BASIS FOR OUR CONFIRMATION MINISTRY
Our confirmation ministry is based on the command of Jesus, “Go and Make disciples… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20. Confirmation instruction is just one of the ways we obey Jesus’ command to teach the Christian faith.
God gave us this command out of love for us. We, too, love our children. We desire that our youth have the best in life. We believe that they cannot have the best if they lack faith in Jesus Christ. We offer our prayers, our encouragement, and our faith, so that they may have the best in life—a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
WHAT IS CONFIRMATION
In the Rite of Confirmation, young people publicly confess their faith, claim the promises of their baptism and begin to identify with and become involved in the adult Christian community. Confirmation instruction is a team effort, involving parents, Pastor, DCE, and the educational ministry of the church to prepare confirmands for this important transition and public confession.
Confirmation instruction is the ongoing responsibility of
the parents and sponsors. As adults you promised on the day of your child’s baptism to diligently and faithfully teach him/her the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer; and, as he/she grows in years, to place in his/her hands the Holy Scriptures, bring him/her to the services of God’s house, and provide for his/her instruction in the Christian faith; that, abiding in the covenant of his/her Baptism and communion with the Church, he/she may be brought up to lead a godly life until the day of Jesus Christ.
God has entrusted the spiritual instruction of children to parents. Confirmation instruction is a supplement, not a substitute, for this duty. The basic responsibility to see that young people and participate in this educational process continues to be with the parents or guardians—not the instructor or the church.
So, Confirmation begins at baptism when God claims us as His children and ends when we join our Savior in heaven. The Rite of Confirmation is in no way a graduation from Christian education and growth in faith, but a stepping stone along our life-long journey of faith.
COURSE OF STUDY
Our Confirmation Ministry instruction is divided into a three year cycle of learning events. These courses are normally taken by students in grades 6, 7 and 8. All students attend the same learning events at the same time. Over the course of three years, the student will have completed the following cycle.
Year A: Small Catechism Overview, Martin Luther, Hot Topics and Lutheran Life
Year B: Ten Commandments and the Apostles’ Creed
Year C: Lord’s Prayer and Life of Jesus
The 2009-2010 year will cover Year C of our three year cycle.
SMALL GROUP FORMAT
All participating Confirmation age youth in grades 6-8 are placed in small groups of 4-6 youth of the same grade and gender. Studies and experience have shown that youth have an opportunity to thrive in smaller, gender specific groups as they are not battling hormones and showing off for the opposite sex, they experience less competition for attention of the group and their small group guide, they have more opportunities for greater personal sharing, and they are operating in an environment that encourages the building of relationships over a three year period.
The size of the small groups also allows for more adult/parental interaction in the confirmation ministry, lessens disciplinary problems, and encourages a nucleus of relationships which help keep youth connected to a faith community after they are confirmed.
During any given month, youth will experience the following events as part of the confirmation ministry:
Learning Events: Learning Events are teaching times. During these sessions the Pastor, Director of Christian Education, and other adults will be teaching the Biblical and Confessional materials to the students. The Learning Events will include opening devotions, singing, applications for life, Bible study, small group time, worship and prayer. Learning events occur on two to three Wednesdays of each month from 6:30–8:15 p.m. A full calendar is posted toward the end of the Confirmation Handbook and on the church website.
Fellowship Events: Fellowship Events are times
when the small group that your child is a part of will do things that will be fun and build community. Each event will be planned by the small group and their adult guide together. Fellowship Events occur at the beginning of each semester. Whenever possible the event is scheduled on Wednesday night when the youth do not meet for a Learning Event. Fellowship Event examples include: going to a movie or sporting event, pizza night, roller skating, bowling, mini golf, concert, ice skating or fishing, etc.
Servant Events: Servant Events are times when the small group will take part in service to the congregation or the community. These events will be planned by each small group and their adult guide together. Servant Events generally occur during the second half of each semester. They do not have to happen at church and do not have to be on Wednesday night. Servant Events examples include: collecting food for the food bank, sorting clothes for Good Will, bell ringing at Christmas, playing with the animals at the animal shelter, yard and house work for a shut in, packaging food and/or other items for overseas missions, cleaning and other work at homes and in the church, etc.
CONFIRMATION REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
Involvement in confirmation is a choice that the youth and parents make. It is a choice that requires commitment, assessment of family and personal priorities, and faith. For the confirmation ministry process to succeed parents, youth, and staff need to work together as a team. The church staff, however, is not the driving force behind confirmation. The parents are. Parents make the commitment to bring their children to confirmation instruction and activities. Parents set the priorities in the family schedule of activities. Parents step forward in the faith they were also instructed in when they were growing up.
Following is a list of requirements and expectations parents and youth need to consider for the coming year as disciples of Christ. Parents and students are asked to sign a covenant agreementindicating their commitment to the Confirmation process. Our commitments reflect our faith maturity. If commitments are not honored, it may be necessary to complete the Confirmation instruction at a later time in life.
A. Attendance at all Learning Events, Fellowship Events and Servant Events, is required. It is a part of the program to be involved both in the planning and the interaction that takes part in each of these activities. Please see the Covenant for exact details.
If a youth is missing from any of these events they will be required to complete additional learning activities (i.e. worksheets with DVD viewing) for each missed event that must be turned in at the next Learning Event.
Excused absences include: sickness and family emergencies. No other activities either from school or extra-curricular are acceptable reasons for missing any of the scheduled events of Confirmation. Each topic is covered once during the three year cycle so attendance at each event is crucial to the total learning process. Missing the event means the student also misses the small group interaction and relationship building, a crucial element of the Learning Event.
B. Worship and Sermon Notes: Participation in worship is a very important part of the faith life of a child of God. Confirmation age youth need to be regular both in worship (at least 7 times per quarter) and in Sunday School (at least 16 times in 8 months). This can only happen when the parents are faithful in worship. Sunday School attendance will be tracked. 8 Sermon notes per year are a required part of class work. Sermon notes can be done at any regular or special service here at Peace or at one of our sister congregations. Completed Sermon Notes should be turned in to the student’s small group guide. A sample of the Sermon Note form is included in the Handbook through this link (Sermon Notes). Blank forms are also available in a rack next to the Head 2 Heart bulletin board.
C. Discipline: It is assumed that each student will give to whoever is leading, either in large group or small group time, the respect and consideration due any leader. If a student is unwilling to be respectful and considerate of either adults or fellow students the parents will be informed of each incident. If a student is unwilling to participate in class in a proper way, the parents may be asked to carry on the instruction of that student on an individual basis.
D. Memory Work: Memory work from both the Small Catechism and the Bible will be required. A schedule of memory work in a check list format will be given to the students at the beginning the year and is included in this Handbook. The memory assignments correspond with each lesson and should be completed prior to the Learning Event. The memory assignments are to be memorized at home, recited to a parent OR written out from memory on the Memory Work Sheet form or a piece of paper. A sample of form is included in this Handbook and extra forms are available in the rack next to the Head 2 Heart bulletin board or through the link above. The completed Memory Work Sheet will be handed in to the small group guide at the assigned Learning Event. The parent can record the completion on the assignment on the student’s Memory Work Record Sheet.
E. A portfolio will be maintained for each youth during his/her three years of Confirmation instruction. The portfolio will contain summation sheets on each major topic area, Sermon Notes, Memory Work Sheets, completed homework assignments for missed sessions, and a record of attendance. The compilation of the portfolio materials will be assessed prior to participation in the Rite of Confirmation.
GUIDELINES FOR 8TH GRADE ACOLYTES
8th grade youth will serve on a rotating basis at either the early or late traditional services of worship in the Sanctuary. Also, acolytes will have the opportunity to serve at special services, such as Advent, Lent, and Christmas.
Pastor Reiners will train the 7th grade acolytes before they take over duties from the current 8th grade in April of 2010. Acolyting is one way youth can serve their Lord in His Church.
Upon arrival at church, report to the Lay Minister that you are the acolyte. There may be special instructions for the service that you will need to know. When lighting candles, always begin at the cross and end at the cross.
The schedule will be listed each month in the newsletter. You are responsible to get your own substitute, by trading times of service with other 8th graders, if you are unable to acolyte when you are scheduled. Call the church office and let them know who your substitute is.
Please dress respectfully for leading in worship as an acolyte - no tennis or jogging shoes and no blue jeans. No gum!!!
During a Baptism, one acolyte will hold the Baptism candle and light it at the start of the Baptism service; the other acolyte will hold the banner with the child’s name. It needs to be held high enough for the congregation to see the banner.
If you have any questions about serving as an acolyte, please speak with Pastor.
RITE OF CONFIRMATION AND FIRST COMMUNION:
The Rite of Confirmation and First Communion takes place in the Spring of the 8th grade year. This year the Rite of Confirmation will be celebrated on April 25 during the 10:30 a.m. traditional worship service.
FAITH STATEMENTS, PICTURES and REHEARSAL – 8th GRADE ONLY
8th grade youth will have the opportunity to express their faith in a 1-2 page paper reflecting on their Confirmation verse. The paper is to be completed by and presented in a special Wednesday session on April 21 at 7 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to attend this event. Guidelines for the Faith Statement are listed on a special handout youth will receive in January. The Faith Statements and photos of all 8th grade youth will be published in a special booklet that will given to families the night the statements are presented.
Prior to the reading of the Faith Statements, at 5 p.m. a photographer will be present to take pictures of the youth in their Confirmation robes and the group will rehearse the order of service for the Rite of Confirmation.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
1. Each youth will need a New International Version (NIV) Bible. We will be making notations in it and highlighting key verses so the Bible should be the youth's personal Bible. If your child does not already have a personal Bible, the staff would be happy to recommend some student Bible options. A basic NIV Bible can also be purchased in the church office for $10.
2. Each youth needs to bring a pen or pencil and a highlighter with them at all Learning Events.
3. Youth will need a copy of Luther’s Small Catechism with
Explanation. This text will serve as a resource throughout the three year cycle and will be useful to youth in years to come. If your youth already has a Small Catechism with Explanation, great. An inital copy, if needed will be provided to all first time students. If lost, additional copies can be purchased in the church office for $10. A copy of the basic elements of the Small Catechism text without the Explanation is also available on the church website.
4. To assist in covering a portion of the cost for Confirmation, families are asked to submit $20 per confirmation youth ($30 family maximum for grades 6-8) each year payable to Head 2 Heart. This fee helps to offset the cost of the curriculum materials and Lenten Retreat.
5. Due to the various activities the youth will be involved in during the year and the fact that parents are not always readily accessible, parents need to submit a Medical/Liability Release form each year in case of an emergency situation. These forms will be available during the orientation session, on the church website, and the Head 2 Heart bulletin board next to the Life Center kitchen.
HOW WILL PARENTS PARTICIPATE?
Since the primary responsibility for Christian nurture rests with the parents or guardians, it is important that they be actively involved in the confirmation instruction. For this reason, we ask that parents oversee for the completion of assigned homework and memory work. Parents, please utilize the calendar dates with the assignments listed in this handbook to track your youth’s progress.
Learning Event worksheets will contain questions and devotional materials and topics to discuss within the family related to the weekly theme. Parents can encourage youth in completing these elements by choosing a particular time each day and week for discussion.
This opportunity and tool for doing family devotions is an important element of our curriculum. The simple format of sharing the day’s high and low points, reading and reflecting on a brief passage of Scripture, praying for each other, and ending your day with a blessing will be an eternal benefit to your youth and your entire family.
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend Learning Events during the large group time and assist the small group guide on Fellowship and Servant Event activities.
Parents can also offer invaluable support for our confirmation ministry by daily prayer for their son or daughter, by keeping in touch with the staff and small group guide by discussing any problems as soon as they arise, by cooperating with attendance and discipline guidelines, and working with the youth to iron out any discipline issues.
Above all, it is important that parents set an example for their youth in worship, Bible study, prayer, and personal and family time with God. Studies show that a parent’s example has more impact on a young person’s faith than any other factor.
BASIS FOR OUR CONFIRMATION MINISTRY
Our confirmation ministry is based on the command of Jesus, “Go and Make disciples… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20. Confirmation instruction is just one of the ways we obey Jesus’ command to teach the Christian faith.
God gave us this command out of love for us. We, too, love our children. We desire that our youth have the best in life. We believe that they cannot have the best if they lack faith in Jesus Christ. We offer our prayers, our encouragement, and our faith, so that they may have the best in life—a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.
WHAT IS CONFIRMATION
In the Rite of Confirmation, young people publicly confess their faith, claim the promises of their baptism and begin to identify with and become involved in the adult Christian community. Confirmation instruction is a team effort, involving parents, Pastor, DCE, and the educational ministry of the church to prepare confirmands for this important transition and public confession.
Confirmation instruction is the ongoing responsibility of the parents and sponsors. As adults you promised on the day of your child’s baptism to diligently and faithfully teach him/her the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer; and, as he/she grows in years, to place in his/her hands the Holy Scriptures, bring him/her to the services of God’s house, and provide for his/her instruction in the Christian faith; that, abiding in the covenant of his/her Baptism and communion with the Church, he/she may be brought up to lead a godly life until the day of Jesus Christ.
God has entrusted the spiritual instruction of children to parents. Confirmation instruction is a supplement, not a substitute, for this duty. The basic responsibility to see that young people and participate in this educational process continues to be with the parents or guardians—not the instructor or the church.
So, Confirmation begins at baptism when God claims us as His children and ends when we join our Savior in heaven. The Rite of Confirmation is in no way a graduation from Christian education and growth in faith, but a stepping stone along our life-long journey of faith.
COURSE OF STUDY
Our Confirmation Ministry instruction is divided into a three year cycle of learning events. These courses are normally taken by students in grades 6, 7 and 8. All students attend the same learning events at the same time. Over the course of three years, the student will have completed the following cycle.
Year A: Small Catechism Overview, Martin Luther, Hot Topics and Lutheran Life
Year B: Ten Commandments and the Apostles’ Creed
Year C: Lord’s Prayer and Life of Jesus
The 2009-2010 year will cover Year C of our three year cycle.
SMALL GROUP FORMAT
All participating Confirmation age youth in grades 6-8 are placed in small groups of 4-6 youth of the same grade and gender. Studies and experience have shown that youth have an opportunity to thrive in smaller, gender specific groups as they are not battling hormones and showing off for the opposite sex, they experience less competition for attention of the group and their small group guide, they have more opportunities for greater personal sharing, and they are operating in an environment that encourages the building of relationships over a three year period.
The size of the small groups also allows for more adult/parental interaction in the confirmation ministry, lessens disciplinary problems, and encourages a nucleus of relationships which help keep youth connected to a faith community after they are confirmed.
During any given month, youth will experience the following events as part of the confirmation ministry:
Learning Events: Learning Events are teaching times. During these sessions the Pastor, Director of Christian Education, and other adults will be teaching the Biblical and Confessional materials to the students. The Learning Events will include opening devotions, singing, applications for life, Bible study, small group time, worship and prayer. Learning events occur on two to three Wednesdays of each month from 6:30–8:15 p.m. A full calendar is posted toward the end of the Confirmation Handbook and on the church website.
Fellowship Events: Fellowship Events are times when the small group that your child is a part of will do things that will be fun and build community. Each event will be planned by the small group and their adult guide together. Fellowship Events occur at the beginning of each semester. Whenever possible the event is scheduled on Wednesday night when the youth do not meet for a Learning Event. Fellowship Event examples include: going to a movie or sporting event, pizza night, roller skating, bowling, mini golf, concert, ice skating or fishing, etc.
Servant Events: Servant Events are times when the small group will take part in service to the congregation or the community. These events will be planned by each small group and their adult guide together. Servant Events generally occur during the second half of each semester. They do not have to happen at church and do not have to be on Wednesday night. Servant Events examples include: collecting food for the food bank, sorting clothes for Good Will, bell ringing at Christmas, playing with the animals at the animal shelter, yard and house work for a shut in, packaging food and/or other items for overseas missions, cleaning and other work at homes and in the church, etc.
CONFIRMATION REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
Involvement in confirmation is a choice that the youth and parents make. It is a choice that requires commitment, assessment of family and personal priorities, and faith. For the confirmation ministry process to succeed parents, youth, and staff need to work together as a team. The church staff, however, is not the driving force behind confirmation. The parents are. Parents make the commitment to bring their children to confirmation instruction and activities. Parents set the priorities in the family schedule of activities. Parents step forward in the faith they were also instructed in when they were growing up.
Following is a list of requirements and expectations parents and youth need to consider for the coming year as disciples of Christ. Parents and students are asked to sign a covenant agreementindicating their commitment to the Confirmation process. Our commitments reflect our faith maturity. If commitments are not honored, it may be necessary to complete the Confirmation instruction at a later time in life.
A. Attendance at all Learning Events, Fellowship Events and Servant Events, is required. It is a part of the program to be involved both in the planning and the interaction that takes part in each of these activities. Please see the Covenant for exact details.
If a youth is missing from any of these events they will be required to complete additional learning activities (i.e. worksheets with DVD viewing) for each missed event that must be turned in at the next Learning Event.
Excused absences include: sickness and family emergencies. No other activities either from school or extra-curricular are acceptable reasons for missing any of the scheduled events of Confirmation. Each topic is covered once during the three year cycle so attendance at each event is crucial to the total learning process. Missing the event means the student also misses the small group interaction and relationship building, a crucial element of the Learning Event.
B. Worship and Sermon Notes: Participation in worship is a very important part of the faith life of a child of God. Confirmation age youth need to be regular both in worship (at least 7 times per quarter) and in Sunday School (at least 16 times in 8 months). This can only happen when the parents are faithful in worship. Sunday School attendance will be tracked. 8 Sermon notes per year are a required part of class work. Sermon notes can be done at any regular or special service here at Peace or at one of our sister congregations. Completed Sermon Notes should be turned in to the student’s small group guide. A sample of the Sermon Note form is included in the Handbook through this link (Sermon Notes). Blank forms are also available in a rack next to the Head 2 Heart bulletin board.
C. Discipline: It is assumed that each student will give to whoever is leading, either in large group or small group time, the respect and consideration due any leader. If a student is unwilling to be respectful and considerate of either adults or fellow students the parents will be informed of each incident. If a student is unwilling to participate in class in a proper way, the parents may be asked to carry on the instruction of that student on an individual basis.
D. Memory Work: Memory work from both the Small Catechism and the Bible will be required. A schedule of memory work in a check list format will be given to the students at the beginning the year and is included in this Handbook. The memory assignments correspond with each lesson and should be completed prior to the Learning Event. The memory assignments are to be memorized at home, recited to a parent OR written out from memory on the Memory Work Sheet form or a piece of paper. A sample of form is included in this Handbook and extra forms are available in the rack next to the Head 2 Heart bulletin board or through the link above. The completed Memory Work Sheet will be handed in to the small group guide at the assigned Learning Event. The parent can record the completion on the assignment on the student’s Memory Work Record Sheet.
E. A portfolio will be maintained for each youth during his/her three years of Confirmation instruction. The portfolio will contain summation sheets on each major topic area, Sermon Notes, Memory Work Sheets, completed homework assignments for missed sessions, and a record of attendance. The compilation of the portfolio materials will be assessed prior to participation in the Rite of Confirmation.
GUIDELINES FOR 8TH GRADE ACOLYTES
8th grade youth will serve on a rotating basis at either the early or late traditional services of worship in the Sanctuary. Also, acolytes will have the opportunity to serve at special services, such as Advent, Lent, and Christmas.
Pastor Reiners will train the 7th grade acolytes before they take over duties from the current 8th grade in April of 2010. Acolyting is one way youth can serve their Lord in His Church.
Upon arrival at church, report to the Lay Minister that you are the acolyte. There may be special instructions for the service that you will need to know. When lighting candles, always begin at the cross and end at the cross.
The schedule will be listed each month in the newsletter. You are responsible to get your own substitute, by trading times of service with other 8th graders, if you are unable to acolyte when you are scheduled. Call the church office and let them know who your substitute is.
Please dress respectfully for leading in worship as an acolyte - no tennis or jogging shoes and no blue jeans. No gum!!!
During a Baptism, one acolyte will hold the Baptism candle and light it at the start of the Baptism service; the other acolyte will hold the banner with the child’s name. It needs to be held high enough for the congregation to see the banner.
If you have any questions about serving as an acolyte, please speak with Pastor.
RITE OF CONFIRMATION AND FIRST COMMUNION:
The Rite of Confirmation and First Communion takes place in the Spring of the 8th grade year. This year the Rite of Confirmation will be celebrated on April 25 during the 10:30 a.m. traditional worship service.
FAITH STATEMENTS, PICTURES and REHEARSAL – 8th GRADE ONLY
8th grade youth will have the opportunity to express their faith in a 1-2 page paper reflecting on their Confirmation verse. The paper is to be completed by and presented in a special Wednesday session on April 21 at 7 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to attend this event. Guidelines for the Faith Statement are listed on a special handout youth will receive in January. The Faith Statements and photos of all 8th grade youth will be published in a special booklet that will given to families the night the statements are presented.
Prior to the reading of the Faith Statements, at 5 p.m. a photographer will be present to take pictures of the youth in their Confirmation robes and the group will rehearse the order of service for the Rite of Confirmation.
MATERIALS NEEDED:
1. Each youth will need a New International Version (NIV) Bible. We will be making notations in it and highlighting key verses so the Bible should be the youth's personal Bible. If your child does not already have a personal Bible, the staff would be happy to recommend some student Bible options. A basic NIV Bible can also be purchased in the church office for $10.
2. Each youth needs to bring a pen or pencil and a highlighter with them at all Learning Events.
3. Youth will need a copy of Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation. This text will serve as a resource throughout the three year cycle and will be useful to youth in years to come. If your youth already has a Small Catechism with Explanation, great. An inital copy, if needed will be provided to all first time students. If lost, additional copies can be purchased in the church office for $10. A copy of the basic elements of the Small Catechism text without the Explanation is also available on the church website.
4. To assist in covering a portion of the cost for Confirmation, families are asked to submit $20 per confirmation youth ($30 family maximum for grades 6-8) each year payable to Head 2 Heart. This fee helps to offset the cost of the curriculum materials and Lenten Retreat.
5. Due to the various activities the youth will be involved in during the year and the fact that parents are not always readily accessible, parents need to submit a Medical/Liability Release form each year in case of an emergency situation. These forms will be available during the orientation session, on the church website, and the Head 2 Heart bulletin board next to the Life Center kitchen.
HOW WILL PARENTS PARTICIPATE?
Since the primary responsibility for Christian nurture rests with the parents or guardians, it is important that they be actively involved in the confirmation instruction. For this reason, we ask that parents oversee for the completion of assigned homework and memory work. Parents, please utilize the calendar dates with the assignments listed in this handbook to track your youth’s progress.
Learning Event worksheets will contain questions and devotional materials and topics to discuss within the family related to the weekly theme. Parents can encourage youth in completing these elements by choosing a particular time each day and week for discussion.
This opportunity and tool for doing family devotions is an important element of our curriculum. The simple format of sharing the day’s high and low points, reading and reflecting on a brief passage of Scripture, praying for each other, and ending your day with a blessing will be an eternal benefit to your youth and your entire family.
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend Learning Events during the large group time and assist the small group guide on Fellowship and Servant Event activities.
Parents can also offer invaluable support for our confirmation ministry by daily prayer for their son or daughter, by keeping in touch with the staff and small group guide by discussing any problems as soon as they arise, by cooperating with attendance and discipline guidelines, and working with the youth to iron out any discipline issues.
Above all, it is important that parents set an example for their youth in worship, Bible study, prayer, and personal and family time with God. Studies show that a parent’s example has more impact on a young person’s faith than any other factor.