A Word from the Pastor

Transcription

1 FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH CONFIRMATION Handbook

2 2

3 A Word from the Pastor Dear confirmation families, Welcome to Faith s confirmation ministry a journey of growth and discovery flowing from the waters of baptism and enfolded into weekly worship and praise. In all our activities, class time, and relationships, confirmation is simply an important way we grow deeper into our baptismal promises. Notice how the new confirmation logo on the cover of this handbook celebrates our embrace of the ever flowing movement of grace. We approach this growth and discovery with creativity and care for one another. In many and varied ways matters of faith come to life and gratitude for God s grace and goodness takes hold. Confirmation at Faith is much more than what happens in a classroom. It is a vibrant connection between the home and the congregation. Here the opportunities for learning are shared within our households so that faith speaks to the very heart of our daily lives. Confirmation thrives in community. Authentic, available, and affirming adults by care and trust take on an important dimension to our ongoing journey where faith is caught and practiced. We live into the richness and joy of the very mission of the church in partnership with one another across the generations. Our youth at Faith enliven our engagement and bring energy to our growing expressions of outreach and service into the world! I look forward to this year with you and your children as the Spirit works among all of us at Faith Lutheran Church! Blessings, Pastor Randy Olson 3

4 Table of Contents What Is Confirmation?... 5 Expectations of Parents... 7 Expectations of Students... 9 Faith In the Home th and 8 th Grade Calendar th and 8 th Confirmation Details Mentor Information th Grade Calendar th Grade Confirmation Details...19 FaithFusion Contact Information

5 What Is Confirmation? Outside of church walls, confirmation is a run-of-the-mill word typically associated with the idea of verification we can choose to receive confirmation when a package we ve shipped reaches its destination, for example. Inside church walls, however, the word confirmation is used quite differently, and often to mean slightly different things. So what does it mean, anyway? What We Mean When We Talk About Confirmation Most often, confirmation is used to describe the entire three-year educational program which serves to prepare students for the Affirmation of Baptism service and the life of discipleship that follows. During this time, a student is said to be in or going to confirmation. The Latin word confirmare, the earliest ancestor of confirmation, literally means to strengthen. Paired with the word faith, this produces an appropriate definition of confirmation as used in this way it s a time to strengthen faith. Confirmation is also used to describe the special worship service that concludes this time of faith-strengthening. Therefore a student looks forward to being confirmed at his or her confirmation service. Liturgically speaking, this is called an Affirmation of Baptism, a rite of passage which reminds both individuals and the assembly of the covenant made at our baptism both God s promise to us and our call to live out those promises. Martin Luther, however, reminds us that the Christian life is one of daily dying and rising with Christ in the waters of baptism. In this sense confirmation is something that never stops happening. It all begins with the sacrament of baptism, in which we re washed with water, marked with the cross of Christ, and filled with the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a public celebration. It s confirmed in the Affirmation of Baptism service, in which we say Yes! to our baptism. And it continues in the daily renewal of our commitment to the baptismal life. In other words, confirmation is not an end, but a beginning. During the Affirmation of Baptism liturgy, candidates are asked to profess faith in Christ Jesus, reject sin, and confess the faith of the church." 5

6 What Is Confirmation? (cont d) Additionally and perhaps more importantly candidates are asked: Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism: To live among God's faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord's supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth? This question from the heart of the Affirmation of Baptism liturgy paints a rather vivid picture of a life of faith, and as such it serves as the foundation of the confirmation program at Faith. Confirmation Objectives Our desire is to partner with families and the congregation in the task of training young people in the various practices that are essential for nurturing lifelong faith by: Presenting the core of the Christian faith through study of scripture and Luther s Small Catechism, and using these texts as the context for exploring current issues in confirmands everyday lives; Promoting the development of faith practices habits of Christian discipleship in confirmands by providing opportunities for and encouraging reflection upon worship, prayer, service, study, fellowship, retreats, encouragement, etc.; Strengthening confirmands identification with the Church by facilitating relationship-building with other members of Faith through both small group and large group experiences guided by trained and caring adults; Preparing confirmands for the rite of Affirmation of Baptism and the life of discipleship which follows. 6

7 Expectations of Parents "Hear O [Parents]: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down, and when you rise." Deuteronomy 6:4-7 Confirmation leaders pastors, church staff, mentors, and volunteers will encourage students to fulfill their confirmation commitments, but the responsibility to grow, work, think, and strive lies primarily with the student and his or her family. You are the most powerful faith teachers your child knows. What you say and do will have more influence on your child than anyone else, even at this age. If confirmation instruction is important to you and you demonstrate it through your active participation and encouragement this experience will last far beyond your child s Affirmation of Baptism. As they say: Faith is caught, not taught. When children are baptized, parents make a promise to: faithfully bring them to the services of God s house; teach them the Lord s Prayer, the Apostles Creed, and the Ten Commandments; place in their hands the Holy Scriptures; provide for their instruction in the Christian faith, that they might live in the covenant of their Baptism and in communion with the Church so they would live godly lives until the day of Jesus Christ. The confirmation program at Faith is a ministry intended to help you fulfill your baptismal vows; but the responsibility ultimately rests with you. Parental Involvement and Support It is expected that parents are actively involved in their child s faith development and committed to supporting Faith s confirmation ministry in the following ways: Pray daily for your son or daughter, his or her small group guide, confirmation leaders, and for the young people involved in this ministry. 7

8 Expectations of Parents (cont d) Be involved in your child s journey through the confirmation program, through caring conversations and weekly family devotions (see p.10). Ask what they are learning and discuss with them your thoughts and views. Share and challenge each other. Chaperone your child and other youth on a fellowship event, service event, or mission trip. Parents are requested to serve as chaperones for two events per year once in the fall semester and once in the spring semester. Take advantage of this opportunity to have fun, serve, and grow spiritually with your child. Be on the lookout for opportunities to volunteer as a chaperone, and when you do, be sure to document your involvement on your Family Digest (see p.10). Worship weekly with your son or daughter. This is an integral part of preparing for life as God s people. It is also requested that parents review and sign their child s Worship Reflections before they are filed. Keep growing. Model to your child what an active faith life means. You might: Participate in a Sunday morning adult education class; sing in the adult choir; take part in the Wednesday Faith Night program; read a book on the topic of spirituality or discipleship; seek out ministries to which God is calling you. It is the tradition at Faith that parents of 8 th Graders organize and serve the Confirmation Banquet for the 9 th Grade confirmands. This year the dinner will be held on Sunday, April 27, Volunteers are needed to help coordinate this dinner, and it counts as an in-service project for youth helpers. Please contact Jake if you are available to help. Stay informed about the ministries and activities of the church by reading thoroughly all Faith communications, including the website, worship bulletins, weekly E-news s, and text messages. Please regularly check your , as this is the primary form of communication throughout the year. Contact the Youth and Family Ministry Team, the small group guides, Jake, or the Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator if you have questions, comments, concerns, or ideas (see p.25 for contact information). 8

9 Expectations of Students Participation By entering into the confirmation program at Faith, the student promises to participate as fully as possible and to make an honest effort to engage in the program s various offerings and commitments. It is our belief that this participation and engagement prepares the student for the most faithful and authentic response to the questions posed in the Affirmation of Baptism liturgy. Behavior It is expected that students will pay attention, participate, and refrain from behaviors that distract the group from engaging. This expectation includes any time that confirmation students are gathered, whether for meals, in class, on retreat, or in small or large groups. Snacks/Food During Confirmation Snacks (cookies, candy, birthday treats, etc.) are tasty, but they can often be a big distraction during class. The teachers and small group guides request that if snacks are brought that they be passed out at the end of the evening s confirmation activities. Sometimes students participate in early-evening activities that require them to bring their dinner to class. While this is unavoidable, we do request that these dinners be eaten quickly and with respect to others in the group. Cell Phones and Electronics Cell phones and other electronic distractions (ipods, portable gaming devices, etc.) are not allowed during confirmation class, following policies outlined by area school districts. Cell phones will be collected by small group guides at the beginning of confirmation and returned at the end. If you need to reach out to your student during class, please call the church office at

10 Faith in the Home We are excited to introduce two new elements to Faith s confirmation program for the year. The Family Digest Every confirmation student will receive a single-sheet Family Digest twice per year one for fall and one for spring/summer which is intended to be posted in a visible location in the home (we recommend the fridge). The Family Digest s primary function is to provide accountability between families and confirmation staff/volunteers by keeping a student s progress in his or her faith practice expectations everpresent in the home (see pp and for more on faith practice expectations). It also includes handy at-a-glance versions of the weekly confirmation schedule and important dates for the current semester. Each Family Digest has a return-by date, which is when we request that students have filed them in the filing cabinet along the west wall of the Commons. Weekly Family Devotions In order to equip families with the tools for ongoing faith development in the home, we are providing weekly family devotionals via the website Families are encouraged to set aside 5-10 minutes each week between when devotions are posted on Mondays and worship on the following Sunday to walk through the scripture text, reflection, discussion question, prayer and Capture it! challenge. Each devotion is based on the sermon text for the coming weekend s worship services, and both students and adults alike are encouraged to use technology and social media to interact with and reflect upon the devotions themes. 10

11 7 th and 8 th Grade Calendar :15 7:45pm on Wednesdays 7 th Grade: Gathering House 8 th Grade: Messiah Hall 201/ Sep. 4 Confirmation Orientation Jan The Exodus + Family Digest due Sep What s the Word? Jan The Wilderness Sep. 13/14 7 th Grade Retreat* Jan The Conquest Sep Stories of Creation I Jan The Judges Sep Stories of Creation II Feb The Monarchy I Oct Stories of Sin & Grace I Feb The Monarchy II Oct Stories of Sin & Grace II Feb. 19 Small Group In-Service Oct. 16 Small Group Out-Service Feb The Monarchy III Oct. 18/19 8 th Grade Retreat* Mar. 5 No Class (Ash Weds.) Oct. 20 Meals from the Heartland Mar The Prophets I Oct The Ancestors I Mar. 19 No Class (Spring Break) Oct. 30 No Class (Beggars Night) Mar The Prophets II Nov The Ancestors II Apr. 2 FaithFusion dress rehearsal Nov The Ancestors III Apr. 6 FaithFusion Sunday Nov. 20 FaithFusion dress rehearsal Apr The Exile Nov. 24 FaithFusion Sunday Apr. 16 No Class (Holy Week) Nov. 27 No Class (Thanksgiving) Apr The Restoration Dec. 4 In-Home Review review Apr. 30 In-Home Review review Dec. 11 Jan. 1 No Class (Incarnation Vacation) *Retreats begin on Friday at 5:45pm and end on Saturday at 4:00pm (add l details on p. 12) Denotes date is not a Wednesday Denotes class dismisses at 7:10pm for worship 11

12 7 th and 8 th Grade Confirmation Details The 7 th and 8 th grade confirmation classes are a mix of large- and small-group activities led by small group guides, the Director of Youth & Family Ministry, the Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator, the Senior Pastor, and volunteers. During these years, students study both the Old and New Testaments while developing important faith practices. 7 th and 8 th Grade Small Groups Every year we break our large groups into small, same-gender groups of 5-6 students each. Wednesday night classes generally begin with small group time, during which students have faith conversations, pray together, and laugh together, helping students develop strong faith relationships with peers that often last into adulthood. 7 th and 8 th Grade Retreats Annual confirmation retreats are overnight events which take place at the YMCA Camp in Boone. Students will participate in an in-depth study of the Ten Commandments and experience group building via the Camp's outdoor activity courses. Dinner will not be provided on Friday night; students should eat before arriving at Faith; snacks will be provided while at the camp. Retreat costs are covered by the confirmation fees. Parental volunteers will be needed. 7 th and 8 th Grade Acolyte Expectations (recorded on the Family Digest) To develop the faith practice of participation in congregational worship, we ask that 7 th and 8 th graders serve the role of acolyte during weekly worship services throughout the year (including summer), as well as Advent and Lenten services. Each student is expected to serve as acolyte a minimum of two times per semester (i.e., twice in the fall, twice in the spring, and twice in the summer) as reflected in the Family Digest. A sign-up sheet containing slots for each worship service throughout the year is provided for families at Confirmation Orientation, and subsequent sign-ups and/or swaps will be managed on the web at Additionally, families are encouraged to record their selected acolyte dates on the Family Digest. In the event of an unexpected change, you are responsible for finding a substitute using the form at FLCacolyte at least one week prior to the scheduled service. 12

13 7 th and 8 th Grade Confirmation Details (cont d) Acolytes should arrive 15 minutes before worship begins. An acolyte training/review video can be accessed on the Youth & Family Ministry YouTube page at FaithLCYouth (See 7 TH AND 8 TH GRADE IN-SERVICE EXPECTATIONS for additional ways to serve during worship.) 7 th and 8 th Grade Worship Expectations (recorded on the Family Digest) To develop the faith practice of a consistent worship rhythm, we ask that confirmation students attempt to maintain at least a 50% record of attendance at weekly worship. Additionally, each student is expected to complete a minimum of eight Worship Reflections in the fall and twelve in the spring and summer as reflected in the Family Digest. Worship Reflections facilitate engagement with the worship service and may be completed during any weekly worship service as well as Lenten, Advent, and other holiday services (e.g., Thanksgiving Eve). Forms can be found on the Youth & Family Ministry bulletin board in the church entryway, and upon completion students should file them in the filing cabinet along the west wall of the Commons (in the folder labeled with their name) and then record their progress on the Family Digest. Please note that Education Hour is not a substitute for worship attendance. 7 th and 8 th Grade Fellowship Expectations (recorded on the Family Digest) To develop the faith practice of Christian community and fellowship, we ask that students participate in fellowship events offered throughout the year. Each student is expected to participate in at least one fellowship event per semester (fall, spring, and summer), as reflected in the Family Digest. Following an event, students should fill out a Service/Fellowship Reflection. These forms can be found on the Youth & Family Ministry bulletin board in the church entryway, and upon completion students should file them in the filing cabinet along the west wall of the Commons (in the folder labeled with their name) and then record their progress on the Family Digest. 13

14 7 th and 8 th Grade Confirmation Details (cont d) Information about upcoming fellowship events will be available in Faith Weekly, Faith E-news, direct , and on the Youth & Family Ministry bulletin board in the church entryway. Examples of fellowship events include: Lock-in, pumpkin carving, bowling, snow tubing, movie night, and more. Contact the Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator if you have ideas for fellowship events or are willing to help! 7 th and 8 th Grade In-Service Expectations (recorded on the Family Digest) To develop the faith practice of tending to the needs of the church and congregation, we ask that students participate in several in-service projects during the year. An inservice project is a church-, small group-, or family-sponsored event that serves Faith or its property. Examples include: Ground clean-up, sanctuary decoration, volunteering in the nursery, and custodial tasks. Each student is expected to participate in at least one in-service project per semester (fall and spring), as reflected in the Family Digest. Following a project, students should fill out a Service/Fellowship Reflection. These forms can be found on the Youth & Family Ministry bulletin board in the church entryway, and upon completion students should file them in the filing cabinet along the west wall of the Commons (in the folder labeled with their name) and then record their progress on the Family Digest. Additionally, students are encouraged to serve in worship in various ways, such as being an usher, greeter, lector (Scripture reader), etc. For these opportunities, please contact our Communications Coordinator, Miranda Kurtt, at mirandakurtt@faithlc.org. 7 th and 8 th Grade Out-Service Expectations (recorded on the Family Digest) To develop the faith practice of striving for justice and peace, we ask that students participate in several out-service projects during the year. An out-service project is a church-, or small group-, or family-sponsored event that serves out in the community. Examples include: Meals from the Heartland, serving at the Catholic Worker House, and the Kiwanis Miracle League. Each student is expected to participate in at least two out-service projects per semester (fall and spring), as reflected in the Family Digest. Large-group service opportunities are regularly 14

15 7 th and 8 th Grade Confirmation Details (cont d) available be sure to consult the calendar (p.11) and to keep an eye out for informational s. Additionally, each small group will brainstorm, plan, and carry out at least one service project during the year. Following a project, students should fill out a Service/Fellowship Reflection. These forms can be found on the Youth & Family Ministry bulletin board in the church entryway, and upon completion students should file them in the filing cabinet along the west wall of the Commons (in the folder labeled with their name) and then record their progress on the Family Digest. 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th Grade Education Hour Students are invited to meet with our Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator at either 8:30 or 10:00 on Sunday mornings to discuss hot topics and current events. This exploratory Bible Study will help students frame their experiences and relationships outside of Faith s walls. Regular Parent Caring Conversations help to open up dialogue between students and their parents Parent Caring Conversation dates for grades 6-8 are: October 6, November 3, December 8, January 26, and March 30. A complete schedule for , including the topics discussed, can be accessed via the Confirmation Resources tab at Confirmation Ringers (7 th -9 th grade) Wednesdays, 5:30-6:15pm All confirmation students are invited to ring on Faith Night! The Confirmation Ringer Director will help students learn how to ring hand bells and chimes, and students will have the occasional opportunity to assist in leading worship at the 10:00 service. All students who take part in Confirmation Ringers will also use their talents as part of FaithFusion (for more on FaithFusion, see p.24). 15

16 7 th and 8 th Grade Confirmation Details (cont d) Junior High Choir (7 th -9 th grade) Sundays, 3:00pm All confirmation students are invited to join Dr. Dave Johnson, Faith s Director of Music Ministry, in forming a new choir. Dave writes: I know how talented you all are! I would love it if you would share your talents with me and the congregation. I am going to be directing this ensemble which will begin on Sunday, September 15th at 3:00pm in the Music Room. We will sing a wide variety of music with an emphasis on good healthy singing. I would like everyone to come at 3:00pm for our first rehearsal. If we are lucky enough to have both guys and girls we will separate the two groups and form a men s choir and a women s choir. If you have any questions at all please don t hesitate to contact me: davejohnson@faithlc.org or This choir will be involved in Faith Fusion Sundays and in March will be joining the Carthage College Choir for an evening concert here at Faith. Confirmation Fees A yearly fee of $75 per student ($125 maximum per family) is required from all confirmation students to offset the costs of confirmation. This fee includes the overnight retreat, Lutheran Study Bibles and Lutheran Handbooks, end-of-semester parties, t-shirts, and FaithFusion materials. Money for special events will be collected at the time of the event. If an item is lost, students are responsible for purchasing new materials. Bible: $20; Lutheran Handbook: $10; T-shirt: $12. 8 th Grade Mentor Search We believe that having faith-filled relationships with adults other than parents and small group guides is critical to the spiritual formation of young people, and therefore students are asked to choose a mentor in the spring of their 8 th grade year. Be thinking about who you would like to have as your mentor. 16

17 Mentor Information A mentor in our congregation is defined as someone who is a mature Christian excited about modeling his or her relationship with Jesus Christ with a confirmation student. The purpose of a mentor relationship is: To build bridges between youth and adults as people of the church who care about each other; to affirm with each other our faith in Jesus Christ; to encourage one another in love; to bear one another s burdens (Galatians 6:2); and to become friends. Students should plan to seek out mentors beginning in January. More information about selecting a mentor will be sent later in the year. Students should meet with their mentors at least once a month during the summer between 8th and 9th grades. If a student is having difficulty finding a mentor, please contact Jake. Characteristics of a Mentor Most importantly, a mentor should be committed to Christ and the Church. Effective mentors are active in the life of worship and the ministry of an ELCA congregation and are open to sharing with students about the things that enable their growth in faith. A mentor should believe in young people and their unique gifts and enjoy relating to them. Who Can Be A Mentor? A regularly worshipping adult member of Faith or another ELCA church, or A non-elca Christian adult with approval from Jake or the Senior Pastor Suggested Ways to Develop a Mentor/Mentee Relationship Share a meal together, or go out for ice cream Text message, Facebook, or call each other Attend concerts, games, and school activities together Talk about feelings and ideas about church, confirmation, school, social issues, etc. Attend faith youth activities together Discuss, plan, and work on service projects together Talk about the Lutheran church Talk about college and/or vocational plans 17

18 9 th Grade Calendar :15 7:45pm on Wednesdays Messiah Hall 203/ Sep. 4 Confirmation Orientation Jan. 8 The ELCA + Family Digest due Sep. 11 Baptism I Jan. 15 Mentor Night (Packet #2 due) Sep. 18 Baptism II Jan. 22 Communion I Sep. 25 Baptism III Jan. 29 Communion II Oct. 2 Mentor Night Feb. 5 Communion III Oct. 4 Mission trip deposits due Feb. 12 Creed I Oct. 9 Luther I Feb. 19 Small Group In-Service Oct. 16 Small Group Out-Service Feb. 26 Creed II Oct. 20 Meals from the Heartland Mar. 5 No Class (Ash Weds.) Oct. 23 Luther II Mar. 12 Mentor Night (Packet #3 due) Oct. 30 No Class (Beggars Night) Mar. 19 No Class (Spring Break) Nov. 6 Luther movie, part 1 Mar. 26 Creed III Nov. 13 Luther movie, part 2 Apr. 2 FaithFusion dress rehearsal Nov. 16/17 Reggie s Sleepout Apr. 6 FaithFusion Sunday Nov. 20 FaithFusion dress rehearsal Apr. 9 Ready to Affirm I Nov. 24 FaithFusion Sunday Apr. 16 No Class (Holy Week) Nov. 27 No Class (Thanksgiving) Apr. 23 Ready to Affirm II Dec. 4 Mentor Night (Packet #1 due) Apr. 27 Confirmation Banquet Dec. 6/7 9 th Grade Retreat* Apr. 30 Ready to Affirm III (Packet #4 due) Dec. 11 Jan. 1 No Class (Incarnation Vacation) May 3 Affirmation of Baptism May 7 SHYGnap *Retreats begin on Friday at 5:45pm and end on Saturday at 4:00pm (add l details on p. 19) Denotes date is not a Wednesday Denotes class dismisses at 7:10pm for worship 18

19 9 th Grade Confirmation Details The 9 th grade confirmation classes are a mix of large- and small-group activities led by small group guides, the Director of Youth & Family Ministry, the Senior Pastor, and volunteers. Throughout the year, students study Lutheran history, theology, and practice, while developing important faith practices and occasionally meeting with mentors (see previous page for Mentor Night dates). 9 th Grade Mentor Program Last spring, students were asked to choose their mentors for the following year so that they could spend time together. The 9 th graders should now be paired with an adult from the congregation to be their mentor. This is an integral part of our confirmation program. It is instrumental in teaching youth to be life-long learners and to seek out opportunities to fellowship with members of their church community. Students and mentors will gather together during Wednesday confirmation class four times during the year. 9 th Grade Small Groups The 9 th grade groups have been together for the past two years with their same group guide. They will continue this year and focus on personal sharing, prayer and discussion. 9 th Grade Retreat Annual confirmation retreats are overnight events which take place at the YMCA Camp in Boone. Students will have the opportunity to explore and deepen their faith through indepth Bible studies, worship and fellowship. Dinner will not be provided on Friday night; students should eat before arriving at Faith; snacks will be provided while at the camp. Retreat costs are covered by the confirmation fees. Parental volunteers will be needed. 9 th Grade Crucifer Expectations (recorded on the Family Digest) To develop the faith practice of participation in congregational worship, we ask that 9 th graders serve the role of crucifer during weekly worship services throughout the year (including summer), as well as Advent and Lenten services. Each student is expected to serve as crucifer a minimum of two times per semester (i.e., twice in the fall and twice in the spring) as reflected in the Family Digest. 19

20 9 th Grade Confirmation Details (cont d) A sign-up sheet containing slots for each worship service throughout the year is provided for families at Confirmation Orientation, and subsequent sign-ups and/or swaps will be managed on the web at Additionally, families are encouraged to record their selected crucifer dates on the Family Digest. In the event of an unexpected change, you are responsible for finding a substitute using the form at bit.ly/flccrucifer at least one week prior to the scheduled service. Crucifers should arrive 15 minutes before worship begins. A crucifer training/review video can be accessed on the Youth & Family Ministry YouTube page at FaithLCYouth (See 9 TH GRADE IN-SERVICE EXPECTATIONS for additional ways to serve during worship.) 9 th Grade Worship Expectations (recorded on the Family Digest) To develop the faith practice of a consistent worship rhythm, we ask that confirmation students attempt to maintain at least a 50% record of attendance at weekly worship. Additionally, each student is expected to complete a minimum of eight Worship Reflections in the fall and eight in the spring as reflected in the Family Digest. Worship Reflections facilitate engagement with the worship service and may be completed during any weekly worship service as well as Lenten, Advent, and other holiday services (e.g., Thanksgiving Eve). Forms can be found on the Youth & Family Ministry bulletin board in the church entryway, and upon completion students should file them in the filing cabinet along the west wall of the Commons (in the folder labeled with their name) and then record their progress on the Family Digest. Please note that Education Hour is not a substitute for worship attendance. 9 th Grade Fellowship Expectations (recorded on the Family Digest) To develop the faith practice of Christian community and fellowship, we ask that students participate in fellowship events offered throughout the year. Each student is expected to participate in at least one fellowship event per semester (fall and spring), as reflected in the Family Digest. 20

21 9 th Grade Confirmation Details (cont d) Following an event, students should fill out a Service/Fellowship Reflection. These forms can be found on the Youth & Family Ministry bulletin board in the church entryway, and upon completion students should file them in the filing cabinet along the west wall of the Commons (in the folder labeled with their name) and then record their progress on the Family Digest. Information about upcoming fellowship events will be available in Faith Weekly, Faith E-news, direct , and on the Youth & Family Ministry bulletin board in the church entryway. Examples of fellowship events include: Senior high lock-in, bowling, white elephant Christmas party, ski trip, and more. 9 th Grade In-Service Expectations (recorded on the Family Digest) To develop the faith practice of tending to the needs of the church and congregation, we ask that students participate in several in-service projects during the year. An inservice project is a church-, small group-, or family-sponsored event that serves Faith or its property. Examples include: Ground clean-up, sanctuary decoration, and custodial tasks. Each student is expected to participate in at least one in-service project per semester (fall and spring), as reflected in the Family Digest. This includes events like helping with church clean-up day, serving in the nursery, and more. Following a project, students should fill out a Service/Fellowship Reflection. These forms can be found on the Youth & Family Ministry bulletin board in the church entryway, and upon completion students should file them in the filing cabinet along the west wall of the Commons (in the folder labeled with their name) and then record their progress on the Family Digest. Additionally, students are encouraged to serve in worship in various ways, such as being an usher, greeter, lector (Scripture reader), etc. For these opportunities, please contact our Communications Coordinator, Miranda Kurtt, at mirandakurtt@faithlc.org. 9 th Grade Out-Service Expectations (recorded on the Family Digest) To develop the faith practice of striving for justice and peace, we ask that students participate in several out-service projects during the year. An out-service project is a 21

22 9 th Grade Confirmation Details (cont d) church-, or small group-, or family-sponsored event that serves out in the community. Examples include: Meals from the Heartland, serving at the Catholic Worker House, and the Kiwanis Miracle League. Each student is expected to participate in at least two out-service projects per semester (fall and spring), as reflected in the Family Digest. Large-group service opportunities are regularly available be sure to consult the calendar (p.18) and to keep an eye out for informational s. Additionally, each small group will brainstorm, plan, and carry out at least one service project during the year. Following a project, students should fill out a Service/Fellowship Reflection. These forms can be found on the Youth & Family Ministry bulletin board in the church entryway, and upon completion students should file them in the filing cabinet along the west wall of the Commons (in the folder labeled with their name) and then record their progress on the Family Digest. Junior High Choir (7 th -9 th grade) Sundays, 3:00pm All confirmation students are invited to join Dr. Dave Johnson, Faith s Director of Music Ministry, in forming a new choir. Dave writes: I know how talented you all are! I would love it if you would share your talents with me and the congregation. I am going to be directing this ensemble which will begin on Sunday, September 15th at 3:00pm in the Music Room. We will sing a wide variety of music with an emphasis on good healthy singing. I would like everyone to come at 3:00pm for our first rehearsal. If we are lucky enough to have both guys and girls we will separate the two groups and form a men s choir and a women s choir. If you have any questions at all please don t hesitate to contact me: davejohnson@faithlc.org or This choir will be involved in Faith Fusion Sundays and in March will be joining the Carthage College Choir for an evening concert here at Faith. 9 th -12 th Grade Education Hour Meet with Director of Youth and Family Ministry, Jake Bouma, at 10:00am on Sundays for a weekly walk through the book of Isaiah. This Bible study will encourage students to apply the Bible to their daily lives and to seek out God s activity in the everyday. 22

23 9 th Grade Confirmation Details (cont d) Confirmation Ringers (7 th -9 th grade) Wednesdays, 5:30-6:15pm All confirmation students are invited to ring on Faith Night! The Confirmation Ringer Director will help students learn how to ring hand bells and chimes, and students will have the occasional opportunity to assist in leading worship at the 10:00 service. All students who take part in Confirmation Ringers will also use their talents as part of FaithFusion (for more on FaithFusion, see p.24). Confirmation Fees A yearly fee of $75 per student ($125 maximum per family) is required from all confirmation students to offset the costs of confirmation. This fee includes the overnight retreat, Lutheran Study Bibles and Lutheran Handbooks, end-of-semester parties, t-shirts, and FaithFusion materials. Money for special events will be collected at the time of the event. If an item is lost, students are responsible for purchasing new materials. Bible: $20; Lutheran Handbook: $10; T-shirt: $12. Mission Trip to Denver, CO (July 11-18, 2014) All Faith students currently in grades 9-12 are invited to join us for an eye-opening experience in Denver, where students and adults alike will have unique opportunities to witness to God s love in Christ. If your child would like to attend, 1) Complete the online registration form located here on the web at and 2) Make a deposit of $150 per student no later than Friday, October 4, 2013 in one of two ways: Cash or check (made payable to Faith Lutheran Church) may be dropped off at Faith; or Secure online payments may be made at A second payment of $150 per student will be due no later than March 7, Need-based scholarships are available; please contact Jake for more information. Our mission trip journey is scheduled for July 11 18, We may leave or return a day earlier or later based on pending side-trips, so please plan accordingly. A required informational meeting for students and parents is scheduled for Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 11:15am at Faith. 23

24 FaithFusion Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone... For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, 12-13a FaithFusion is a component of the confirmation program designed to assist confirmands in exploring various forms of worship expressions as we fuse together the gifts with which God has blessed us all. Most Wednesday nights during confirmation, all 7 th 9 th grade confirmation students will spend the final half-hour (7:15 7:45pm) learning about and preparing contemporary worship music, dramatic skits, puppet acts, art projects, spoken word, and more. As we progress, we will fuse these different expressions together into a worship service that will be shared with the congregation twice during the year. FaithFusion Sunday Worship At the 10:00am worship service on November 24, 2013 and April 6, 2014, all 7 th 9 th grade confirmation students will lead the church in a worship setting that includes the various FaithFusion components. Because participation in and leadership of a worshipping community are important faith practices that are integral to the life of faith, we ask that parents and students make their best attempts to be present for these worship services. They are the culmination of our work in the final 1/3 of our time on Wednesday evenings! The Music Ministry and Youth & Family Ministry staff and volunteers are excited to see what God has in store as we work to fuse together our gifts and share them with others! 24

25 Contact Information Faith Lutheran Church University Avenue Clive, IA (515) Director of Youth & Family Ministry Jake Bouma Cell phone: (515) Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator Luke Fillmore Cell phone: (515) Youth & Family Ministry Team Chairperson Michelle Wood Cell phone: (515) Youth & Family Ministry on Social Media Facebook: Twitter: YouTube: 25

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