Confirmation Handbook

What We Believe

Year A 2017-2018

St. John Lutheran Church

305 Circle Ave

Forest Park, IL60130

708-366-3226

What is Confirmation?

Confirmation Ministry assists parents in fulfilling the promise that was made to their child at their baptism. It is a ministry to help Christians realize Baptism’s gracious benefits including: forgiveness of sins, deliverance from death and the devil, a new life to walk in, and everlasting salvation to all who believe what God has promised. Confirmation is not a graduation; it is the beginning of adult life in the church.

The following are the specific values of Confirmation Ministry of St. John Lutheran Church.

Ownership of Faith: Confirmation instruction prepares the baptized child for his or her very first, independent adult action, taking the vows of confirmation.

Solid Bible Knowledge: It is a time to ensure a strong foundation of biblical knowledge essential to understanding and defending an individual’s faith. It is a time to see concretely that the Word of God is relevant to all of life.

Lutheran Identity: It is a time to embrace our distinctly Lutheran heritage. The chief source document of that Lutheran identity is Luther’s Small Catechism. We live with the assurance that although we may at times feel our Lord’s grace is too good to be true, even our weaknesses cannot diminish the actions God has taken to redeem us.

Fuller Life in this Congregation: It is a time to experience God’s love by building caring connections with parents, mentors and peers. It is a commitment of the whole church family to grow together, support one another and encourage one another to find they trust in a God who loves us, cares for us and forgives us.

Disciple of Christ: It is a time to commit to a life of discipleship as a child of God. As the Affirmation of Baptism states, “Do you intend faithfully to conform all your life to the divine Word, to be faithful in the use of God’s Word and Sacraments, which are his means of grace and in faith, word, and action to remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, even unto death?”

Program Description-What We Believe

The objective of this class is to help the students gain a better understanding about what Christians believe about God as revealed in His Word. With this insight the students will then be able to affirm the promises that were made for them at their baptism and realize the blessings of knowing Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. The class provides a great opportunity for the youth and their families to grow in their faith. The confirmation ministry has two components. The first is the more formal instruction of the Christian teachings which is conducted on Sunday mornings. The second component is becoming an active member of the church by participating in the Youth Program, service projects, worship, building friendships, managing God’s blessings, and having fun together.

I. Curriculum

St. John Sunday School will be offering the confirmation program this year. It is designed for students in grades 7th, 8th and/or 9th. The program will consist of a two year study presenting Lutheran doctrines based on Christian truths through the use of the Bible, Luther’s Small Catechism, Applying Luther’s Catechism, and other resources. Classes will be scheduled on Sunday morning from 10:00-10:50am.

2 year program

Part A Applying Luther’s Catechism

  • Unit 1 God’s Will (Law and Gospel;Ten Commandments)
  • Unit 2 God’s Love (The Apostles’ Creed)

Part B Applying Luther’s Catechism

  • Unit 3 God’s Invitation (The Lord’s Prayer)
  • Unit 4 God’s Gifts (Confession and the Sacraments)
  • Unit 5 God’s Grace for a New Life

(Confirmation and The Table of Duties)

The pastor and the elders will take active roles as teachers and mentors throughout the year. They will discuss bible concepts with the students and help them with complete the assignments. The class organization will vary, sometimes meeting as a whole group and sometimes meeting in small groups. The class is geared for students ages 12-14 who want a deeper understanding about the truths about a personal faith in God.

II. Church Opportunities
There will be many opportunities to get involved with your church. Watch for the monthly schedule of events in the Reporter and the weekly News and Notes announcements for Youth activities and other special events at church. Listed below are some examples.

  • Youth events.
  • Participate in social events and service projects sponsored by the youth ministries.
  • Participate in worship services as an acolyte, usher or choir member.
  • Participate in special Sunday School or youth worship services when they are scheduled.

III. Books and Resources

The Bible and Lutheran’s Small Catechism with Explanation will be used both years.

Students are to bring their own Bible and Catechism or purchase them at St. John the first Sunday of class.Applying Luther’s Catechism Workbook will be provided by the church.

Program Expectations

St. John’s confirmation program is intended to give guidance and direction for the youth as they prepare to affirm their baptism. We believe that active participation in the worship, learning, and group fellowship activities are the best means to accomplish the goals of this confirmation program, and to be ready to publicly confess their Christian faith.

The following expectations are encouraged to be accomplished during the confirmation course:

  • Regular attendance at class on Sunday morning at 10 am-10:50 am. Students should prioritize their schedules to be in class each Sunday. If the student misses a class because of illness, the lesson can be completed the following week and submitted to the teacher.
  • Regular attendance in Sunday worship. After the service the students are to report the Elder and record their church attendance with him.
  • Follow your lesson schedule.
  • Complete memorization work. (see section on Memorization)

Please discuss special arrangements with the pastor if your personal situation prevents you from fulfilling these expectations.

Memorization

Why do we memorize?

Good question. 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 have been woven into the fabric of how you think and what makes you laugh. What if you were scared, could you automatically remember God’s Word, “Fear not, for I am with you?” If your “friends” make fun of you because you choose not to do something with them because it is wrong, could you say in your heart, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven?” Maybe those are extreme examples, but you see what we are saying. Memorizing scriptures, our confessions and prayers helps God’s Word become part of who you are and provides a resource which you can always depend on.

What do I need to memorize?

  • Assigned Bible verses
  • The Ten Commandments & their meanings
  • The Apostle’s Creed & their meanings
  • The Lord’s Prayer & their meanings
  • Confession Sections
  • Baptism Sections
  • Lord’s SupperSections

For those who have completed all the study units in their on-going faith development, the Rite of Confirmation will be celebrated during a worship service on Reformation Sunday or on another later date if necessary as determined by the student and Pastor when the course of study it completed.

John 20:31 These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.