Mentor Group Orientation is Wednesday, August 30 at 7:00 p.m. This is a mandatory meeting for all mentors, students and parents.

I. CONFIRMATION DETAILS

A. MEMBERS: Students attending confirmation classes at St. John Lutheran Church must have a parent or a designated adult sponsor who is a member of the congregation. If a confirmation student is not baptized, a parent should contact a pastor about baptism.

B. CLASSES this year include studies of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Classes are taught Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. If a child must miss a class due to a family emergency or illness, the pastors appreciate notification prior to class.

CLASS DATES

Old Testament - 1 Sept. 13, 20, 27 & Oct. 4
Old Testament - 2 Oct. 25 & Nov. 1, 8 & 15
New Testament - 1 Jan. 17, 24, 31 & Feb. 7
New Testament - 2 Feb. 28 & Mar. 7, 14 & 21

C. MENTOR GROUPS. All students will participate in mentoring groups of four to five students with an adult mentor. The mentoring groups will discuss faith issues, visit another church, hear from other adults about their faith journey, and participate in a service project during the school year. Mentoring groups will meet from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on designated Wednesdays. The church visit and service project event are scheduled by each individual mentor group at a time other than Wednesday evening.

WEDNESDAY MENTOR GROUPS

Aug. 30
Sept. 6
Oct. 11
Nov. 29
Jan. 10
Feb. 14
March 28
April 11
April 25

D. COST. There is an annual $20 fee for confirmation materials. Students who attended summer classes and have already paid, do not pay again in the fall.

II. CONFIRMATION REQUIREMENTS:

A. ATTENDANCE. Regular attendance at classes and mentor groups is expected. Absences will be noted and the student and/or parents contacted when make-up work is necessary.

B. SERVERS. Seventh and eighth graders will serve as Sunday morning servers.

C. SUNDAY SCHOOL. Confirmation students are also expected to attend Sunday School and participate in the youth group activities.

D. WORSHIP. Regular worship on the part of students and parents is expected as part of preparation for confirmation. A total of six worship notes must be turned in between June 1, 2006 and May 1, 2007. (Eighth grade students who completed worship notes in Early Confirmation may have fewer to complete.) Worship notes are intended to focus the attention of each student on various aspects of our worship life and must include worship notes from two of the following three services: Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday or Good Friday worship.

E. JOURNALING. Journaling will be part of the mentor groups. Journals will be provided for students to write their own personal faith statements.

F. REAFFIRMATION OF BAPTISMAL VOWS. Confirmation rehearsal is Wednesday,
May 2, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. Pictures and a reception will follow the rehearsal. The Rite of Confirmation will take place on May 6, 2007 at the 10:30 a.m. service.

OUR VISIONS FOR CONFIRMATION.

1) Students will learn enough about the Christian faith (scripture, theology, church practice) so that they can affirm their baptismal vows.

2) Students will begin articulating their faith and applying it to
life experiences.

3) Students will form significant relationships with fellow students, adult congregational members, and pastors.

4) Students begin confirmation instruction in elementary grades during
Sunday School.

QUESTIONS? Call the church (225-6747) and speak to Pastor Steve Tangen if you have concerns about your child's confirmation experience or anything else regarding your life of faith. The pastors at St. John's are available to serve you and your family upon request. You may also e-mail Pastor Steve at tangen@stjohnelc.org.