Let the Little Children Come to Me
Faith Lutheran, Las Vegas, NV
In 2015, Faith Lutheran Preschool in Las Vegas, Nevada, was blessed with the opportunity to obtain a larger campus that allows it to serve 245 students and their families. Tonia Tate, Faith Lutheran Preschool Director, shares,
"The biggest gift that has come from our growth is the opportunity to minister to many more unchurched families. One of the ways we share God's good news and gifts is through baptism."
Every year, the Preschool and Faith Lutheran Academy have been privileged to see students and whole families baptized at the schools and church. "Our efforts to invite families to know more about baptism is very intentional," Tonia said. Faith begins this effort with the Church, Preschool, and Academy working together to set dates for baptism chapels to occur twice a year. Chapel is held in the schools every week, and special baptism services are scheduled in the fall and the spring. Once those dates are set, the following steps are taken to reach out to the families.
At the start of the school year, a small blue slip is sent home to parents to see if they are interested in learning more about baptism. Tonia exclaims,
"We praise God that we had 24 households reply this year that they wanted to know more!"
They contact all the families that wish to learn more and invite them to sign up on the Church Center app, visit Pastors at the schools on designated drop-off and pick-up times, or email the Pastors or School Administrators.
A month before each baptism chapel, letters are sent to every parent, in which Pastors share the good news of baptism and invite families to know more. The letter reiterates the different opportunities to get connected for parents, and is sent in the fall and again in the spring. At this time, the director or Pastor will visit the classrooms to read God Makes Me His Child in Baptism by Janet Wittenback. This book is gifted to all the children.
When a Preschool child is baptized, their picture is framed and placed on a wall in the Preschool as a constant reminder of God's grace given to these children in baptism. (See photo below).
"Through the year, we have the privilege of celebrating baptism birthdays in our chapel service each month along with a message about baptism," Tonia shared. "Having baptisms last year during such a trying time for all was an amazing way for us all to witness God's love and hope. God has given our schools amazing Pastors. We are so thankful for them, and we would not be able to celebrate these wonderful stories if they were not always there to support our school staff and families."
Join us in Prayer
Dear Gracious Lord, We give you thanks and praise for the gift of Holy Baptism. We humbly implore you that, as these children and families grow in their faith, You would keep them in their baptismal grace, that, according to Your good pleasure, they may faithfully grow to lead a godly life to the praise and honor of Your holy name. We give You thanks for the ministries of Faith Community Lutheran. We ask for God's blessings on the leaders, members, students, and their families. In the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Baptism Resources
We hope and pray that you find these resources helpful as you talk about Baptism!
Share Your Story
We love sharing the work God is doing in our district and would love to share what He is doing in your ministry!