Confirmation Instruction - 2011-2012

Welcome to the Confirmation Year! We are happy as a church staff to assist you in this way toward the spiritual development of your child. Such is the process that was begun on the day of baptism and will continue until the goal of eternal life is reached. Thus our Lord has said, "Go therefore and MAKE DISCIPLES of all nations BAPTIZING them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and TEACHING them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20).

We pray that you will find this to be an exciting year filled with many blessings! Together we will help your child prepare for reception of the Lord's Supper and a full life in Christ. May that Holy Meal and His Holy Word feed and nourish us all to life everlasting!

Philosophy of the Christian Family

Parents are models of faith for their children. In fact, parents are the primary models of faith and their children will follow their lead. Biblically speaking, the primary role of influencing the faith development of children does not rest with the church, but resides within the family. It is the role of the church to encourage and equip parents to fulfill this God-given responsibility.

Overview of Confirmation Instruction at St. Paul

The confirmation program at St. Paul Lutheran church will be taught on Wednesday evenings, also known as "Church Family Night" from 6:00pm-7:30pm. The materials used will be Luther's Small Catechism and The Holy Bible.

This is a two-year program that will normally begin in the student's 7th grade year. This year we will be using the "Year 1" curriculum.

During this year, students will be taught about the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Office of the Keys and Confession. Additionally, students will serve as acolytes and participate in a Family Service Project.

The Parents' Role Confirmation instruction needs the full support of the family. Because we so highly value the faith developing in your child, beginning this year, we're asking you to attend confirmation instruction with you child. We realize this is asking for a significant commitment of your time, but it will be worth the investment. We believe this will enhance our class discussions and assist you in talking about the confirmation material back at home. This will also equip you to continue being a model of the Christian faith for your family.

Sermon Summaries Sermon summaries can be turned in during class for the previous weekend/weekday service. Each student will be required to successfully complete 12 Sermon Summaries each year of study.

Church Attendance Church attendance is not an option for God's people. The demonstration of an active worship life is required for students being confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Classroom Attendance The student and at least one parent (or guardian) is expected to be in class every week. We cover a lot of material each evening, and each week builds upon the last. However, we realize that conflicts occasionally arise. If you need to miss a week, please talk to Pastor or Vicar prior to the class.

Family Service Project Families participating in the confirmation program will need to participate in at least one Family Service Project option. This may be working with the South Oakland Shelter, making a family Christmas banner, serving at the Gleaners Food Pantry, or other opportunities as they arise. To reflect upon the experience, students will be required to complete a worksheet.

Memory Assignments It is very important to work together as parent and child on memory work. All assigned memory will be tested and the completed work will be attested by the parents, using the forms provided.

* Whole families should worship together for Thanksgiving, the Wednesdays of Advent and Christmas.