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Welcome to Confirmation Ministry at Church of Our Saviour
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WHAT IS IT?
An opportunity for 7th, 8th, & 9th graders to grow in the faith;
The church partnering with parents to assist parents as they seek to fulfill the promises made to their son/daughter in Baptism; Adult guides working with the Pastor to serve as mentors in the faith for our youth;
Youth and adults growing in their relationship with God and with each other.
A More Formal Definition:
"Confirmation ministry is a pastoral and education ministry of the church that helps the baptized through Word and Sacrament to identify more deeply with the Christian community and participate more fully in its mission." -- The Confirmation Ministry Task Force Report, ELCA, 1993
WHAT'S OUR APPROACH ON WEDNESDAYS?
Large group-Small group Approach
We believe healthy relationships are an important component to faith growth.
Many of our youth come directly from post-school activities and have not had a chance to be home, or if they have been at home they haven't had much time there. So we begin by offering a "Gathering Time with Pizza". This is not intended to take the place of supper but to provide a light snack to tide the youth over until they are able to eat a meal at home. It also offers a few minutes for the youth to connect with each other.
Our confirmation session begins with a total group gathering of youth and adult leaders. This is a time for worship and introductory activities that set the stage for the session's theme. The large group gathering can also be a time for skits, singing, video viewing, and announcements.
Typically, small group time follows during which four to eight youth and one or two adult leaders gather for a continuation of the session's theme through discussion, personal sharing, planning, activities and prayer. Small groups will meet independently for field trips, service projects or fellowship activities.
The way the small groups are configured may vary. Generally, youth will stay with the same small group and adult guide throughout their years of confirmation instruction. In most cases we attempt to have gender specific groups.
MONTHLY SCHEDULE - WEDNESDAYS
Most months will have Wednesday Night Workshops (Large + Small group approach) on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month. The 2nd Wednesday is reserved for Fellowship & Servant Events. Usually the 4th Wednesday will be an "off" evening for these grades. BE SURE TO CHECK THE DETAILED SCHEDULE FOR EACH MONTH PROVIDED IN THIS HANDBOOK BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME VARIATIONS DUE TO THANKSGIVING, THE LENT, AND SCHOOL SCHEDULES.
SCHEDULE FOR FOR WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORKSHOPS
6:30 - 6:45: Gathering & Pizza
6:45 - 7:00: Worship & Music
7:00 - 7:25: Large Group Presentation
7:25 - 8:25: Small Group Time
8:20 - 8:30: Closing
FELLOWSHIP & SERVANT EVENTS
The second week of every month is set aside for small groups to participate in either fellowship or servant events. The fellowship events are intended to develop deep and lasting friendships among the youth. The servant events are intended to move faith into action, or in other words "to walk the talk of faith."
The small groups, under the leadership of the small group guides, will plan their fellowship and servant events when they are together in their small groups at the Wednesday Night Workshops.
WHAT ABOUT SUNDAY MORNINGS?
For Christians of all ages, what the church offers on Sunday morning is an important part of each person's faith journey. Opportunities for both worship, fellowship, service, and education are provided so that we can give thanks and praise to our gracious God and continue to grow in our relationship with God and with God's people, the church.
What we offer for our youth in the Confirmation Ministry Program on Sunday mornings is an integral part of the entire program and they are expected to be present. What happens in worship and during the 9:15-10:15 hr during the program year are as much a part of Confirmation as the program on Wednesday evenings. Our youth who will desire to Affirm their Baptism (Confirm their faith) will want and need to be present for the Sunday morning opportunities during the school year, including:
WORSHIP
September - May: 8:00 or 10:30 am.
June - August: Sunday @ 9:00 am. Or Thursday @ 7:00 pm.
THE SERVANT'S QUARTERS
September - May: 9:15 - 10:15 am.
The Servant's Quarters will be the meeting place for all three grade levels (7th, 8th, & 9th) during this hour. If there are needs for helpers in "First Footsteps in Faith", the Nursery, or anywhere around the church, then youth will be asked to serve in one of these places. Otherwise, all who meet may discuss current topics of interest/concern to the youth, work on Sermon Note sheets, get caught up on Scripture Reflections sheets, or use other resources for discussion from the ELCA web site - Youth page - "Faith Lens".
MATERIAL TO BE COVERED AT WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORKSHOPS
Martin Luther's Small Catechism, including the 10 Commandments, The Lord's Prayer, The Creed, Baptism, and Holy Communion will serve as the content of the material covered over the first two years.
The last year of our programming we will present:
- Old Testament & Lutheran Teachings/Beliefs,
- New Testament & Lutheran Teachings /Beliefs,
- And Lutheran Heritage.
WHAT'S THE PARENTS' ROLE IN CONFIRMATION?
Obviously, parents are the "first teachers" in all things, including the faith. Our youth need you to:
- Teach and lead by your example at home and here at Church of Our Saviour,
- Bring them to our Wednesday Night Workshops,
- Come and worship with them,
- Bring them here for Sunday morning Servant's Quarter activities,
- Encourage and support them in our ministry together,
- Have son/daughter present in the sanctuary 10 minutes prior to worship on days when they're assigned to acolyte.