GOALS & OBJECTIVES FOR CONFIRMATION
1. To provide basic, quality instruction in the Christian faith for the youth of our church, grades 7-9.
2. To help students grow living faith in God’s promise and build community through:
a. class participation
b. small group interaction
c. serving other in the name of Christ
d. worship
e. fellowship
3. To guide the youth of the church to a day when they will stand before the people of God affirm God’s promise of forgiveness, salvation and eternal life thereby taking a greater role in the life of the church.
EXPECTATIONS OF PARTICIPANTS
All of our expectations are directly linked to one of the promises your child will make during the Affirmation of Baptism or one you have made for them at baptism. We have these expectations so your child is aware of what they will be promising before God and this congregation to strive to do.
WORSHIP PARTICIPATION is very important to the Christian life and will be expected of all Confirmands. This is linked directly to the promise they will make to “live among God’s faithful people” and to “hear his Word and share in his supper”. Worship is our opportunity to gather in community as the Body of Christ, give praise and thanksgiving to our God, to receive forgiveness, and be strengthened through the Word of God and Holy Communion.
SERMON NOTES Each student is required to present 15 sermon notes by the end of the school year. These notes are an intentional means of training youth to participate actively in the service so they might get the most out of it. Worship notes may be done when you worship elsewhere. Worship forms are available in the narthex and online. Notes are provided in the student binder and can stay there until they are turned in to the mentor.
ATTENDANCE - We expect students to attend Confirmation. This falls under their promise to “hear God’s word “ and your promise as parents to do the same.
MEMORIZATION - We will expect the students to have memorized the Apostle’s Creed, Sacraments, the Lord’s Prayer, the 10 Commandments and fifteen Bible verses. Memory work must be signed off by Pastor or a mentor. This falls under the promise “to hear God’s Word” and to “proclaim the good news”.
LARGE GROUP SERVICE PROJECTS are important to allow opportunities for youth to give of their time in helping others and sharing God's love. It also prepares them to fulfill their promise to “serve all people, following the example of our Lord Jesus”. A natural step in the maturing of faith is to want to reach out to others & give of our time, talents & possessions. This project is Food Drive for all confirmation mentors.
EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS
At your child’s baptism you promised to: Faithfully bring them to the services of God’s house, and teach them the Lord’s prayer, the Creed, and the Ten Commandments. As they grow in years, you should place in their hands the Holy Scriptures and provide for their instruction in the Christian faith, that, living in the covenant of their Baptism and in communion with the Church, they may lead godly lives until the day of Jesus Christ Lutheran Book of Worship. As parents you play the vital role in the faith development and growth of your child. Without you and your participation our task of helping your child grow a living faith is made more difficult. Therefore we wish to encourage you in several areas. These areas are based on the promises you made as parents at your child’s baptism as well as scriptural, theological, and mounting statistical evidence that shows that parents are the number one faith influence on their children. Part of our job is to assist you in your role as a faith model for your children. The more they see you engaging in these activities and investing your time and energy in them, the more likely your children are to make them a priority in their lives.
WE ENCOURAGE PARENTS...
1) TO ATTEND WORSHIP AS A FAMILY - This falls under your promise to “faithfully bring them to the services of the Lord’s house” and your own confirmation promises to “hear God’s Word and share in his supper.”
2) TO START OR CONTINUE A FAMILY DEVOTIONAL TIME – Time spent together in prayer, reading scripture, reading a devotional book, singing songs or discussing the week’s sermon, can be a great way both to grow your faith and bond closer as a family. Just 5 minutes of a regular time of prayer and a brief scripture can do wonders.
3) TO PRAY FOR YOUR CHILD ON A REGULAR BASIS - Talk with them openly about your beliefs, doubts, and questions. Don’t be afraid to show your ignorance. What you are doing is supplying them with a good model of a living faith.
4) TO PRAY FOR YOUR CHILD’S SMALL GROUP LEADER AND THE CONFIRMATION STAFF ON A REGULAR BASIS .
