Congregations jump in ELCA congregations in St. Louis Park soon climbed aboard the Children First bandwagon. He hastens to add that some of the most significant steps are simple and often informal. Reformation's youth created a free baby-sitting program at the worship center. Leadership at Reformation is currently working on a second round of activities based on the Children First accent. We expect to be even more intentional about this during 1998.
Community service is part of the confirmation curriculum.
The youth have helped with reading and crafts at an inner-city community center and have collected hundreds of cans of food at Halloween for the church's food shelf. The activities build caring, responsible youth in at least two ways. On one hand, they offer a caring climate for youth at the community center. On the other, they train and develop caring, responsible behavior in those who give and receive this service. One St. Louis Park congregation started a new ministry as a direct result of the Children First initiative.