CONFIRMATION NEW LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 Handbook CONFIRMATION re:form: make changes in something, (typically a social, political, or economic institution or practice) in order to improve it. Can you think of anything you would like to improve in your life? My guess is that you might first think about your athletic prowess, or maybe it s a relationship that you are in. We often want to improve our grades, or our wardrobe. Have you thought about improving (reforming) your faith? Do you think it might take some work? Yeah, it might Let s together commit to working on our faith. Let s work to improve, strengthen and grow it. Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that one could stake his life on it a thousand times. -Martin Luther NEW LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims its maker's handiwork. Teach us your ways, O God. Take knowledge rather than gold, for all that you may desire cannot compare with wisdom. Teach us your ways, O God. Know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Teach us your ways, O God. Almighty God, you give wisdom and knowledge. Help us to study diligently and to grow in all that is good. Support all who teach and all who learn, that together we may know and follow your ways; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. 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, "1 TO SERVE ALL PEOPLE, FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS, AND TO STRIVE FOR JUSTICE AND PEACE IN ALL THE EARTH? I DO AND I ASK GOD TO HELP AND GUIDE ME. -ELW PAGE 236

2 ABOUT ME What do we have to do? Name: Nathan John Liedtke Age 36 Married: 14 yrs & 2 mnths Born: Madison, WI Favorite Bible verse: And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. -John 1.14 Favorite Bands: Dave Matthews Band, Mumford and Sons & Zac Brown Band Children: Benjamin John & Katelynne Bernice Animals: Bailey, Lambeau and Ellie. Who matters Level of influence in the life of a child (Rev. Dr. Paul Hill) 1. Parents 2. Another Caring Christian Adult 3. Camp or significant retreat/ service opportunity 4. Pastor 5. Really slick marketing 6. Elephants *parents form faith in the life of their children (for good, or for bad) DO THEY MATTER? WHAT IF I DON T DO THEM? WHAT IF I DON T WANT TO DO THEM? WHY DO YOU MAKE US DO THEM? Okay, let s talk expectations. Every year the pastor lays out these expectations in what seems like a list of requirements. Requirements mean that if I do the minimum, then I will get by. Here is what Pastor Nate intends when we talk about expectations. He means that he wants you to be active and involved in the life of the church. He knows that there are lots and lots of times when there are other things to do. So, part of the confirmation process is to get you to (at least occasionally) choose church stuff over the other stuff. How are you going to catch this faith thing if you are not here? So, we ask you to be present at 40% of the times of worship. Worship is the most important thing that we do as a follower of God. We want you to engage your head in worship, so come and take sermon notes, listen and ask questions. Tweet Pastor Nate questions during the sermon. That s really okay Too, this faith thing is active (check out the book of James) so, plan to do a days worth of service over the course of this coming year. And, come to class EXPECTATIONS Worship Notes 25 Service Hours 8 Classes 15 "2

3 IDEAS Faith and Self & Faith and Others take pictures of nature and look up bible verses that relate catch fish and clean them for the food pantry do a research paper on baptism invite your friends to serve at Connection Cafe and report on it design a liturgical dance for Christmas Eve worship EACH STUDENT WILL BE ASKED TO COMPLETE TWO PROJECTS THIS YEAR. MORE IDEAS use your Facebook or twitter account to share your faith, then report about it So, we re meeting less, which means that there is less to do right? Not so fast my friend:) With your Confirmation Mentor plan to complete two projects this Load the songs for worship into the computer at church Start a faith and basketball saturday morning league at the church year. The fall project will have to do with Faith and Self. This project should be a demonstration about your faith, and what it means to you. Answer this question, what does faith matter to me? The spring Think about several hymns and look up scripture passages that relate to each attend Adult Forum for a session and write a report about what you experienced project will have to do with Faith and Others. This project should be a demonstration about how your faith impacts others. Some ideas of projects are included on these pages, but please plan with your confirmation mentor and your parents a project that will have Volunteer at an animal shelter or during the After School program and write about your experience listen to popular music and write about how your faith relates to the messages in the music research creation from a biblical and scientific perspective meaning to you. Think about something that you are passionate about and then think of a way that passion of yours relates to faith. These are intended to be fun and meaningful projects, have some fun with these Proposals are due on October 8 and February 11. Projects are due on December 10 and April 22. Still struggling to think of a project? Pray, talk with your pastor and dream big Create blankets, mittens or scarves for the homeless population report about video games and faith "3

4 What s the deal with mentors? Faith is formed through personal, trusted relationships. Because this is a true statement, it is expected that each student will have a growing relationship with another caring Christian adult who is active and involved at New Life. It is important to have a mentor relationship with someone at the church that knows who you are and when you are here, and when you are not. The confirmation mentor also is a person who helps the students with their faith and self and faith and others projects. MENTORS Three words that describe Ann Heaverlo: Authentic, Affirming & Available. Confirmation mentors should not be a family member. That family member is already someone that is a part of the students life. What we are hoping for is that second person of influence in the faith life of a child (see page 2). When looking for a confirmation mentor, start by asking Pastor Nate for suggestions, he s already asked some people if they would be willing to serve as a confirmation mentor. Too, ask your parents, they would be really important people to involve in this decision. This guy is probably not the one that you want to ask to be a confirmation mentor. (actually, he s great, and a good friend of Pastor Nate s) Second, think of people that are Triple A Certified. Okay, I just thought that up, but think about an adult that is AUTHENTIC, AVAILABLE and AFFIRMING. Basically, someone that is real, someone that can take time to be with you, and someone that is a person that you would enjoy being around. Third, complete the Confirmation Mentor Form (page 12) and return it to Pastor Nate before October 1. Pastor Nate has a bunch of people that he can help to connect both student and Confirmation Mentor. WORSHIP: HOW CAN I HELP? Begins Nov. 30 Advent Begins Dec. 24 Christmas Begins Jan. 6 Epiphany Begins March 5 Lent Begins April 20 Easter We want you to be involved in worship Rather than assigning you to a weekly acolyte role, please sign up for a month of learning, participation and helping with worship. (page 9) Students should plan to help with any of the worship assistants roles or may chose to be a part of worship in another way such as creating art, writing prayers, or arranging the altar for Holy Communion. Begins June 8 Pentecost The Church Year "4

5 Faith 5 SHARE READ TALK PRAY FAITH5 isn't really anything new. It's as old as Acts 2. Or maybe Deuteronomy 6. The FAITH 5 connects church to home, faith to life, and parents to kids in a powerful way. The five steps of the FAITH5 are: Step One: Share highs and lows. Name something good and bad you experienced today. Can't think of a personal one? Check out the headlines from the news and teach empathy and compassion for the broader world. Step Two: Read a verse from your Bible. (Use the TAKING FAITH HOME bulletin insert) your highs & lows of the day and highlight a verse of scripture in your bible. about how the bible verse relates to your highs & lows for your highs & lows, for your family, and for the world BLESS one another Step Three: Talk about how the verse relates to highs and lows. Unpack the verse a bit. What does it mean in your own words? How might it relate to where you are today in your highs and lows? Step Four: Pray for one another's highs and lows, for your family, and for the world. Simply talk to God, thank Jesus for the good, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in specific problems. Step Five: Bless one another. Trace the sign of the cross on one another's forehead or palm as a reminder that you belong to God and to one another. A WORD FROM PASTOR NATE TO PARENTS 1. This isn t for me, this isn t for the church, this is for you. On the other side of adolescence you are going to have a SIGNIFICANTLY better relationship with your kid than most people will have if you commit to checking in nightly with FAITH5 (or something equivalent). Click to Continue DEUTERONOMY 6 "Keep these words which I command you today in your hearts. Recite them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise..." 2. As your pastor, it s my personal goal to be the best ally you ever had in working on your parenting dreams over the next couple years. I m on your team. I m on your side. BUT I can t do it without you. I can t do it for you. We can do a great job together. 3. When most kids enter adolescence, the conversations decline. We think this is foolish and dangerous. In this church, we re going to kick it into high gear. Every night in every home will be our expectation. You don t NOT feed your child every night. Please don t starve them emotionally and spiritually. There is just too much at stake. Make this as regular and expected as brushing your teeth. 4. I need you to recommit to your kid. Not to me. Not to the church. Not to anything else. If you only do one thing right over these next few years, make it this relationship. It may have taken you 18 hours of labor to birth a baby. It s going to take you a half dozen years now to birth an adult. (Talk about labor) You ve got to focus and be intentional. We re here to help. 1. Share 2. Read 3. Talk 4. Pray 5. Bless 6. Share 7. Read 8. Talk 9. Pray 10. Bless 11. Repeat 5. If you commit to your kid and the process, I will commit to you. This is going to be the most important job, with the most beautiful, tender, and dangerous possibilities on the other side of the adolescent journey. "Let s do this right. Let s do this together. Let s pull God into the core. And let s just see what wonderful relationships grow, deepen, and bring joy to your lives if we do this with everything we ve got." FAITH IN THE HOME Rev. Rich Melheim, once asked his friend and mentor Dr. Tony Compolo a question: "What's the healthiest thing a kid can say?" The sociologist from Eastern College answered: "We always do it this way in my home." Wow. Let's think about that. "We" means together, not off in our own separate places. "Always" means there's a ritual and continuity--something that happens on a regular basis. "This way" means an action--not something passive. "My home" means ownership, identity, security, safety. What more could anyone want than for their kids to be saying this? Growth abounds. Lives deepen. Traditions are built. Relationships are strengthened. "5

6 Confirmation Class Schedule Christian Year CLASSES MEET FROM 6:30-7:30 P.M. Sept. 3 - Orientation Meeting Sept Can is be proven that God exists? Sept Is God male? Sept HYPOTHERABLES Oct. 1 - How can God be three-inone? Oct. 8 - Does God still create stuff today? (Faith and self project proposals due) Oct. 15 -HYPOTHERABLES Oct HYPOTHERABLES Oct HYPOTHERABLES Nov. 5 - Am I really supposed to believe Mary was a virgin? Nov Why did Jesus go to hell? Nov HYPOTHERABLES Nov nada(nothing) #nochurchtonight Dec. 3 - Is the Holy Spirit a person or wind or fire or what? Dec Why do we say we believe in the holy catholic church if we Jan. 7 - Do cremated people go to heaven? Jan Is it okay to be angry at God? Jan HYPOTHERABLES Jan HYPOTHERABLES Feb. 4 - Can you accept the theory of evolution and still be a Christian? Feb Did Martin Luther really call the pope the anti-christ? (faith and others project proposals due) FEBRUARY 18 - ASH WEDNESDAY APRIL 5 - EASTER April 15 - How can Lutherans believe in grace alone if they also believe in faith alone and Scripture alone? April 22 - Do I have to memorize the Small Catechism to be Lutheran? (faith and others project due) April 27 - What s a synod and why are there so many different ones? are not Catholic? (faith and self project due) Dec HYPOTHERABLES "6

7 Parent Sign-up CLASSES MEET FROM 6:30-7:30 P.M. Parents: please sign up to participate in two classes this confirmation year. Sept Can is be proven that God exists? Sept Is God male? Oct. 1 - How can God be three-in-one? Oct. 8 - Does God still create stuff today? Nov. 5 - Am I really supposed to believe Mary was a virgin? Nov Why did Jesus go to hell? Dec. 3 - Is the Holy Spirit a person or wind or fire or what? Dec Why do we say we believe in the holy catholic church if we are not Catholic? Jan. 7 - Do cremated people go to heaven? Jan Is it okay to be angry at God? Feb. 4 - Can you accept the theory of evolution and still be a Christian? Feb Did Martin Luther really call the pope the anti-christ? FEBRUARY 18 ASH WEDNESDAY - APRIL 5 EASTER April 15 - How can Lutherans believe in grace alone if they also believe in faith alone and Scripture alone? April 22 - Do I have to memorize the Small Catechism to be Lutheran? April 27 - What s a synod and why are there so many different ones? "7

8 What else is there? What if there were a time to get together with other youth and express an opinion? What if it was fun for people to explore and expand theological concepts in community? Hypotherables is an optional time that uses original, compelling stories to stimulate group discussions about a range of spiritual topics. Everyday faith issues like evangelism, honesty, temptation, and grace are reframed in the form of captivating stories culminating in a HYPOTHEtical question for the group to discuss free from the fear of wrong answers. And because each story is an imaginative modern parable full of twists, turns, drama, and comedy we can easily take the conversation as deep as we wanna go. Hypotherables will meet on the Wednesdays at 6:30 when we do not have confirmation class. All middle and high school students are welcome, invited and encouraged to check it out. The 2015 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING The ELCA Youth Gathering for high schoolage youth takes place every three years and is about faith formation, worship, study, fellowship, service and play. It is an opportunity for youth to engage with peers from across the United States and the world who share a common commitment and faith in Christ. The next Gathering will be held July 15-19, 2015, in Detroit, Mich. The Gathering is a five-day event that begins on a Wednesday evening and ends with a service of communion the following Sunday morning. The opening night sets the stage for the days ahead in which young people may have an encounter with Jesus that energizes their faith and helps them discover their call to serve in the world locally and globally. Come to our first informational meeting on Thursday, October 2 at 7 p.m at Pastor Nate s house. All students who have completed 8th grade are eligible to attend the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering. FIRST SUNDAY FUN There is class, and then more class, after that there are worship notes, service hours and projects to present. So, let s have some fun too, After all it is about friendships, sharing and growth Each month, the youth board plans what we think are pretty fun afternoon or evening events for middle and high school youth. Here s an fun fact, just to be confusing, we don t always meet on the first Sunday of the month. So, watch , announcements, bulletin and newsletter for next the upcoming 1st Sunday Fun. "8 YOUTH BOARD Our Youth Board meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. to organize and plan for youth activities. Contact Mike Thronson for more information at thronson.mike@gmail.com.

9 Confirmation Class Worship Sign Up SIGN UP TO HELP WITH WORSHIP FOR ONE MONTH Students will be asked to help with the preparation of worship for one month this coming year. Students may reading the scripture texts, usher, help with the serving of communion, be a greeter, run the media or help with the assisting minister roles. Students may also help with the writing of the prayers of the church or help by setting the table for Holy Communion. Students should plan to schedule a meeting with Pastor Nate to discuss their roles during the month that they sign up. Students should plan to participate in two worship services during the month for which they volunteer. September 8:15 September 10:30 October 8:15 October 10:30 November 8:15 November 10:30 December 8:15 December 10:30 January 8:15 January 10:30 February 8:15 February 10:30 March 8:15 March 10:30 April 8:15 April 10:30 May 8:15 May 10:30 June 8:15 June 10:30 July 8:15 July 10:30 August 8:15 August 10:30 "9

10 Worship Notes (6 & 7 grade) New Life Lutheran Church - Norwalk, IA PURPOSE: ENGAGE YOUR HEAD IN WORSHIP. Name: Place of Worship: Date: Today is the Sunday of (Season of the Church): Today s Gospel lesson is: Based on the music, the scripture lessons and the sermon; today s worship focused on: Something I read about God s love for me in today s Scripture readings is: Something I heard about God s love in today s sermon is: Something I did in worship today that made me think of God s love is: This week I will pray for: Only complete Worship Notes will receive full credit toward yearly total due (25). "10

11 Worship Notes (8 & 9 grade) New Life Lutheran Church - Norwalk, IA PURPOSE: ENGAGE YOUR HEAD IN WORSHIP. Name: Place of Worship: Date: Today is the Sunday of (Season of the Church): Today s Gospel lesson is: Based on the music, the scripture lessons and the sermon; worship for today focused on: What do you believe was the main point of the message? How does hearing this sermon strengthen your understanding of Scripture, faith, and knowledge of Christ? What would you want someone else to know about this sermon? Tweet (@newlifenorwalk) or text ( ) one question that this message raised for you. Only complete Worship Notes will receive full credit toward yearly total due (25). "11

12 Name of Student Date of Activity Time Spent of Activity Description of Activity: What I Learned or Found Valuable as a Result of This Activity Parent/Guardian Signature*: *Required for Credit Confirmation Service Hours New Life Lutheran Church - Norwalk, IA COMPLETE A SEPARATE FORM FOR SEPARATE EVENTS Students should volunteer for a day of service over the course of the coming year. Please complete and turn in forms to Pastor Nate as soon as the activity is completed. Students should complete 8 full hours of service during the year. - Return Completed Forms to Pastor Nate s Office Door - "12

13 New Life Lutheran Church Together we host the Norwalk Area Food Pantry, serve a monthly hot meal at Connection Café, provide an After School Program for 3-5 grade students on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and lead a monthly worship service at Ft. Des Moines Senior Housing. We also enjoy a partnership with missionaries serving the people of Papua New Guinea with Lutheran Bible Translators, and plant a community garden for our friend and neighbors. Sunday Worship: 8:15 & 10:30 a.m. Sunday Education Hour: 9:30 a.m NEW LIFE IS A CONGREGATION OF THE SOUTHEASTERN IOWA SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God's work in Christ's name for the life of the world. This is Christ s Church. There is a place for you here wakonda dr. norwalk, ia like us on facebook follow us on twitter office newlifelutheranoffice@gmail.com pastor nate s njliedtke@gmail.com pastor nate s cell phone: Confirmation Mentor New Life Lutheran Church - Norwalk, IA COMPLETE THIS FORM BEFORE OCT. 1 After prayer and discussion I have asked (name of Confirmation Mentor) to partner with me in completing two projects, meet on a regular basis, and introduce me to the congregation before the date of my confirmation (9th grade year). Signature of Student Signature of Mentor Signature of Parent "13

14 Youth Medical Release & Consent Form New Life Lutheran Church - Norwalk, IA EACH PARTICIPANT MUST COMPLETE THIS DOUBLE-SIDED FORM STUDENT NAME: DATE OF BIRTH: ADDRESS: STUDENT CELL: PARENT CELL: NAME OF PARENT(S) GUARDIANS(S): NAME OF PHYSICIAN: PHONE: INSURANCE COMPANY: POLICY NUMBER: PHONE: (Please photocopy insurance cards and include with this form) CURRENT MEDICATIONS TAKEN BY PARTICIPANT (LIST NAME AND DOSAGE): HEALTH HISTORY: (MAJOR ILLNESSES, LAST TETANUS SHOT, ALLERGIES, ETC.): FATHER EMPLOYED AT: PHONE: MOTHER EMPLOYED AT: PHONE: EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION: NAME: PHONE: RELATIONSHIP TO PARTICIPANT: "14

15 Youth Medical Release & Consent Form New Life Lutheran Church - Norwalk, IA EACH PARTICIPANT MUST COMPLETE THIS DOUBLE-SIDED FORM In the event of illness or accidental injury, this form will be presented to the attending physician if your child needs medical treatment in your absence. This will prevent delay of treatment with your signature and photocopied insurance card. I hereby give permission for my child to participate in all activities related to New Life Lutheran Church s activities. I understand that all activities will be conducted on church property. In return for the benefits of my child's participation in these church activities I agree to accept responsibility for the actions of my child and assume all risk of injury to my child should such occur during these church activities. Parent/Guardian (name) "I hereby authorize the treatment, administration of anesthesia and surgical treatment for my child (name) in the event of a medical emergency occurring during my absence or when hospital or medical personnel cannot contact me. This authorization extends to all medical facilities and personnel regardless of setting, in or out of a medical facility, in the treatment of my minor child." I hereby authorize the church employee or adult chaperone to obtain medical treatment for my child as deemed necessary, after making every reasonable effort to notify me. If the church employee or chaperone is unable to contact me for any reason, he or she is further authorized to use his or her judgment in making care decisions for our child, and I agree to pay in full and be responsible for, any and all expenses incurred for this treatment. I understand the zero tolerance policy with regard to acts of violence, illegal weapons, and illegal drug and alcohol use and agree to pick-up my child if deemed necessary for any reason by the Pastor I agree that my child's image, both in print and electronically, may be used by New Life Lutheran Church for illustrative or promotional purposes. I have read and understand this document and release of liability. I agree to the terms and conditions and certify that the information provided is complete and accurate. I will instill values of respect with my child to help him/her choose to respect all people, including themselves, and choose to treat others as we would like to be treated. My child will need to listen to the leaders and volunteers in order to fully participate. Together we will strive to live out Mark 12: Jesus answered, The first is, Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. Signature of Student Date Signature of Parent/Guardian Date "15

16 9TH GRADE CONFIRMATION NEW LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH October 12, 2014 Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism? LET S PROMISE TO EACH OTHER: I WILL, Attend all classes scheduled in September and October. Select a memory verse that is meaningful. Put it to memory. Work on an individual statement of faith. Complete a project that focuses on Faith and Others. Ask a Confirmation Sponsor to introduce me to the congregation. We give you thanks, O God, that through water and the Holy Spirit you give us new birth, cleanse us from sin, and raise us to eternal life. Stir up in Affirmation of Baptism Dear friends, we give thanks for the gift of baptism as we come before God to make public affirmation of baptism into Christ. Merciful God, we thank you that you have made us your own by water and the Word in baptism. You have called us to yourself, enlightened us with the gifts of name the gift of your Holy Spirit: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of "16 your Spirit, and nourished us in the community of faith. Uphold us and all your servants in the gifts and promises of baptism, and unite the hearts of all whom you have brought to new birth. We ask this in the name of Christ. Amen. the Lord, the spirit of joy in your presence, both now and forever. Amen.