deeply in God’s love.

Summer Camps (K to 6th Grade)
For the first time in 2010, we are excited to offer a series of summer camps for school- age children.  By offering full day camps with before and after care, we are able to provide affordable quality child care during the summer for working parents.  Students will also be able to register for half-day camps.  Sign up for just a week of learning and fun, or enroll for the entire summer! Registration will begin in March.

Vacation Bible School (Pre-K to 6th Grade)
VBS is an all day program, held in June.  Students participate in games, crafts, science and music activities to learn Bible stories and concepts.  Better yet, the students experience God’s love through the friends they make, caring teachers, and mentors.  All are welcome to share in this great summertime tradition!

A willing heart is all the experience you need to become a part of Growing in Faith Ministries. We will find something to fit into anyone’s schedule. If you have more questions or would like to volunteer, please call (651)739-1264 ext. 112.