Candlelight Bridging Ceremony

May 6, 2026

The Kids and Youth Christian Education Departments warmly invite you to our first annual
Candlelight Bridging Ceremony.

Join us on Wednesday, May 6, for an evening of fellowship and celebration. The event will include dinner, the ceremony, and a dessert reception. Dinner will begin at 5:20 p.m. in Westminster Hall, followed by the ceremony at 6:00 p.m., with a reception immediately afterward.

During this special event, we will celebrate and recognize students who are transitioning into new stages of our programming. While the focus is on our children and youth, we warmly welcome members of the congregation to join us in witnessing and celebrating their growth.

We will be honoring three groups in particular:

• Graduating high school seniors

• Eighth graders

• Fifth graders

Fifth graders will move into the junior high youth group, eighth graders into the senior high youth group, and graduating seniors will move on to their new phase.

A meaningful candlelight ceremony will symbolize the passing of faith from one group to the next. Parents of graduating seniors will light their children’s candles, representing the faith they have nurtured. The seniors will then pass the light to the eighth graders, who will in turn pass it to the fifth graders—continuing this beautiful tradition of faith and connection.

Following the ceremony, students will join their new groups. Sixth and seventh graders will come forward to welcome the incoming junior high students, and ninth through eleventh graders will do the same for the new senior high group. The graduating seniors will remain for a special prayer as we send them forward with our blessings.

The ceremony will also include special music and prayers.

To help us plan accordingly, please RSVP by clicking here. If you experience any issues, feel free to contact Laura at laura@westpres.org or 515-274-1534.

We hope you will join us for this meaningful and memorable new tradition!