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Confirmation Instruction - 2012-2013

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 Sunday mornings at 9:30am. 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 2" curriculum.

During this year, students will be taught about the Creed (Articles 1, 2 & 3), Baptism, Holy Communion, Confession and Absolution. 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, we're asking you to attend confirmation instruction with you child on the dates that are listed on the Confirmation Instruction section (see below). 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 10 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 is expected to be in class every week. We cover a lot of material each week, and each week builds upon the last. However, we realize that conflicts occasionally arise. If you need to miss a week, please talk to Mr. Mahler at 248.376.6695 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 Arts, Beats & Eats, 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.

Topics of Study & Key Dates

Date Topic
August 29 Parent Meeting (Family Service Project #1 - Arts, Beats & Eats)
September 2 The Bible (parents too!)
September 16 Law & Gospel
September 23 Apostles' Creed I (parents too!)
September 30 Apostles' Creed I
October 7 Apostles' Creed I
October 14 Apostles' Creed II (parents too!)
October 21 Apostles' Creed II
October 28 Apostles' Creed II
November 4 Apostles' Creed II
November 11 Apostles' Creed III (parents too!)
November 18 Apostles' Creed III
November 25 (No Class - Thanksgiving Break)
December 2 Comprehensive Test - Apostles' Creed (Class & Take Home)
December 9 What is a Sacrement
December 16 Christmas Activity
December 24 Family Service Project #2 - Christmas Banners
January 6 Holy Baptism (parents too!)
January 13 Holy Baptism
January 20 Holy Baptism
January 27 Holy Baptism
February 3 Holy Baptism
February 10 Test - Holy Baptism
February 17 No Class - Mid-Winter Break
February 24 Lord's Supper (parents too!)
March 3 Lord's Supper
March 10 Lord's Supper (8th Grade Statement Assignments)
March 17 Lord's Supper
March 24 Lord's Supper (8th Grade Draft 1 Due)
March 31 No Class - Holy Week Family Service Project #3 - SOS Week
April 7 No Class - Easter Break
April 14 Test - Lord's Supper (8th Grade Final Statement Draft Due)
April 21 8th Grade Retreat (Michindoh Conference Center - off campus)
April 28 Statement Sunday (Sharing of Faith) (Pictures - 8th Grade)
May 5 Confirmation Sunday (8th Grade)

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