Welcome to the MS Ministry (Grades 6-8) Page!

CrossWalk Wednesdays

CrossWalk Wednesdays is a weeknight ministry for families, children, youth and adults. CrossWalk is a place where kids, youth, adults and families intersect with a growing, healthy relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Activities are offered for kids age K-5, Confirmation for middle schoolers, SiCC Ministry for high school youth, and Adult Education.

For more information about Middle School Ministry at Zion download the Middle School Ministry Brochure 2018-2019 or contact contact Pastor Mike Rueckert at: mrueckert@zionanoka.org.

CrossWalk Middle School Ministry

The mission of CrossWalk Middle School Ministry is to empower, encourage, and prepare you and your child for a deep life of faith and active engagement in Zion Lutheran Church.  Support and accountability are provided in this partnership, with shared expectations for Sunday worship, Wednesday night learning and small group, and fellowship gatherings. Youth will have the opportunity to explore the Christian faith, ask tough questions, and see what it means to be a part of a faith community as preparation for their Affirmation of Baptism service.

CrossWalk Confirmation

Wednesdays 6:15-7:45 pm 

Confirmation is an important milestone in your son or daughter’s faith journey that began at their baptism. It is our joy to partner with you in helping you fulfill the promises you made at baptism and help your child grow in their relationship with Jesus. The three years spent in confirmation classes are intended to continue the exploration of faith and the church so that students can make their affirmation of baptism in a statement of faith in the hope and trust that God will continue to lead and guide them in all the aspects of their lives now and in the future.

CrossWalk Confirmation is grounded in the basics: weekly worship, worship involvement, weekly learning on Wednesday evenings, faith growth, and community and service. In addition, students are expected to attend a retreat in their 6th and 7th grade years and spend a week at Camp Wapo in June after their 8th grade year, and finally, participate in the Rite of Confirmation the Fall of their 9th grade year.

Weekly Worship 

Weekly worship as a family is essential so that youth understand that their participation and involvement is vital to our whole faith community. Youth gain a better understanding of why we worship and conversations are sparked. Youth complete 16 worship notes throughout the year and are involved in worship leadership (as greeters, reader, acolyte, usher, or singing in the choir) during the year.

Middle School Ministry Announcements

What’s a Faith Milestone?

In Biblical days, stones were placed along a road to help mark a journey. As families of faith, it’s important to mark our faith journey, too! We do this by naming important events in our faith journeys, equipping ourselves for those events, blessing the participants and giving a symbol of remembrance for future reflection!

At Zion we celebrate four Milestones every year:

Holy Baptism

Commanded by Jesus, Holy Baptism is one of two Sacraments in the Lutheran Church. Through Baptism, we receive the gift of faith and the promise of God’s Spirit within us. A gift Bible and candle accompany baptisms.

Gift of Word

In addition to the infant/toddler Baptismal Bible, Zion provides a Story Bible to children at age 3, a full Bible at Grade 2, and a youth Bible at Grade 6. Children and parents also receive instruction for using their Bibles in church and at home.

Holy Communion

Instituted by Jesus, Holy Communion is one of two Sacraments in the Lutheran Church. Through Communion, we receive the gift of God’s forgiveness and grace. We practice open age communion at Zion; whenever your child is ready for communion they are welcome to the table.

Affirmation of Baptism

In Affirmation of Baptism, middle schoolers say "yes" to their baptism. They prepare in a three-year program called CrossWalkConfirmation, which features worship involvement, learning time, community involvement and service. Participants attend retreats in Grades 6 and 7, spend a week at Camp Wapo after Grade 8, and affirm their baptism in a service the fall of Grade 9.