The Seven Milestones of Faith
At New Life we practice life-long learning.
BAPTISM
The fresh path into God’s Kingdom! God brings the child into the Kingdom through water and the Word and parents make promises on behalf of the child at their baptism. The Beginning of Faith Learning! At age 3 children and parents are blessed at the altar on Rally Day.
COMMUNION
The baptized are welcome to the Lord’s table! As Lutheran Christians, parents and children learn together the importance of the “means of grace” upon their entrance to the Lord’s Supper on Maundy Thursday before Easter. In second grade families share a “Seder” meal with the families of the 8th grade Confirmation Class. A second time for learning about the sacrament is in October for older youth.
5th GRADE BIBLE
The Journey in the Word of God! At 5th grade our youth are given a copy of the Holy Scriptures on Palm Sunday. This Bible will be used for their Confirmation Study time.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
Affirm the Faith! As the catechetical training comes to a close, the baptized youth and their families come to the altar and claim the disciple life of Jesus as their own.
HIGH SCHOOL CONFIRMATION
Stepping Out Toward God! At HS graduation youth gather at the altar to receive a blessing and provide thanks for their parents who have stood with them these past 18 years. Moving forward, trusting in God’s grace.
PARENTS’ BLESSING
Trusting Christ the Solid Rock! Parents receive the blessing of the child for faithful parenting and constant love for life in the Kingdom. Parents find this a time for letting go in love entrusting the child once again to God’s grace and direction.
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES WITH ELCA
New Life Lutheran Church is also involved at the synod level. Here we are able to yoke with over a 100 congregations for a wide range of opportunities for growing in faith. Each year our congregation sends youth to synod-wide faith growth opportunities in SE Texas and southern Louisiana. The 2025 National Youth Gathering will take place in New Orleans from July 19–23, 2025. The theme for the 2025 National Youth Gathering is “ENDURE”, which is inspired by Hebrews 12:1-3. The event will include concerts, Bible studies, mission projects, and entertainment.
