Confirmation Handbook
2008-2009
What is Confirmation??
Confirmation is centered in baptism, providing students with two years to “Say Yes!” to the promises made in baptism. Confirmation is also an opportunity for students to build relationships with each other and with adults, talking about what faith means for daily life.
Students become more involved in the life of St. John as members of the body of Christ who are confirming the importance of their faith.
Instruction ~
Students spend time learning through discussion and active participation, guided by Scripture and Luther’s Small Catechism.
Classes can be taken throughout the summer, during the school year, or a combination (some classes in the summer and some during the school year). If a student is unable to attend both sessions of a class in the summer, it is strongly advised they sign up for the fall/winter class. We request that a parent notify the church if their child will be absent for a class. A “make-up” lesson will be given for the child and parent to complete together and return for class credit.
Worship Notes ~
Students are expected to worship regularly. To assist in their understanding of our worship life, we require that ten worship notes be completed by the end of the school year. The notes are intended to focus the attention of each student on various aspects of worship life.
Notes need to be signed by a parent or guardian. The parent/guardian should also help the student understand the questions on the worship note form and discuss their written responses. Forms are available on the Confirmation bulletin board in the Commons area or on the website.
Mentor Groups ~
Students will be formed into small groups of 4 - 6 kids and a “mentor” (adult member of St. John). Mentor groups will meet once a month throughout the school year. Seventh grade groups will focus on how a church functions - its volunteers, committees, and the meaning behind the symbolism we see when we worship. Eighth grade groups will concentrate on faith issues and how it affects our daily lives. All groups will hear from “guest speakers” and complete service projects. In addition, eighth grade groups will visit area churches.
Opportunities for Growth
Confirmation students are a part of the community of St. John by being actively involved in the ministry of the church.
As seventh graders grow in their understanding of the church, they will “serve”(acolyte) during worship services on Sunday morning or Thursday evening. Serving times are scheduled, and students are asked to find their own replacement if needed. The church office should be notified of any changes. Seventh grade students may sign up for additional service options if they wish, however, it is not required.
As eighth graders grow in their faith lives, they are asked to become more involved in the ministries of St. John. Parents are encouraged to also be involved, either with their child or participating in other areas. Students will sign up for three service options, listing them by preference (“1" being the first choice). Generally, items listed as the first and second preferences will be given. However, if several students sign up for the same option, it is possible that a third option will be considered.
Students may serve in two or three areas.
✝ Server - (7th graders)
✭ teacher for regular Sunday school
✝ help with Sunday school
✭ leader for Family Sunday School
✝ help with VBS
✭ lead Jr High Sunday school
✭ help at Jr High overnight events
✭ help at Sr High overnight events
✭ be a Jr High Mentor
✝ Usher
✝ Scripture Reader
✝ Altar Guild
✭ Lead the puppet group
✝ Puppeteer
✭ Lead a drama group
✝ Act in dramas (skits)
✝ Bake Communion bread
✝ Sing in the Senior choir
✝ Provide music for worship
✝ Play handbells
✝ Run the sound board for worship or special events
✝ Assist in the nursery
✝ Help create and run power points
✭ Help new members become acquainted with St. John
✭ Visit homebound or hospitalized members
✝ Take photos at events for publicity
✝ Help with a lawn or landscape project
✝ Deliver donated items to local organizations
✝ serving opportunities for students & adults
✭ serving opportunities for adults
Confirmation Calendar
Summer Instruction
Classes are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm on the following dates:
June 4 & 5 - Old Testament - section 1
June 11 & 12 - Old Testament - section 2
July 9 & 10 - New Testament - section 1
July 16 & 17 - New Testament - section 2
Fall Instruction
Classes are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 - 8:00 pm on the following dates:
Sept.10, 17, 24 & Oct. 1 - Old Testament- section 1
Oct. 15, 29, Nov. 5 & 12 - Old Testament- section 2
Jan. 14, 21, 28, & Feb. 4 - New Testament- sec. 1
Feb.18, Mar. 4, 11 & 18 - New Testament- sec. 2
Mentor Groups
Mentor groups are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 - 8:30 pm on the following dates:
August 27 - Meet your Mentor night!
September 3 ~ October 8 ~ November 19
December 17 - Fun Night!
January 7 ~ February 11 ~ March 25
April 15 ~ April 22
Rite of Confirmation
April 29, 2009 6:30 pm
A rehearsal, group pictures and a reception will be held for confirmation students and parents.
May 3, 2009 10:30 am
Rite of Confirmation for 8th graders
Additional Jr High activities
These are examples of other ways students can be involved in the livelihood of St. John. Watch for these events on the church calendar in the “Messenger” newsletter!
Jr High Sunday School - 9:15 - 10:15 Sunday mornings
Jr High Youth Group - 6:00-7:00pm on the following Wednesday evenings: Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, Nov. 5, 12, Dec. 3, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 18, Mar. 4, 11, April 1, May 6 (subject to change)
Youth Quake - March 6-8, 2009
Family Mission trip - TBA
Contact Us!
Call the church if you have concerns about your child’s confirmation experience, or anything else regarding your life of faith.
Pastor Lisa Lewton lewton@stjohnelc.org
Pastor Steve Tangen tangen@stjohnelc.org
Jodeen Myers myers@stjohnelc.org
Program Secretary