AMPED The Confirmation Ministry of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 2018 2019 Madison Campus: 5701 Raymond Road Madison, WI 53711 (608)271-6633 Verona Campus: 7291 Hwy PD Verona, WI 53593 (608)845-8955
Contents Covenant Staff. 3 Covenant 23 The AMPED Experience.... 4 Expectations.. 5 Service Requirements.. 8 Service Experience Slips.. 9 Service Participation Options Within Good Shepherd. 11 Service Experience Opportunities Within & Beyond Good Shepherd 10 Parental Volunteer Opportunities 14 Weekly Ministry 6 Fellowship Events....7 Offerings....7 Tracking Your Progress.. 15 Retreats 13 Family Nights.. 12 Worship Notes 12 Important Stuff...16 Affirmation of Baptism.. 17 Pictures.18 & 19 2016-17 Calendar.20 & 21 Notes... 22 Student As part of the Amped community I promise I will give myself the opportunity to grow. I will be honest about my beliefs and questions and be respectful of the beliefs and questions of others. I will actively seek to become who God created me to be rather than giving into the attitudes of others. I will participate in the activities provided for me and respect those leading them because I believe that they are here to support me as I grow up in my understanding of God and church. Student Signature Parent As a parent of an Amped student I promise to do my best to support the faith development of my child. I will be available for them, encourage them, and actively seek to participate in this important part of their lives. I will honor the promise I made in their baptism to raise them in the faith remembering that I am one of the most important people who will pass on faith to my child. Parent Signature Small Group Guide As an Amped small group guide I promise to do everything I can to create a positive environment for my students to grow in their faith and understand their identity as a child of God. I will be available for them, encourage them, and be a positive example to them of a Christian adult. Small Group Guide Signature 23
Just Notes AMPED STAFF Becca Mortensen Director of Youth and Family Life 271-6633 ext. 1100 bmortensen@gslcwi.com Laura Clark Confirmation Assistant 271-6633 ext. 1110 lclark@gslcwi.com IMPORTANT CONTACTS Sarah Iverson, siverson@gslcwi.com, x 1150 Diane Kohrs, dkohrs@gslcwi.com, x 2001 Donna Maysack, volunteer@gslcwi.com, x 1310 Jared Stellmacher, jstellmacher@gslcwi.com, x 1390 Joanne Zastrow, jzastrow@gslcwi.com, x 1420 3
2018 2019 Calendar The AMPED Experience Through the confirmation experience, individuals confirm the promises made in faith at the time of their baptism. April May 2 Tuesday Amped 4 Rehearsal of Affirmation Baptism 10:00 a.m. 3 Wednesday Amped 5 Affirmation of Baptism 1:00 p.m. 9 Tuesday Amped I have really enjoyed getting to know new people at AMPED and being more connected to my church family. The pastors teach us about the Bible and our religion in fun ways - Ali Moll AMPED 8th Grader Confirmation isn t graduation it s a significant step in your faith journey that leads into adult faith formation. Every one of our confirmation requirements is designed to help you get to know God better and to develop a lifestyle that will help you continue to grow spiritually. Participation in the Amped ministry is a decision you should not take lightly as it affects the entire family. Confirmation is a voluntary program. By enrolling, youth and their families agree to live the expectations and experiences described in this booklet. Please understand that being in the AMPED program is a commitment much like the one you make to a sports team, music group, or other activity. This means that YOU are important to our community s success and your consistent and appropriate attendance and participation are required for both you and others to thrive. If the structure of the large group ministry does not suit your learning style or family schedule, other forms of the program can be discussed in order to make sure each child gets the best we, parents and church leaders, have to offer them. 10 Wednesday Amped 16 Tuesday Amped 17 Wednesday Amped 23 Family Potlucks 24 Family Potlucks 30 8th Grade Work Night. I like amped because it is a safe place where you can talk about God and get closer to him, share your thoughts and have fun. My favorite thing is small group time because you get to do fun stuff with your small group like play games, do service projects and just hang out. Plus you get to learn about the other kids in your group.. - Ben Johnson, AMPED 7th Grader 21
2018 2019 Calendar September January 18 Family Night 1 No Amped 19 Family Night 2 No Amped 25 Tuesday Amped 8 Family Night 26 Wednesday Amped 9 Family Night 27 Family Night 15 Tuesday Amped 16 Wednesday Amped October 22 Tuesday Amped 2 Tuesday Amped 23 Wednesday Amped 3 Wednesday Amped 29 Tuesday Amped 9 Tuesday Amped 30 Wednesday Amped 10 Wednesday Amped 16 Tuesday Amped 17 Wednesday Amped February 23 Fall Festival - 5 Tuesday Amped @ Madison Campus 30/31 Alternate Activity 6 Wednesday Amped 9 Boys/Girls Retreats November 12 Tuesday Amped 6 Tuesday Amped 13 Wednesday Amped 7 Wednesday Amped 19 Tuesday Amped 13 Tuesday Amped 20 Wednesday Amped 14 Wednesday Amped 26 Tuesday Amped 20 No Amped 27 Wednesday Amped 21 No Amped 27 Tuesday Amped March 28 Wednesday Amped 5 No Amped December 6 No Amped Ash Wednesday 4 Tuesday Amped 12 Tuesday Amped 5 Wednesday Amped 13 Wednesday Amped 11 Tuesday Amped 19 Tuesday Amped 12 Wednesday Amped 20 Wednesday Amped 19 Christmas Fellowship 26 No Amped @ Verona Campus 25/26 No Amped 27 No Amped Expectations In order to make Confirmation the best experience possible, we cannot allow negative behavior and choices from a few people to ruin the experience for the group. The following are our basic expectations. Students, by signing up for AMPED you are: 1) Committing to consistent attendance and appropriate participation in all required activities. 2) Pledging to support, uplift, and serve others in the AMPED community with your language, actions, dress, and prayers. Parents, by enrolling your child in AMPED you are: 1) Fulfilling your baptismal promise to help them grow in their faith. 2) Promising to encourage, support, and hold them accountable throughout the experience. 3) Agreeing to assist the program in some volunteer capacity during the year! If students are unable to abide by these expectations, steps will be taken to address the issue in a way that respects the experience of the group and the needs of the child. 5
Weekly Ministry Tuesday and Wednesday Nights A typical evening will consist of: 6:15-6:30 Large Group Gathering (announcements, games, random activity) 6:30-7:30 Rotations - 1/2 hour with Teaching Pastor - 1/2 hour with Becca/Sarah 7:30-8:00 Special Small Group Time 19
Fellowship Events Occasionally throughout the year we will host fellowship/worship evenings in place of our regular classes. These dates can be found on the calendar at the back of the book. PLEASE NOTE: These events are held on either a Tuesday or Wednesday, not both. Students are welcome to attend if they are available. These events give the kids a chance to strengthen friendships and form new ones. The evenings always include a worship component during which we come together to practice our worship skills with one another. These are fun and important evenings for our community. Offerings Each year middle school youth have the opportunity to give financially through the AMPED program. We talk about giving and how our offerings help those in need. The offerings they give are given to a service organization or charity that the kids learn about during the year so that they know the mission and methods of that organization. In the past we have given to Heifer International, ELCA World Hunger, Wings As Eagles Ministry, and our own Food Pantry. 7
Service Requirements Affirmation of Baptism Confirmation Sunday Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10 We learn much about the Christian faith within our classes, worship, and from our teachers and pastors but the realities and joys of the Christian faith come to life in a new way when we practice service to our neighbor. Jesus said, Now that you know these things you will be blessed if you DO them John 13:17 In caring for and participating in the lives of those around us, the bones of our faith are given life, we gain understanding, and we live out our baptismal call. Nobody is too old or young to be exempt from this part of the Christian lifestyle. During this AMPED year students will be required to complete 12 service experiences. A service experience is one in which they participate in the congregation or the community through service. Some of these may be completed within their small groups (up to two) while others will be up to the student and their family to seek-out and complete (2 experiences MUST be completed with a family member). For each service experience the student will return a yellow slip describing their act of service. The slip will then be signed by either the adult facilitating the service or a parent. 8th graders will need to complete their 12 experiences by May while the 6th and 7th graders will have until the end of July before the next year begins. Students can track their progression on the board posted at each Campus. The goal of this is for students to find ways of serving that fit their abilities as well as their passions. The possibilities are endless and you will find a list of options as well as a sample slip on page 9 of this booklet. A student is free to try a variety of different types of service throughout the year! Feel free to check with Becca/Sarah on any options you don t see listed. As you did to the least of these, you did it unto me Matthew 25:39 Rehearsal Saturday, May 4, 2019 10AM Noon Rehearsal is not optional. Pictures are taken during rehearsal! Service Sunday, May 5, 2019 1 PM Students will be expected to arrive at Noon 8th graders, during your final month of class you can expect to start working with Becca/ Sarah and your small group guide towards getting ready for the service. Things we will work on include: 1. Writing a faith statement that will be read at the service. 2. Choosing a bible verse that will be printed in the bulletin. 3. Creating a stole that you will wear over your robe at the service. 4. Planning and participating in the service. This can be a very meaningful and challenging time and we encourage students to be honest in this journey. If a student is struggling, please feel free to set-up a time to talk with Becca/Sarah. 17
AMPED is a great place to learn more about Christ and what it means to be Lutheran. It is very friendly and you can share your ideas. The group activities create a strong bond with your small group. Sarah and Laura are some of the greatest people to spend the rest of your night with. - Charlie Kritsch, AMPED 7th Grader Service Experience Slips are yellow and can be found by the Sermon Notes @ each campus. They are also available @ class each week. You can turn them in during class or on Sunday in the AMPED Collection Bin. Name: Weather Related Cancellations Important Stuff If school is cancelled or released early, there is NO AMPED that evening. If class is cancelled on a Tuesday it is also cancelled on Wednesday evening. We will post cancellations on the church website as well as send out a mass email (this is why it is important to keep us informed of your email changes). If Friends are Welcome We are called to extend an invitation. You are welcome to bring a friend to Amped. Please let Becca/Sarah know if you are planning on bringing a friend. If your friend would like to attend regularly, they need to register for the Amped Confirmation ministry. Lost and Foundnd Found You are responsible for your belongings. Good Shepherd does not take responsibility for any items that are lost, damaged, or stolen. If items are found during a confirmation night, on a retreat, or at a fellowship event, they will be held in Becca/Sarah and Laura s office for one week. After that time, all items will be donated to a local charity. Lost Bibles Your Bible is included in your registration fee. Additional bibles will cost $15 each to replace. Financial Aidnancial Aid If anyone is unable to attend because of financial difficulty, scholarships are available. Acolyte Fundraiser School Aide Allergy Sensitive Communion Assistant Greeter Set up The Deep 6:00 Worship Bake Communion Bread Humane Society Set up The Dive Sunday Night Fellowship Camp Inclusion Ministry Small Group Project Church School Assistant Lawn Care/Snow Removal Spirit Jam Clothes Closet Help with Children (Color, Read, etc) With Parent Lector Stuffed Animal/Toys Coats for Kids Letter on Issue Toys for Tots Coffee Host Letter to Serviceperson Trunk or Treat Communion Assistant Miscellaneous Usher Cook/Bake Project Nursery Vacation Bible School Cross Effect Nursing Home Volunteer Volunteer Feed My Starving Children PenPal Walk/Run for Cause Food Pantry Road Home Other Service (please describe) Date of Service: Signature of Adult: 9
Service Experience Opportunities Within and Beyond Good Shepherd For a list of service opportunities within the worship community of Good Shepherd please see page 11 of this booklet. Other opportunities are listed below. However, be creative with your own gifts and passions and feel free to contact Becca/Sarah or Laura to ask about other opportunities. Volunteer at the Food Pantry Volunteer at the Humane Society Volunteer at a nursing home to play games/adopt a grandparent Participate in local hunger events (CROP WALK) Become a pen-pal with a missionary/soldier Volunteer to do lawn care/snow removal for a person in need of assistance (not for pay) Cook a meal for a family/person in need in the congregation Participate in a walk/run for a cause Volunteer to play music at a local nursing home Write a letter to a congressman/representative concerning an issue you find important Participate in or create your own fundraiser Attend a class in the area on an issue that interests you (hunger, homelessness, etc.) Volunteer at a local hospital Volunteer at a local park or garden One Time Events TRUNK OR TREAT FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN THANKSGIVING DINNER - November 23rd SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING - All of December Watch bulletin, messenger, and website for details on when & how to volunteer at these Tracking Your Progress AMPED is a part of the larger congregation at Good Shepherd and our congregational mission is to worship, serve, grow. Consequently we find, create, and require our students to find ways to live out all pieces of that mission. WORSHIP. Students need to complete 12 sermon notes a year in which they actively observe and comment on various parts of worship and engage in conversation with you about that experience. SERVE. The Christian life is a life of service to the community and compassion for one s neighbor. Throughout the year students, with the help of their parents, guides, and the Amped community are to engage in aspects of service within the congregation and/or the larger community. Twelve service experiences are required for each student and they can be met in a variety of ways. At least 2 of those must be completed with a family member and no more than 2 can come from their small group experience. GROW. Weekly classes, occasional family nights, yearly retreats, and more combine to help these youth grow in their identity as a Child of God. This includes learning the basics of the Christian faith, how to live out that Christian faith, and being in relationships with others who can feed and inform your faith. 15
Parental Volunteer Opportunities Parents play a vital role in the Amped for Christ ministry! With almost 200 youth, it takes many adults to make it a success. We ask that each family find some way to be involved. You can make a difference! Service Participation Options for Youth in the Church Note: For 7th and 8th grade youth already serving in the ministry areas of Church School, Nursery, or as Worship Volunteers, your commitment will continue. Special Events Help out at a fellowship event, a special group service project or a large group activity night. Opportunities vary and requests will be sent as needed. Retreat Helper Help prepare, serve, or participate in some other way in our retreats in January. These are great events and we always need people to help with meal preparation, serving and speaking. The following link can be used by 6 th grade families to sign-up for service opportunities, or by 7 th & 8 th grade students to sign-up to serve in a new area. https://goodshep.breezechms.com/form/ampedservice Small Group Guides sometimes find themselves in need of a substitute or simply of extra adult assistance for a project. As the parent of a group member, you may be called upon to help fill these needs. PLEASE be willing to participate in this way as it shows support for both your child s experience and the work of their guide. If you are willing to serve any group in this way, please let Becca/Sarah and Laura know! Rover Come be extra hands, eyes, and help on a Tuesday or Wednesday night. This is an easy, fun and important part of helping our evenings run smoothly. If you have questions about serving in Children s Ministry, contact Joanne Zastrow, jzastrow@gslcwi.com, x 2002 If you have questions about serving in Worship, contact Donna Maysack, volunteer@gslcwi.com, x 1310 If you have questions about serving in Music, contact Diane Kohrs, dkohrs@gslcwi.com x 2001 Yes, I am interested in helping in the following area: Special Events Retreat Helper Rover (Tues or Wed) Name Phone # Email Note: These are important and meaningful ways to serve in our church. When you are scheduled, it is your responsibility to serve, as people are depending on you. If you are unable to be there, it is your responsibility to contact the coordinator or find a replacement. 11
FAMILY NIGHT Family Night is January 8th and January 9th On these evenings parents are expected to attend with their youth. We will engage in a unique and special evening of activity and conversations with each other. Worship Notes Worship notes can be found on the counter in the lobby of both campuses. They are printed on yellow paper. Sermon Notes can be turned in @ class or put in the AMPED Collection Bin on the counters. All Amped students are responsible to complete 12 worship notes a year. 8th grade students must complete their 12 by May 1st, 2019. 6th and 7th grade students have until September 1, 2019. Sermon notes are recorded and listed on the Amped board at both campuses. Be sure to put your name on it. You will not receive credit without your name.. Retreats When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place Acts 2 Retreats provide a wonderful opportunity for the Spirit to move among us and interact with us in a new way as we spend time together eating, traveling, playing, worshiping, learning, and resting. We require the kids to attend a retreat every year they are involved in Amped. This year's retreats once again will be a 1 day, all day event in which we create a separate yet similar experience for the girls and the boys. These days involve fellowship, education, and worship and are typically an AMPED favorite and an incredibly meaningful time for the kids!. The 8th grade class will have a special Spring event in which they will prepare for their upcoming Affirmation of Baptism. This activity is always a highlight of the AMPED experience and is not revealed until later in the Spring. Retreat Date: 2/9/2019 13