Family Ministry at Gloria Dei seeks to nurture a vital and growing faith through personal relationships. This is accomplished by providing:

• Opportunities to strengthen family life
• Opportunities to equip homes as centers of faith formation
• Intergenerational events to celebrate and enrich our lives together

THE FOUR KEYS

The Youth & Family Institute has identified four keys that are essential for nurturing the faith, values, and character formation of children, youth, and adults:

1. CARING CONVERSATION. Christian values and faith are passed on to the next generation through supportive conversation. Listening and responding to the daily concerns of our children make it easier to have meaningful conversations regarding the love of God, and are ways to express God’s love to others.

2. FAMILY DEVOTIONS. Adults need to learn the Christian message and the biblical story as their own story if they are to pass on their faith to their children and other adults. Our Christian faith shapes the whole of our lives and involves a lifetime of study, reflection, and prayer.

3. FAMILY RITUALS AND TRADITIONS. Families identify themselves and tell their family stories through daily routines, celebrations, and rituals. Whether it’s an annual summer vacation, hanging Christmas ornaments, or an informal liturgy before bedtime, these activities speak volumes about what the family values, believes and promotes, and how much the family values its faith.

4. FAMILY SERVICE. Children, youth, and adults are most likely to be influenced by those who “walk the talk.” There are many opportunities for service: some in the home, some in the congregation, and some in the larger community. Whatever type of service you choose, it is best done with family members or other intergenerational groups.

Worship

Worship is a family affair at Gloria Dei. Children of all ages are welcome at every worship service. Children’s bulletins and activity bags are provided, and each worship service includes a children’s message.

Nursery

Two rooms are available for nursery care during worship services: The Sonshine Room for ages 0-2, and The Friendship Room for ages 2-4. The nursery is located at the far end of the educational/preschool hallway at Gloria Dei.

Baptism classes

Classes are offered the second Sunday of every month at 8:30 am and the third Saturday of every month at 4:00 pm in Pastor Heidi’s office.  Parents, sponsors and grandparents are welcome to attend.

Parenting Classes/Small Groups

Classes and small group opportunities include: Nurturing Your Child’s Faith (ages 0-4), Parenting Teenagers, Faith and Skills for Parenting. Classes and schedule varies. Please check calendar and up-coming events for more information.

Family Camp

Check out these websites for great family camps!

Outlaw Ranch in the Black Hills of South Dakota www.lutheransoutdoors.org

Mount Carmel Ministries on the shores of Lake Carlos in Alexandria, Minnesota www.dailytext.com

Family and Intergenerational Events

• Advent Fair This intergenerational celebration is held at the beginning of Advent each year. People of all ages gather to learn about the season of Advent, make crafts, sing seasonal music, and pick up resources to use at home. Jesus is the reason for the season! Enrich the Advent/Christmas season in your home by attending the Advent Fair.
• Other intergenerational events are scheduled throughout the year. Check calendar and up-coming events for more information.

Youth & Family Resource and Gift Center

This book and gift center offers resources to help parents, grandparents, godparents, and other caregivers nurture the faith of their children, youth, and families at home. You may purchase or order age-appropriate books, Bibles, audio and video products, and games to enjoy with your children as you strengthen your family’s devotional life. The Resource Center is provided through the Youth & Family Institute. Check with Dayleen Swanson, administrative assistant, or Pastor Heidi.