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My Body, God's Gift Milestone |
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About My Body, God's Gift Milestone
In this Milestones Ministry event, children, parents/guardians and other caring adults are brought together around God’s Word as they use, read, study and play in the Bible. In this way, children not only receive Bibles, but also are encouraged to use them together with their families.
In recent generations in the life of the church, the use of the Bible in the home and in daily life has become less apparent. Not only is the American culture less familiar with the stories, guidance and faith statements of Scripture, but so is the church culture. It could even be argued that the thoughts, conversations and decisions of those who teach Faith Formation and confirmation or attend church council meetings and annual congregational meetings are not substantially based on the biblical testimony and guidance. For many Christians in the church, the Bible has become an endangered species, something rarely spotted or referenced.
The Bible Milestone is based on the understanding that the Bible is an essential source of comfort and guidance for individual Christians and the larger church. Giving Bibles to children in worship has become, for many congregations, an endearing and memorable moment.
In recent generations in the life of the church, the use of the Bible in the home and in daily life has become less apparent. Not only is the American culture less familiar with the stories, guidance and faith statements of Scripture, but so is the church culture. It could even be argued that the thoughts, conversations and decisions of those who teach Faith Formation and confirmation or attend church council meetings and annual congregational meetings are not substantially based on the biblical testimony and guidance. For many Christians in the church, the Bible has become an endangered species, something rarely spotted or referenced.
The Bible Milestone is based on the understanding that the Bible is an essential source of comfort and guidance for individual Christians and the larger church. Giving Bibles to children in worship has become, for many congregations, an endearing and memorable moment.
Why this Milestone?
This Bible Milestone incorporates a simple structure that includes:
- Naming – It is important to place the Holy Scriptures in the hands of children and parents/guardians as a faith formation tool in the congregation and in the home.
- Equipping – Children and parents/guardians are invited to gather together around God’s Word as they use, read, study and play in the Bible. There is encouragement to use Bibles together as families.
- Blessing – The blessing for those participating in this milestone provides a reinforcement and special time to encourage using the Bible together as a family.
- Gifting – You may give a visible item as a physical reminder of this occasion, such as a Bible of your choosing.
- Reinforcing – Follow up after the Bible Milestone by connecting one more time to explore how using Bibles at home can have a positive impact on the faith and daily life of the home.
Learn more about my body, God's gift milestone at PCPC