Children are an important part of our faith community! Below you’ll find information about our worship space, our family education, and other information regarding children and families at Hope. If you’re not finding an answer to your question on this page, please contact Pastor Maria Anderson-Lippert (mariaa@ulch.org) and she will happily talk with you!
Worship Children are welcomed in worship and encouraged to be exactly who they are. There is an area on the side of the sanctuary, near the front, that is specifically designed to support children’s participation in our worship life. Tables, quiet toys, worksheet, coloring sheets, art supplies, and more are located in this area so that children and their parents or guardians can engage in worship together. Children are also encouraged to participate in our worship life through children’s messages during the service and other worship leadership roles that might engage them as they grow.
Faith Formation At Hope we do children’s education through a family Sunday school model on the third Sunday of each month. This is the Sunday we also serve our monthly fellowship meal where all are welcome to stay after worship for fellowship and food. Following the meal, we gather all together for a short welcome and introduction time. Then, parents/guardians move to another space for some conversation and relationship building while the children learn bible stories and faith practices together. Children and adults will reunite after about 30-40 minutes as our time together closes.
Baptism classes are held for parents of children who are to be baptized. To arrange for a baptism please contact the church office at 612-331-5988. Baptisms are conducted during worship on Sunday mornings.
Communion We believe that God’s table is open to all of God’s people – including children. Children are welcome to communion as early as parents/guardians are interested in having them commune. The pastor or communion server will ask you your preference as you come to the altar. Communion instruction usually happens when we have enough children who are interested in learning more, usually around Easter/Holy Week.
Values of the faith formation program at University Lutheran Church of Hope.
We are thoughtful believers dedicated to faith formation and mindful inquiry, expanding our understanding of how God is at work in our lives. Come and explore your questions in a caring community.
Where there is hope, there is life.
Our Goal: That our Christian community will nurture faith by
- Getting to know God.
- Building caring relationships
- Focusing on interests, not ages
- Celebrating diversity
- Welcoming children in worship
- Emphasizing service and social justice
Our theology of faith formation for all ages
We believe that all ages need a faith community which
- affirms promises made in baptism
- sparks a desire to learn about God’s promises
- inspires a thankful heart
- energizes us to serve
- develops positive, trusting relationships with God and each other
- encourages questions