Middle School & Confirmation 2011-12

One of the greatest opportunities we have as Lutheran Christians is the instruction and discipleship of our children and youth. The gift of faith received at baptism must be nurtured in order for our young people to become mature Christians. Additionally, students must learn to apply this faith in a world that continues to grow in complexity and secularism. Many of the issues that students face in Middle School today could not have been imagined by previous generations. Lifelong commitments of following Christ are often made during these formidable years, and we have an obligation as churches and families to create environments that best allow this to happen.

Confirmation provides a wonderful opportunity in which we can make sure that our students are given a clear presentation of what it means to be a Christian today. We can also ensure that they are given the Biblical perspective on how to deal with the difficult issues they face. Finally, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the privilege and opportunity to nurture each student’s personal relationship with Christ.

Goal

A Middle School ministry that partners together with parents that impacts and ministers to the whole student by teaching and modeling how to be a disciple of Jesus and equipping them with tools that help them grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Information and Transformation

Confirmation at Our Savior is not just about information, memorizing the catechism, or knowing all the right answers, it is also about transformation in the lives of students and their families. When the people of Israel were about to enter the promise land Moses said to them, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7) Moses’ words are a reminder that our walk with God is not something limited to a worship service or what happens on a church campus, but rather our walk with God is best seen and transferred to our children in the everyday moments spent with them. Confirmation then is designed to encourage, partner with, and reinforce what is happening in the home. Students may complete all their work and know all the right answers, which in itself is beneficial, but if it is not being reinforced in the day to day life of their parents and families, transformation will have a hard time taking place. We want to partner with your family in this challenge and great opportunity to disciple your youth. While we have resources and programs that we think will help you in the discipleship process, we also want to hear from you to know what you need in terms of additional support, ideas, resources, encouragement, etc. We want to be on your team to help you in the noble task of parenting. So please let us know how we can help and what we can help you with. Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t have all the answers or even if you have no idea where to begin or if you feel that you have made too many mistakes or if the challenge seems too great, let us help you and your family to be a great success. We have great confidence in your ability because God himself has given you your children!

Topics and Information Covered

Confirmation at Our Savior is best completed in a three-year program, however, the program may also be accomplished by completing all six modules. Students successfully completing all 6 modules will be given the opportunity to participate in the Rite of Confirmation.

The Rite of Confirmation & The Presentation of the Confirmation Class of 2012

May 5th at 5:00pm & May 6th 9:45am (both are mandatory to attend) are the dates scheduled for the Confirmation Class of 2012 to participate in the rites and rituals of Confirmation. More details about these events will be given as they approach.

Communication

Weekly communication between the Confirmation Team and parents will occur via email. It is important that we have at least one email address on file so that you are kept informed of possible schedule changes, upcoming topics, ideas for discussion starters at home and the like.

On Campus Instruction

As we partner with you in the instruction you are already giving your youth at home we also provide an opportunity for additional teaching reinforcement on the campus of Our Savior. The on campus instruction is Sunday evenings from 5:00pm-6:30pm. The first part of the evening will consists of games and community building in the Fellowship Hall or outside. Part two will consist of large group instruction. The third part will consist of small group time, where students will break into gender based teams. In the groups, the students will learn to apply the lessons to their lives and pray for each other. These teams are led by adult and older youths who are members of the congregation who is designated as the small group leader for the year. Each aspect of the evening is important in the discipleship training so it is important that students arrive on time and are present for the entire evening.

Here is how the schedule looks.

5:00pm-5:10pm Youth room and outside games

5:15pm-5:30pm Large Group instruction

5:30pm-6:15pm Small group time

6:15pm-6:30pm Large Group Reconnect

6:30pm-6:45pm Pick up time in North Parking Lot

Students will take home an assignment to be completed with his/her parents. This assignment is a continuation of the material covered Sunday evening. The assignments are designed to be devotionals and as resources for instruction for the family to do together once a week. Please do not treat these opportunities as simple homework that a student does by herself but rather as an opportunity for the family to sit down together in God’s Word.

Worship Attendance and Summaries

Worship is an opportunity for families to together give praise and honor to God and to receive the benefits that Jesus offers us in Word and Sacrament. Regular worship attendance is expected of families at Our Savior. During confirmation students are expected to be in attendance at 70% of the weekly Sunday worship opportunities at Our Savior. Attendance at worship is tracked through attendance cards so please make sure your students name is included on them. Midweek worship services like Advent and Lent are not counted against students but serve as “bonus” for those who have a hard time in their regular attendance on Sunday morning.

In order to help students think about all that is involved in worship and to help them actively reflect on the worship service, worship summaries are given to the students to complete during the confirmation years. Fifteen worship summaries are to be completed throughout the year. Of the 15 summaries at least 6 must be turned in before the Christmas break. Worship summaries are included in this notebook and also available at the rear of the sanctuary on the kids activities table.

Service Projects

Students will have an opportunity to serve together in the church, local community and in our nation and world at large by exercising their faith in service to others. Our desire is that each student complete 30 hours of service during the year with at least 10 completed in each of the three categories. Some opportunities will be provided for the whole group like the very popular 30 Hour Famine and summer service projects. See the Service Project 2011-12 info sheet for more details.

Sunday Night Dinner with Pastor (8^th Graders & Completing Students)

The Pastor will have special nights with the 8^th graders to focus on the promise they will make on Confirmation Sunday to God. Students will have 6 evening sessions before regular confirmation evenings throughout the year to interact more with the Pastor and one another. These sessions will include a time for teaching and dinner provided by the host parents. Each 8^th grade family will be assigned a night to provide food along with at least one other family. If helping to provide the meal causes a financial difficulty to your family please let the church know. See the schedule for the specific dates.

Materials Needed

Students will need to acquire an NIV or ESV version of the Bible. OSL will supply each student with a copy of the Small Catechism, a notebook to keep lessons, other handouts, and any other materials needed. It is expected that the students will bring their Bible, Catechism, notebook, and a pen to class weekly.

* Special arrangements are made for students entering OSL’s Confirmation program after sixth grade. Contact the church for more information.