Affirm. A Ministry of Confirmation. Affirm is an intense pastoral and educational ministry of the church which seeks to help

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1 Affirm A Ministry of Confirmation All societies have rites of passage to assist their members through times of growth and crisis. The Church, too, has provided a liturgical celebration of various stages of spiritual growth and maturation. This liturgical attention is more than merely taking notice of the stages of growth and life; it is a way of helping people pass through the thresholds of human experience by giving them the support of the community, and acknowledging that God with us in each part of our lives. Affirm is an intense pastoral and educational ministry of the church which seeks to help a person, through Word and Sacrament, to identify more deeply with the Christian community and participate more fully in its mission and ministry. It is the hope of this ministry to have students develop a sense of community in their group, study the Bible, come to build their faith upon the Lutheran confessional principles, and become mature and active in their participation in their congregation. May God bless your learning and spiritual formation as we seek to Affirm the gifts of God s grace and faith begun at baptism in you.

2 Components Manna & Mercy Students are asked to read the next designated chapter in Manna & Mercy before attending our session. Also, it will be helpful to you to read the noted Biblical passages as you read chapter. Please write questions on the margins, and underline or highlight words or phrases you find speak to you. In this way, your book can become very personal and helpful in review during the sessions. Bible Reading Your Bible is a textbook for our time together. Please read the passages that are scheduled before coming to our session. You will find the other background information on the first page of every book of the Bible. Before you read the passage, you may want to check this out so you can better understand the context of the book and passage. Memory Work Memory work will be from both Bible verses and parts of Luther s Small Catechism. Sometimes the selections will be verbatim (word for word) and others will be general wording with a sense of the meaning. Work sheets will be progressive. Forms are accessible on the website. Also included is the memorization of the books of the Bible in order. Worship Notes Each student will complete eight (8) Worship Notes form. These will come from the service of worship at Elim, completed in advance and discussed together in the group. Forms are accessible on the website. Retreat Weekends Two overnight retreats will be planned for fun, relationship building, and some concentrated learning opportunities. The first retreat after Christmas, and the second retreat will be for a couple of days at a local retreat center. Sites and dates are yet to be determined. Worship Leading During the year, the group will assist in worship leadership (assisting ministers, communion assistants, readers, etc.). At a service of worship later in the year, the group may decide to deliver the sermon as a group.

3 Service Projects During the year, opportunities for group service projects will be imagined, planned and completed. Faith Story Composition As a part of the completion of this study time, the student will compose a personal statement of faith which will be shared with the congregation on Confirmation Day. The suggestion of starting early (perhaps 6 months before confirmation day) is better than waiting. The Pastor is available for consultation and assistance. Creative Projects The students will be given topics to research online to interpret either a Bible verse or part of the catechism, etc. The students may explore photographic interpretations of a Bible verse, part of the catechism, etc. or another hands-on, imaginative way of applying the Biblical text creatively. Family Involvement - The student s family will engage in: 1) Reading the Bible together 2) Taking time to help with the student s homework 3) Assisting in the Service Project 4) Possibly be a chaperone for the retreat(s) 5) Being encouraging and supportive of the student s participation Mentor A Mentor is a wise and faithful advisor or teacher. A Mentor in confirmation ministry is a congregational member chosen for you who has a genuine and mature faith, and a person that is willing to share a journey with you. Over the year, the student and Mentor will meet for seven (7) conversations which are guided by the enclosed materials.

4 Manna & Mercy September 10 Beginnings Bible: Lutheran Insights pp Genesis 1-3, 6-9, 18:1-15, 22:1-19 Story: Creation Characters: Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham & Sarah, Joseph Catechism: Creed First Article and Meaning Memory: Genesis 1:1, 12:2, Psalm 139:14 October 8 God Births a People Bible: Exodus 3-4, 12 15:2 Story: Exodus, Passover Characters: Moses, Pharaoh Catechism: Morning & Evening Prayers Memory: Exodus 15:1b November 12 The Wilderness School Bible: Exodus 16 17:7, Story: Manna and Water in the Wilderness Character: Moses Catechism: First, Second and Third Commandments & Meanings Memory: First, Second and Third Commandments December 10 The Covenant and the Covenant Gift Bible: Exodus 20, 31:12-18, Deuteronomy 6, 26 Story: The Commandments Character: Moses (again) Catechism: Fourth through Tenth Commandments & Meanings Memory: Deuteronomy 6:4-5

5 January 14 Graduation and Settling Down We Want a King Bible: Read passages noted in M&M text Story: Setting out for Land, Desire for a king Character: Joshua Catechism: Review of Commandments Memory: Table Prayer (also, make cards for your family to use) February 11 Yahweh Sends Prophets Bible: Isaiah 2, 5:1-7, Isaiah 40, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Story: Prophetic Ministry Catechism: Confession & Forgiveness Memory: Joel 2:13, Isaiah 40:8 March 11 By the Waters of Babylon Home Again Bible: 2 Kings 17, Ruth, Jonah, Psalm 137 Story: Exile and Return Catechism: Review Memory: Review April 8 God s Surprise Bible: Luke 1-3, Matthew 1:18 3:17, Mark 1:1-11, John 1:1-34 Story: Birth of Jesus, Epiphany, Baptism Character: Jesus, John the Baptist, Mary the Mother of Jesus, et.al. Catechism: Second Article of the Creed & Mening Memory: Luke 1:46-47, 2:14, John 1:14 May 13 Manna and Mercy for All Bible: Luke 4:1-21, Luke 5:1-11, Luke 9:10-17, Luke 15 Story: Temptation & Beginning, Call Disciples, Feed 5000, The Lost Character: Jesus Catechism: Second Article of the Creed & Meaning Memory: Luke 4:18-19

6 June 10 Jerusalem Bible: Luke Story: The Passion Narrative Character: Jesus Catechism: Second Article of the Creed & Meaning Memory: Luke 23:34 July 8 A Risen Jesus, A Risen People Bible: Luke 24 Story: Resurrection, Walk to Emmaus, Pentecost Character: Jesus and the Holy Spirit Catechism: Third Article of the Creed & Meaning Memory: Acts 2:42 August 12 The Danger of Pharoh s-egypt Way Bible: 1 Corinthians 1-2, Story: Living in faithful response to a loving God Catechism: Third Article of the Creed Memory: 1 Corinthian 1:18 September 9 The Risen People Share God s Dream God s Dream Will Come True Bible: 1 John 4:7-21, Revelation 1-4, Story: Living out the love we have received in faith Catechism: Review the Apostles Creed Memory: 1 John 4:11,19 October 14 Conclusion and Review The students and Pastor will review the past year. October 27 Confirmation Dinner The students and their families are invited to a dinner in their honor. October 28 Confirmation Day The congregation will join in the celebration through the Rite of Confirmation as you make your Affirmation of Baptism and become a confirmed member of the congregation. Only 14 months, 2 weeks and 1 day to go from today s gathering. God be with you on your journey - a journey that actually lasts a life time.