Christian Education
Christian education is not just about teaching our youth the stories of the Bible; it’s about guiding them on a transformative journey toward understanding and embodying the love, compassion, and teachings of Jesus Christ. As parents and caregivers, we recognize our profound responsibility and privilege in molding the next generation. In our RIC congregation, we take that role seriously, striving to provide an inclusive and affirming environment where all are welcome.
As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, we deeply value the teachings of love, acceptance, and unity. We endeavor to instill these values in our youth, ensuring they grow up with a faith that embraces diversity, practices inclusivity, and reflects Christ’s unconditional love for all. Through our tailored curricula, community outreach programs, and interactive learning experiences, we aim to nurture their spiritual growth and their understanding of the essential role of justice, reconciliation, and compassion in the Christian faith.
Christian Education
Christian education is not just about teaching our youth the stories of the Bible; it’s about guiding them on a transformative journey toward understanding and embodying the love, compassion, and teachings of Jesus Christ. As parents and caregivers, we recognize our profound responsibility and privilege in molding the next generation. In our RIC congregation, we take that role seriously, striving to provide an inclusive and affirming environment where all are welcome.
As a Reconciling in Christ congregation, we deeply value the teachings of love, acceptance, and unity. We endeavor to instill these values in our youth, ensuring they grow up with a faith that embraces diversity, practices inclusivity, and reflects Christ’s unconditional love for all. Through our tailored curricula, community outreach programs, and interactive learning experiences, we aim to nurture their spiritual growth and their understanding of the essential role of justice, reconciliation, and compassion in the Christian faith.
Family Events
At PHLC, we firmly believe that family is the cornerstone of our faith and community. The bond shared within a family mirrors the love and unity we cultivate in our congregation. Recognizing families’ pivotal role, we are dedicated to creating spaces where families can come together, forge deeper connections, and make cherished memories. Our events are thoughtfully designed with families in mind — from the joy-filled “Touch a Truck” events, where children’s curiosity meets the world of big machines, to heartwarming spaghetti dinners that bring generations together over shared meals. Our youth bonfires are a testament to the vibrant energy of our younger members, and the myriad of other events we host are all aimed at celebrating the familial spirit. We invite you to participate in this communal journey; check out our upcoming events on our calendar and find the perfect one for you and your loved ones.
First Holy Communion
Within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) the age for first communion has gone through a significant transformation over the past thirty-five years. Early on, most churches allowed first communion in conjunction with Confirmation or Affirmation of Baptism (about age 14). Since the early 1970’s, however, the ages has been being pushed back to a younger age. At first, that younger age was fifth or sixth grade, but over the years, many congregations have gone to even younger ages for communion.
The old argument for waiting until an older age centered around the need to understand communion. Closer examination of the biblical and theological issues, however, led folks to concur that “understanding” or “discerning the body” did not necessarily mean a cognitive explanation of just what Holy Communion was, but rather an understanding of the community (as the body) and the participation with the community in a special meal where Jesus meets us.
It is fair to say that there is no unified practice on this. The matter is left to the local congregation to decide what seems appropriate to them and their faith community. Over the past decade or so, I have seen ELCA churches all over the age spectrum on this matter.
At Perry Highway Lutheran, we leave it to discernment between the pastor, the young person, and the family. Most of our kids are about 5-7 when they first take communion, some are still younger, and some are older. I usually meet with the young person and the family and go over age-appropriate material. We emphasize life-long learning and growing in understanding of the Sacraments’ role in our lives. During the season of Lent, First Communion classes are held for the children and they then receive their First Holy Communion on the first Sunday after Easter Sunday.
First Holy Communion
Within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) the age for first communion has gone through a significant transformation over the past thirty-five years. Early on, most churches allowed first communion in conjunction with Confirmation or Affirmation of Baptism (about age 14). Since the early 1970’s, however, the ages has been being pushed back to a younger age. At first, that younger age was fifth or sixth grade, but over the years, many congregations have gone to even younger ages for communion.
The old argument for waiting until an older age centered around the need to understand communion. Closer examination of the biblical and theological issues, however, led folks to concur that “understanding” or “discerning the body” did not necessarily mean a cognitive explanation of just what Holy Communion was, but rather an understanding of the community (as the body) and the participation with the community in a special meal where Jesus meets us.
It is fair to say that there is no unified practice on this. The matter is left to the local congregation to decide what seems appropriate to them and their faith community. Over the past decade or so, I have seen ELCA churches all over the age spectrum on this matter.
At Perry Highway Lutheran, we leave it to discernment between the pastor, the young person, and the family. Most of our kids are about 5-7 when they first take communion, some are still younger, and some are older. I usually meet with the young person and the family and go over age-appropriate material. We emphasize life-long learning and growing in understanding of the Sacraments’ role in our lives. During the season of Lent, First Communion classes are held for the children and they then receive their First Holy Communion on the first Sunday after Easter Sunday.
Confirmation in the Lutheran Faith at PHLC: An Overview
Originating from the Lutheran tradition, Confirmation is a time of intentional instruction in the Scriptures, Luther’s Small Catechism, and the tenets of the Christian faith. Throughout this period, confirmands are guided by mentors and church leaders to understand, reflect upon, and internalize the foundational beliefs of our faith. At the culmination, the confirmands publicly affirm the faith into which they were baptized, signifying their commitment to the ways of Christ.
Being an RIC congregation, PHLC strongly emphasizes inclusivity, love, and acceptance throughout the Confirmation process. We aim to foster a safe, welcoming space where everyone feels valued and understood, irrespective of their background, identity, or life experiences. Through thoughtful discussions, community engagements, and reflection on God’s boundless love, our youth are encouraged to embrace a faith that champions justice, reconciliation, and compassion.
