 |
Confirmation Ministry |
Zion's Confirmation ministry is where the youth of our church get into the Bible, learn the specifics of Lutheran tradition and most of all grow in their Christian faith. Youth who are Confirmation age are at a critical time in their lives. Middle School is a time when youth are learning who they are, how to navigate themselves through life, and how to find a source of guidance in their life. It is at this time that the church needs to walk with youth in their lives, giving them the ability to learn about themselves, how to find their way and who they can turn to in their search for guidance. Youth need to have a place to learn how God is present in their lives and to have a safe place to ask the questions that they have concerning life.
Theme: Who are we?
Our Goal: To encourage a lifetime of faith
growth in the lives our children!
Confirmation Leaders:
Pastor Lynn Ronsberg ++
Pastor Mike Carlson ++ Paula Ross
Participants:
6th - 9th Grade students
Their parents
The Congregation
5:30pm Dinner in the Christian Life Center
6:15pm Gathering in Chapel
Gathering will
include worship, music, drama and prayer.
7:00pm Guide Group Time
Youth will meet with their guide groups for weekly check in,
discussion of the learning event topic, and prayer.
7:40pm Sending in Chapel
Youth, Mentors, and Leaders will gather around the baptismal waters
to close in prayer.
7:45pm - Depart in peace
|
Confirmation Calendar September 12 Opening day 19 Intro to the Bible 26 Pentateuch October November December January 2008 |
February March April May
|
COMPONENTS
Our confirmation curriculum is designed to blend and blur youth group and youth education to facilitate an integrated learning environment that lasts a lifetime.Mentors
- Adults from the congregation who give their time and attention to enriching the lives of youth and helping to facilitate group dynamics.Guide Groups
- A caring small group of students and one adult mentor. The students and mentors will eat supper as a group, sit together during the learning events to preempt discipline problems, share weekly check ins and discussions about the theme and participate in other activities together.Learning Events
- Teaching sessions packed with upbeat music, interesting multi-media presentations and quality Christian education along with time for personal sharing, discussion, prayer and care in small groups.Retreats
- These are recommended scheduled weekend or overnight events including Synod Youth Events, Camp Weekends, or Service trips designed around a theme with the belief that intense time away builds group dynamics.Ninth grade vocation year -
This is a time to look at the life time call of the church. Looking at spiritual gifts, service projects, how other churches worship, and who we are as Lutherans. Parents of ninth grade students will receive a letter this fall to give dates.
EXPECTATIONS
Confirmation is not a sacrament in the Lutheran church. It is an optional series of lessons, music, Christian fellowship, service and fun. However, it is expected that students in the program will participate in and complete all of the components which have been designed to help nurture faith development and give them opportunities to learn from the experiences.
DISCIPLINE
We expect that students will be respectful of the leaders, mentors and other students. Should behavior become a problem, students will receive one warning about their inappropriate behavior. If the behavior continues, parents will be expected to attend confirmation with their son/daughter. A behavior contract must be signed.
YOUTH ARE EXPECTED TO....
* Attend scheduled confirmation events.
* Bring their confirmation Bibles, catechisms, and journals to each learning event.
* Complete 10 sermon notes in one year.
Sermon notes are a tool designed to help youth listen to, learn from, and
apply worship to life. Sermon note forms will be made available and must be
returned to confirmation leaders.
* Attend worship weekly.
* Be respectful of the leaders, mentors, and other students.
* Complete 10 Service Points.
PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE...
* Bringing their students to church every Wednesday night (with Bibles, catechisms, journals, and meal money) and to Sunday worship.
* Attend classes with students one Wednesday each month: 6th grade first Wednesday of month, 7th second, 8th third.
* Support and nurture their students as they grow in faith.
* Pray for and with their students.
* Discuss and sign service points and sermon notes.
SPECIAL PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
- These events provide youth opportunities to live out their Christian faith through service to others.Service Events
Mentoring - Attend worship with a mentor during Lenten worship service and have a faith centered conversation with them.
Retreats - Attend one youth ministry event each year.
Camp - One week of time at Camp Hiawatha in which students participate in a variety of activities including a time to learn about the workings of Zion Lutheran!
Worship - Students and parents are expected to attend Sunday worship weekly and Wednesday night worship during the seasons of Advent and Lent.
Visitors/Friends - Friends may visit confirmation nights if they are interested in being part of the confirmation program. They must register if they want to be a part of confirmation. They may not be placed in the same group as their friends.