Growing Together Through Faith Families

At St. John Lutheran School, some of the most meaningful learning happens when students step outside the walls of their individual classrooms and learn alongside someone a few grades younger or older. Faith Families provides one of those special opportunities.

Faith Families brings students and teachers together across grade levels for a time of worship, fellowship, service, and fun. Each Faith Family is led by a teacher, and throughout the year, students have opportunities to worship together, get to know one another, serve, and even engage in a little friendly competition through activities such as kickball and the always-popular Lutheran Olympics.

The first Faith Families gathering of the school year offered an opportunity to start building those relationships. Students participated in get-to-know-you activities that helped them learn names, discover shared interests, and begin getting comfortable with classmates they might not normally spend much time with during the school day.

They also had an opportunity to put their faith into action through a simple servant activity. Students created thank-you pictures for first responders, taking time to think about and appreciate the people in our community who serve and protect others. This was especially impactful because the first gathering was held on September 11. It was a small project, but it gave students a tangible way to show gratitude and encouragement to those who make a difference serving others.

And, of course, there was plenty of fun along the way!

Whether they are working together on a service project, laughing during a game, worshiping together, or simply talking and getting to know one another, these gatherings give students an opportunity to build relationships that might not happen otherwise. Older students have opportunities to encourage, help, and model leadership for younger students. Younger students get to look up to and learn from those who have already walked through some of the experiences they are beginning themselves. At the same time, students discover that they each have something valuable to contribute, regardless of their age. These relationships help create the kind of community we want to cultivate at St. John—a community where students know one another, care for one another, serve together, and grow together in Christ.

And if the smiles, laughter, and enthusiasm from our first gathering are any indication, our Faith Families have a lot of growing—and a lot of fun—still ahead!