Aiden is a Faith Friend

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

We have a brand new program at church called Faith Friends and it's REALLY cool! Itis sort of like a mentorship program, but it's for 2nd graders and newly baptized babies. The 2nd grader is connected with a family when they are in meeting with the pastor before the baby is baptized --- this 2nd grader, or Faith Friend, is responsible for praying for the baby, sending cards on the baptismal birthday, letters, school pictures, etc, recognizing the family at church (children feel more connected and part of the church community when at least 3 adults / older people in the church can call them by name) and when the child grows and is ready to start Sunday school, the Faith Friend is like their mentor (at this point Aiden will be 10 or 11), you know, someone to say "hi" when they see them in the hall or sit next to them during singing, help relieve any anxiety they may have during their new experience. I hope the program turns out as well as it's potential...what a NEAT IDEA, huh?

The Faith Friend gets to be a part of the baptism as well!! They are given a specially made stole and they stand next to the pastor during the ceremony --- they get to hold the candle, a "keeper of the light"....Aiden was nervous, but really excited!! This pic didn't turn out perfect, but there's no flash allowed during ceremonies in our church!
Here is proud Aiden with Alyssa Joy---Isn't she a punkin!!? Aiden kept saying "look at my baby, her cheeks are SO CUTE"!

Good job, Aiden! You are going to be a GREAT Faith Friend --- I'm SO PROUD of you!