Flipbooks

On the first day of a new school year, parents snap a photo of their child posing with a backpack and fresh haircut, ready to begin a new grade. It's a milestone marker signifying the next year-long journey in a child's education. As parents receive report cards and at- tend school programs that show their child's progress throughout the year, they can also engage in opportu- nities for their child to grow in the wisdom and knowl- edge of God. Here are three milestones that can intentionally con- nect elementary-school-aged children to their life in Jesus and the family of God: First Bible: A child's list of firsts doesn't end after the first few years of life. Along with documenting a child's first solid food or first step, parents can also document and celebrate their child receiving a first Bible! Some churches and Lutheran schools work this into their cur- riculum by gifting new readers their very own book at a certain time or service during the year. And these Bi- bles aren't meant to stay in the pristine condition they come in, with the plastic wrap still intact. Rather, Bibles are meant to be read, marked, learned, and inwardly digested! Parents can encourage their children to open the book and flip through the pages to get oriented, and then maybe even read passages together, using a pencil to mark verses that are special to their child. Receiving a Bible is the physical reminder that serves as a milestone in the life of faith! Building upon the Bible stories they've heard at church and school, as children read it for themselves, they can recognize they're part of God's story, be reminded of God's faithfulness to His people, rejoice that God's plan includes a purpose for their life, and be renewed as they keep reading more of the story. What a special way to elevate family devo- tions or a bedtime routine by asking children to read the Bible to their parents! Ten Commandments: It's amazing what little brains can absorb and retain. They regurgitate the names of every reptile crawling in your region (whether you'd like to hear this information or not!) and spout off the stats of their favorite sports team. Add memorizing the Ten Commandments to their list of fun facts! These com- mandments tell us how to live life as God the Creator intended. Not only do they keep us safe, but they are also for our good! And when we recognize how we fail to keep these rules, we can be encouraged to run back to church to make the sign of the cross and hear the words of God's grace and forgiveness again. This knowledge also sets children up well for a meaningful confirmation experience. If children already know the Ten Commandments, work on another milestone: memorizing Martin Luther's explanations in the Small Catechism! First Communion: When your child receives Communion for the first time— wow! is it a milestone in the life of faith to celebrate! As children (or adults) receive Christ's body and blood in, with, and under mere bread and wine, they recognize they're connected to the body of believers, are reminded of the forgiveness of their sins, rejoice in the new life that is theirs, and are renewed and strengthened in the faith. This is a "first" milestone to celebrate but also an ongoing milestone to keep enjoying every time you take Communion. When you're assured in your faith, Christ's body is for you! When you're doubting your faith, Christ's body is for you! When you've messed up again, Christ's body is for you! So "taste and see that the Lord is good! Bless- ed is the man who takes refuge in Him!" (Psalm 34:8). As children enter their school-aged years, faith mile- stones can help ensure that they are learning more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. They're also growing in their relationship with Jesus! w Teach elementary-age children that God calls people in lots of ways, each one their own vocation, in this illustrated picture book. Find this title and others listed in this magazine at cph.org/llresources. HOW CAN I HELP? GOD'S CALLINGS FOR KIDS 1 3 2 Lutheran Life 11

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