WHAT IS CONFIRMATION?
Confirmation ministry is a step in faith development.
When infants and children are baptized in the Lutheran tradition of the Christian faith, parents promise to help the child grow into the fullness of the faith. They promise to teach the child the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer, to give the child the Holy Scriptures, to provide for the child’s instruction in the Christian faith, and to worship with their children. The congregation helps with these promises by giving Bibles to our Sunday School students, providing Sunday School and
Vacation
Bible
School, and providing a confirmation ministry.
Confirmation gives 8th, 9th, and 10th Grade students the opportunity to closely examine their faith. This prepares students to affirm their faith in October of Tenth Grade. In the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism each confirmand proclaims thanks to the Lord, significant family members, and the church, that the God who claimed them in baptism is the Lord of their life. They promise to follow and serve Jesus Christ in all aspects of their lives.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
8th Grade “God Project”
Confirmands and parents will create a scrapbook which helps them discuss who God is to them. Each family will share their project with at least two other families, giving participants the opportunity to witness to their faith.
9th Grade “Living Faith”
Confirmands and parents will choose a way to share their faith through witness and/or service. Each family will share the outcome of their project with at least two other families.
Worship Notes
While regular worship attendance is expected, 8th and 9th Graders will take nine worship notes each year. This helps confirmands learn how to listen to a sermon. It also gives the pastors a way to evaluate their effectiveness in preaching and worship.
10th Grade Stoles and Peer Ministry
In the fall of 10th Grade confirmands learn the skills to be Christian friends with those around them. Also, they create stoles reflecting their faith. On Confirmation Night they have the opportunity to share their faith as they present their stoles to their families and guests the evening before their Confirmation Service.
ADULT PARTICIPATION
PARENTS:
Parental support is essential to faith formation. Parents are encouraged to worship with their young people, to pray for the confirmation program, to encourage their youth in full participation, and to visit sessions from time to time.
INSTRUCTORS:
The Prince of Peace pastors teach the lessons for each session using a combination of methods, from lecture to learning games. Guest speakers may be used to enhance some topics.
GUIDES:
Adult guides will lead small group discussions on each lesson, help apply faith to life, and serve as additional adult support for the teens of the congregation.
MENTORS:
Each 9th grader will choose one adult member of the congregation to be their mentor. Over the summer before the confirmand's 10th grade year, confirmands and mentors will meet several times to discuss how faith leads their lives in work/school, family, leisure time and church. A printed guide for each topic will be provided for mentors and students to focus their discussions.
