Confirmation Handbook 2023
What is Confirmation?
● Confirmation is a time for exploring our core Lutheran beliefs, spiritual growth, and practical application of our faith. It is a two-year program for our 7th and 8th graders. Each year, we will explore the Six Chief Parts based on Luther’s Small Catechism. Confirmation culminates on “Confirmation Sunday” when our 8th graders officially become confirmed members of the church. It is a time for you to say “Here I stand” (this is what I believe in) just as Martin Luther did over 500 years ago. Even though it might seem like a “graduation,” it is really more like “a beginning” of your life in the church!
Confirmation Classes and Worship
- Confirmation classes will meet every Sunday from 9:30 – 10:30 in Music Room. Attendance is important! While we ask you to be here every Sunday, you should not miss more than five classes per year. Confirmation classes will consist of a lesson and small group time.
- We also want you to attend weekly worship services at Faith! Worship allows a family to grow in their faith. Regular worship attendance is crucial for a complete Confirmation experience.
Memory Work
- Why memory work? Have you ever had a song stuck in your head, and you just can’t get it out? Or something happens and you automatically think of a quote from your favorite movie? These things have become part of who you are. They’ve been woven into the fabric of how you think and what makes you YOU. What if you were scared, and you could automatically think, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Or, when your “friends” make fun of you because you choose not to do something with them, you could in your heart say, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Memorizing God’s Word also helps become part of who you are and provides a place to turn in times of pain and joy. God uses His words, which we place in our heads and hearts by memorizing them, to help us through moments in our lives when we need to know we are not alone. When we are tempted, He uses His words to provide a way out. Memorization is another means God strengthens our faith as we continue to walk ever closer to Him.
- You will have a memory work assignment each week. Memory work will be done at home. Simply recite the memory verse(s) to a parent/guardian. They will sign that you have completed the memory work on your memory work paper. You will turn it in at the end of each quarter. Please see the memory worksheet for more details.
Worship Notes
- As we grow in our hearing of God’s preached Word, worship notes help develop a discerning attitude and a deeper sense of active participation (active listening) in our worship.
- You are expected to take worship notes throughout the school year. For 2023, you will complete 10 worship notes.
- To get credit for your worship notes, please fill out a Worship Notes Form and turn it in to the Confirmation Coordinator.
Exams
- For 2023, we will have one exam at the end of the year. It’s your time to show us what you have learned!
Statement of Faith and Life Verse
- Towards the end of your 8th-grade year, you will write a statement of faith. This is where you get to stand up and say, “this is what I believe…” You’ll get the opportunity to read your statements of faith at “Testimony and Pepperoni.” This will be a night that you and all of your families get to gather together to hear all of the confirmands statements of faith and also enjoy some pizza.
- You will also pick a “life verse.” This will be a verse that has special meaning to you or is important to your Christian faith and witness.
Class Materials
These are the materials that you will need to bring to each class:
- Bible (preferably ESV since that is the translation we will be using)
- Luther’s Small Catechism
- Binder
- Pen/Pencil