Faith Formation
Spiritual growth occurs through a balance between action and reflection and in the context of a balance between solitude and community. At Nativity, developing families of faith is a mixture of teaching and talking about the stories of the Bible as well as modeling and establishing the rituals of faith through worship, prayer, service and caring conversations about their faith and values. Faith is caught, not taught. Faith formation happens when parents and children learn together the stories of God’s love and Jesus’ ministry based on the Bible. Biblical concepts are also included in the faith formation classes.
All classes are introduced to Bible stories or concepts (Baptism, Pentecost, etc.) through activities that are exploratory and “hands-on”. The “Adventure Bible” is our text book. Second through 5th graders learn the stories through themes on a rotation basis. A story may be experienced through art, drama, cooking, computer or a video.
Children’s Choirs
The children’s choirs led by Karla Reiland, Director of Children’s Music Ministry, meet on Wednesday nights at Nativity.
- Nativity Singers – K-2nd Grade
Nativity Singers meets once a week to make music and make friends. Wed., 6-6:50pm. - Music Mix – 3-6 Grade
Kids present a musical during the year, and explore other ways to make music: hand bells, drumming, singing, etc. Wed., 7-8pm.
Third Grade Bible Class
A special opportunity for families to grow in faith together! The class is offered twice in the month of October. Of the two classes, your families chooses which class to attend picking one of the two that is the most convenient time for your family. The third graders will be presented with the “Adventure Bible” at this class.
First Communion Classes
A joint learning opportunity for the whole family, typically held three Sundays in Lent. Classes focus on learning the Exodus story and how it relates to our lives today; the Passion story and what communion is all about. The classes culminate with a Seder meal and the celebration of First Communion on Maundy Thursday. If you are wondering if your child is ready for First Communion or if you have questions, contact Tori Setterholm.
Camp WOW!
Five summer Thursdays centered around a special guest that comes to Nativity (Como Z0o, Science Museum storytellers etc.) and the wonderful gifts God has given us. Camp runs from June through July. Games, crafts and activities are based on the day’s theme. Watch for dates and guests for the summer of 2012.
Luther Park Day Camp
Luther Park Day Camp is for kids in 1st grade through 5th grade. Luther Park Day Camp is taught by staff from Luther Park Bible Camp who come to Nativity and bring the Luther Park Bible Camp opportunity without the overnight stay. The camp is four days, Monday through Thursday from 9am-3pm, ending with a root beer float party & celebration Thursday evening. Watch for next year’s dates. Contact: Tori Setterholm.
Luther Park Camp, Danbury WI
One week is designated and spots are saved for kids from Nativity to attend the camp located in Danbury, WI. During that week Tori Setterholm with also be at camp. To find out all that Luther Park has to offer go to: www.lutherpark.com
Gobbledybook Club – “We Chomp Through Books”
Readers grade 4 and up eat pizza together once a month and discuss a current book like Twilight or Harry Potter. When we read a book, we ask these questions: “What is the force of good in this book?” “Are you always sure who is a ‘good’ character?” “What is evil in this book?” and Where is God in this book?’ The kids meet monthly throughout the school year from 5:30-6:30pm. They also meet each month during the summer.