One of my favorite things to do is create faith milestone gifts. I fully recognize that the DIY knick-knacks I put together are wholly insignificant compared to what God is giving in those moments, but I think there is something to be said for surrounding yourself with physical items that can remind you of those times. I’m probably a minimalist’s worst nightmare. However, if the narrative of the Israelites is any indication, we are better forget-ers than remember-ers of God’s action in our lives. I think we can use every little reminder of His goodness that we can get.
Choosing a Verse
When I was Confirmed, I didn’t receive my verse until I was kneeling before the pastor during the Rite of Confirmation. He and our DCE chose verses for each student, and we heard them for the first time as they were read aloud for the congregation to hear.
At my current church, there is a tradition of letting Confirmands and their families choose their own verse. While part of me misses getting to choose a verse for my students, it has been really neat to see the ownership they take in selecting a piece of Scripture to set apart for their faith walk. (And more often than not, they choose a verse that I would have loved to pick for them!)
Side Note – My Favorite Investment
A few years ago, we used some Thrivent Choice Dollars that had been directed to our church to purchase a Cricut machine. I grew up in a crafty home, so I knew about the machines for a long time. I never decided to invest in the machine itself, though, let alone all of the cartridges and other supplies that needed to go with it.
I’m not sure when the change came, but at some point Cricut made is so that you could cut out self-designed images with their computer program, rather than just those that came with their cartridges. It felt like a world of possibilities opened up. The bookkeeper at church graciously let me run out and buy one.
Keepsake Banners
For our Confirmation Faith Milestone Gift, I put together a keepsake banner for each student with their verse. With our Cricut machine and some freezer paper (one of those not-intended-for-crafting, but totally-awesome-for-crafting materials) I can create stencils with custom fonts for each student. Using basic muslin, my mom- and grandma-taught basic sewing skills, a stencil and some paint, a milestone gift is born!
-
A basic stencil cut (mirrored) on freezer paper, then ironed onto a pennant banner. -
With a little paint, a faith milestone gift is made!
It’s a simple thing, but my hope is that these banners will be a reminder to the student of three things. First, their confirmation. Second, the community that celebrated it with them and continues to care for them. And last – but certainly not least – of the God who is faithful to them, on their Confirmation day and always.
Looking to get the supplies I used? The following will take you directly to the product page using affiliate links, meaning I will make a small commission if you choose to make a purchase. These really are the supplies I’ve always used and enjoyed for this project, the affiliate link just helps keep this site going!
Freezer Paper (Amazon)
Muslin Fabric (JoAnn Fabrics)
Any fabric paint will do! The one I used on the banners pictured here was from Hobby Lobby.Â