Confirmation Handbook
2009-2010
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 in 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 are taught by Pastor Lisa, Pastor Steve, and a few other very cool lay people who have been trained in a lay theological education program.
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. Homework will be provided for the child and parent to complete together and return for class credit.
Worship NotesStudents are expected to worship regularly with an adult. We believe when a student worships with an adult who is significant in his or her life, faith becomes more meaningful and more relevant. To assist in their understanding of worship, we require that ten worship notes be completed by the end of the school year. Two must be from a “special” service (Ash Wednesday, Wednesday during Holy Week, Maundy Thursday or Good Friday). 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
Because we understand faith to be formed in relationships, students will be divded into small groups of 4 - 6 youth 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 an church.
Opportunities For Putting Faith into Action
Confirmation students are a part of the community of St. John by being actively involved in the ministry of the church, which is the body of Christ.
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 by 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.
8th grade students are asked to choose three ministry areas in which to serve.
Serving Opportunities for Students:
* Help with Sunday School
* Help with VBS
* Usher
* Puppeteer
* 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 new members become acquainted with St. JohnServing Opportunities for Adults:
* Teacher for regular Sunday School
* Lead Jr. High Sunday School
* Help at Jr. High overnight events
* Help at Sr. High overnight events
* Be a Jr. High mentor
* Altar Guild
* Lead the puppet group
* Visit homebound or hospitalized members
Website
You will receive a schedule in the mail for each of your students’ ministry areas, but you can also quickly find most schedules on St. John’s website if you click on “When Am I Scheduled?”
Confirmation Calendar
Summer Instruction
Classes are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm on the following dates:
June 3 & 4 - The Ten Commandments
June 10 & 11 - The Apostles’ Creed
July 8 & 9 - The Lord’s Prayer
July 15 & 16 - The Sacraments of Baptism and CommunionFall Instruction
Classes are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 - 8:00 pm on the following dates:
Sept.16, 23, 30 & Oct.7 - The Ten Commandments
Nov. 4, 11 & Dec. 2 & 9 - The Apostles’ Creed
Jan. 13, 20, 27 & Feb. 3 - The Lord’s Prayer
Feb.24, Mar. 3, 10 & 17 - The Sacraments of Baptism and Communion
Mentor Groups
Mentor groups are held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 - 8:00 pm on the following dates:
Sept 2 - Meet your Mentor night!
September 9 ~ October 14 ~ November 18
December 16 - Fun Night!
January 6 ~ February 10 ~ March 24
April 7 ~ April 21
Rite of Confirmation
April 28, 2010 6:30 pm
A rehearsal, group pictures and a reception will be held for confirmation students and parents.
May 2, 2010 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
Jr High Youth Group
Youth Quake
Family Mission trip
Contact Us!
Call or email us if you have concerns about your child’s confirmation experience, questions about schedules or worship notes, or if there is anything else you might wonder regarding your student’s life of faith, such as, “How do I get a hold of one of those serving robes so my student can wear it to school every day?”
Pastor Lisa Lewton lewton@stjohnelc.org
Pastor Steve Tangen tangen@stjohnelc.org
Jodeen Myers myers@stjohnelc.org
Program Secretary
St. John Lutheran Church
146 6th Ave W
Dickinson, ND 58601701-225-6747