Confirmation

Parent Handbook

2012 - 13

© Group Publishing, Colorado

Licensed through Aug 31, 2013

Page 2

The Meaning of the ELCA Emblem

The visual motion within the cross and the surrounding orb

reminds us of the spreading light of the Gospel of Christ. Within the

spheres of the orb are smaller crosses (a design sometimes

known as the “Jerusalem Cross”), a traditional symbol for the

commission to spread the Gospel to the whole world.

The emblem is a graphic representation of the ELCA mission statement: marked by the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world. This context reflects both the good news of Christ’s incarnation and the church as the

body of Christ in the world.

Confirmation Calendar 2012-13 Page 3

What is Confirmation? Page 4

A Detailed Time Schedule Page 5

Worship Tracks Page 6

Sermon Notes Page 6

Service Opportunities Page 7

Different Learning Styles Page 8

Memory Work Page 8

Statement of Faith Page 9

Family Devotionals Page 9

Mentoring Page 10

Parent Responsibility Page 11

Affirmation of Baptism Page 12

Not Grades, but Practices Page 13

Wednesday Night Suppers Page 14

Friday Night Fun Nights & Bible Camp Page 14

Tracking Sheets Pages 15 & 16

Table of Contents

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Confirmation Class Calendar 2012-13

September Sep 12: Learn about the Bible - Large Group Sep 19: Navigate through the Bible Sep 26: How to Memorize Verses

October

Oct 3: Who is God - The Father Oct 10: Who is God - The Son Oct 17: NO CLASS - Fall Break Oct 24: Who is God - The Holy Spirit Oct 31: NO CLASS

November

Nov 7: Creation Nov 14: Fall Nov 21: NO CLASS - Thanksgiving Nov 28: Redemption

December

Dec 5: New Creation Dec 12: Abraham Dec 19: Moses Dec 26: NO CLASS - Christmas Break (During Advent, it is recommended that students and their mentors perform a service project together)

January

Jan 2: NO CLASS - Guide Meeting Jan 9: David Jan 16: Esther Jan 23: Peter Jan 30: Birth of a Savior

February

Feb 6: Life of Christ Feb 13: NO CLASS - Ash Wednesday Feb 22: NO CLASS - Lent - Worship Feb 27: NO CLASS - Lent - Worship

March

Mar 6: NO CLASS - Lent - Worship Mar 13: NO CLASS - Lent - Worship Mar 20: NO CLASS - Lent - Worship Mar 27: NO CLASS - Lent - Holy Week ( During Lent, students/mentors should meet at least 3x and complete three lessons)

April

Apr 3: Death and Resurrection Apr 10: First Church Apr 17: One of Many Apr 24: A New Command

May

May 1: Who I Am May 8: Who I Am Not May 15: Who I’ve Been Created to Be

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What is Confirmation?

It's About Forming Christ-Followers Confirmation isn't just an academic process. It's not a requirement for membership. Confirma-tion is about forming Christ-followers. Confirmation at Zion is a carefully designed program - one that is designed to bring youth to a closer understanding of God's Word, their savior Jesus Christ, and the Church as a whole.

Formation through Education Students will, through a 2-year Confirmation program, be knowledgeable of the principal aspects of Lutheran Theology.

Students will familiarize themselves with Lutheran Theology by memorizing aspects of the creeds, Luther’s Small Catechism and scripture.

Students will demonstrate their understanding through discussion and evaluation of real-life situations and questions.

Students will design “Statements of Faith” in which they not only demonstrate their knowl-edge of Christianity, but apply it in their own lives.

Formation through Engagement Students and families will be active and become familiar in all aspects of “Life at Zion”

Students will, through attendance, gain and appreciation for all aspects of Lutheran Worship.

Students and their families are about to serve in worship regularly, through any preferred worship tracks.

Students and their families can be active in optional activities provided throughout the year.

Formation through Fellowship Students and their families will, through different opportunities, will be able to engage with classmates and their families.

Students will build relationships with their colleagues through class attendance, scheduled events and service opportunities.

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A Detailed Time Schedule Each Wednesday, students will have a Confirmation class that is structured as follows:

† 6:00pm Confirmation begins † 6:00-6:10pm Greeting and announcements † 6:10-6:50pm Large group discussion for the evening † 6:50-7:30pm Groups dismissed for small group time in assigned classrooms Large Group: 45-50 minutes This is time to go over announcements, updates, lesson for the night, answer questions and learn. Small Group: 40-45 minutes Adult guides conduct a time of personal check in, discussion on the topic of the day, calendar reminders and accountability for required work (sermon notes, memory work, etc.) Please note: Students meet according to class. We do not mix the grade levels or gender. Each student within the class is assigned to a “Guide Group” which is led by an adult. The guide groups ideally will be from 6-8 students in size, plus the adult leader. Each student is given the opportunity to be assigned his/her group with a friend also in the group. The adult guide is tasked with building a sense of closeness and community within the group.

Cancellation & Change Policy

Please Note - if school is cancelled OR dismissed early due to weather, Confirmation will automatically cancel for that evening!

HOWEVER - If school begins late due to weather conditions, Confirmation will continue as scheduled.

Weather will not change the Confirmation calendar.

Go to www.zionbuffalo.org for any additional information.

Worship Tracks

Worship tracks are a way by which Confirmands are brought into the adult realm of service at Zion. Participating in various capacities of worship will help Confirmands have a deeper understanding of the various parts of worship, as well as contribute to their time & talent commitment. This is not a requirement, but is highly recommended, as it creates a sense of ownership and belonging. Students may receive credit towards church service hours, if approved by a service coordinator.

Students can assist with worship in the following ways: Read - Read the Bible lessons for the day Acolyte - Light candles and assist with Communion and other aspects, if needed Choir - Sing with the Youth Choir or special music Handbells - Play in a Handbell Choir Greeting - Welcome people to church on Sunday mornings with your family

There are job descriptions and calendars available for each of these opportunities.

If the student is unable to make it for their spot, please call Zion at 763.682.1245 ASAP.

Sermon Notes Each Confirmation student is expected to complete 20 sermon notes each year. Sermon notes may be taken at Zion, at other churches, on vacation, during mid-week services, on holidays, from television, radio or on-line services, weddings, funerals, camp, etc. Anywhere a preacher is preaching, sermon notes may be taken! Students who attend other churches (while visiting family/friends, on vacation, etc.) may receive credit by simply returning a bulletin from the service for which they attended, which must be signed legibly and dated by student and parent.

Of these 20 sermon notes, at least 10 must be completed at Zion at a Sunday morning worship service and at least another 3 must be completed at a Wednesday Lenten worship.

Acolytes, choir members and others who serve, are not exempt from taking sermon notes. If the student would like credit for a sermon note, they are expected to take sermon notes. Sermon notes are located in the church narthex, in a rack marked “Sermon Notes”. Completed, legible sheets should be returned following the service in the “Done” box, located next to the other racks.

Completed sermon notes are collected, read and recorded on the student’s tracking sheet. Unless the student provides proof to the contrary, the number recorded on the tracking sheet will settle all questions as to the number completed.

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Service Opportunities

Martin Luther insisted that we are saved by faith alone. This is true. But Luther also stated that faith should be accomplished by evidence (works) of that faith in your life.

Serving others is a work that reflects your faith. Confirmation students are required to perform 30 hours of service. For many students, service is a way of life. For others, service to others may be a way that we each can become more like the person of Jesus Christ.

There are three areas in which each student must perform at least ten hours each. It is not permissible for a student to do all hours in one area and not another. Below are descriptions for each area:

Community Service - Students must serve at a community facility such as Parkview or Lake Ridge Care Centers, Buffalo Food Shelf, Feed My Starving Children, etc. This must be a facility that serves others and preferably a non-profit organization.

Community service may be done in small groups or individually. Each student should keep a log of time spent and things accomplished.

Church Service - Students must serve at Zion at least ten hours throughout the year. There are many opportunities including: acolyte, communion server, VBS helper, Sunday School Shepherd, kitchen helper, etc.

Family Service - For this, students may choose what they want to do. There are two rules that may not be bent, broken or abridged in any way. They are: 1) It may not be a regular “chore” around the house or what is normally required of them.

This type of service is to be above the normal call of duty. 2) The student may not be compensated.

For Community and Church Service, students must have a “Note for the Record” legibly filled out with a description of service and supervisors signature. This means that if you serve at a community facility, you must have a manager or lead person sign the form. For church service, it must be signed by a church staff member/pastor/group leader

For Family Service, it is recommended that the “Note for the Record” be legibly filled out with a description or service and the served persons signature.

If Notes for the Record are not filled out fully and correctly, they will not be accepted!

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Different Learning Styles

Confirmation at Zion is open to any student who wishes to be confirmed. Zion recognizes that students are gifted in many ways and learn in many different ways. Please do not assume that we will know what is most effective for your student. Parent’s are encouraged to discuss any concerns that they might have ASAP with Myron or Jim. The curriculum has great flexibility and adaptability. In cooperation with parents, a plan can be developed that fits the students needs. Please do not wait until mid-year or later to voice your concerns!

Memory Work

Memory work is part of the Confirmation curriculum. Each student is expected to put forth their best effort to learn the required material. Memory work will be available on-line. Students are to memorize the material. When finished, students shall recite the material to a parent or mentor. If the adult approves, they may “pass” them by adding their signature to the bottom of the page. Students must return the page to the same area in which they turn in sermon notes. Parents know their students best and will have the final say as to how the work is memorized: in parts, word for word, etc. Passing occurs when a parent sees that the student has put forth their best effort!

The current schedule for memory work this year is as follows:

First Section Second Section

Memory Work #1 Memory Work #2

Available Sep 21 Available Nov 14

Due by Nov 14 Due by Jan 16

Third Section Fourth Section

Memory Work #3 Memory Work #4

Available Jan 16 Available Mar 13

Due by Mar 13 Due by May 8

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Statements of Faith There are three assignments each year for students to express their faith in writing. This is to give them an opportunity to ponder and reflect to see where they were, are and are going in their faith journey. These statements are required for students to be affirmed in their baptism.

These statements must be legible, and consist of at least one paragraph, which is at least three to five complete sentences per subject. Below, you will find the subjects that will be available on-line and their due dates:

Family Devotionals

Family devotionals are a required part of the Confirmation curriculum and is meant to be done at home with the student and a parent/family. This is the time when the parent can share their faith with their student, build faith and find out what is happening in the Confirmation classes at church. During the course of the year, students and parents are expected to choose nine devotional selections throughout the year. The idea is to have faith talk together with your student at home. Document these times together by citing the date, what you did, and the time it took. When finished, please complete a “Note for the Record” legibly with the details. Please note that parents and students have a great deal freedom to choose what, when and how these faith talks will occur. Be creative or ask for suggestions.

7th Grade 8th Grade

God the Father Promises Made

Due Nov 17 Due Nov 17

God the Son Christian Living

Due Feb 6 Due Feb 6

God the Holy Spirit The Church

Due May 8 Due May 8

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Mentoring

Mentoring is a time-honored way of passing down faith. A mentor is a wise and trusted counselor/teacher. Confirmation at Zion includes this faith tradition which is designed to enhance a young person’s faith by having intentional faith discussions with a Christian adult who is typically not the primary caregiver in the student’s life. For Confirmation students, a mentor must be someone who meets the following criteria: † Chosen by the student, with parent approval (Suggestions? Talk to a leader) † At least 25 years of age † An active Christian; any church † Is willing to be influential in the life of a young person This program will take place primarily during Lent and will follow a prepared curriculum. This will be a new experience for students new to the program. Parents are always encouraged to work with their child to choose a mentor. It is the students responsibility to invite an adult into the mentoring relationship with them. Throughout the year, mentors and students need to meet for three prepared sessions. These sessions will explore issues of faith and life. Each session may be done with other student/mentor pairs, over dinner or any way that best nurtures the relationship. Below you will see the lessons that are available for each grade, on-line: Please report completed legible mentor times on a “Notes for the Record”, including details, times, mentors name and signature from mentor.

7th Grade 8th Grade

How to Forgive Someone How to Be Saved by Grace, Not Works

Due Nov 17 Due Nov 17

How to Pray How to Cope with Grief and Loss

Due Feb 6 Due Feb 6

How to Share Your Faith How to Identify and Avoid Evil

Due May 8 Due May 8

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Parent Responsibility

Zion firmly believes that parents are the primary faith teachers. Our responsibility is to support you as you raise your children in the knowledge and love of Christ. Because of the promises made at Baptism and the Biblical command, we expect that you will be an active part of the Confirmation process.

What you can expect from us:

You can count on us to present the truth of the Bible to your child in ways that are engaging and honest. We do TRY to make the Confirmation process fun!

You can count on us to keep you informed of your child’s progress and behavior in class as well as if your child voices anything that causes us concern.

You can count on us to support YOU as the PARENT! If you make a decision that your child doesn’t agree with (and you will!), if we hear about it (and we might!), you can trust that we will support your decision as what is in your child’s best interest, regardless of what their friends might be doing.

What we expect from you:

We expect that you are supporting Biblical truth at home, by how you model your own faith, how you talk, and how you treat one another.

We expect that you will have your student in worship, as well as aiding them in accomplishing their Confirmation requirements.

We expect that you will be asking your child about class, what they are learning, as well as answering questions they might have.

We expect that you will help your child be prepared for class with books and homework.

We expect that you will support what we are doing in class.

What your student needs from you:

Your child needs you to grow in and model your own faith through worship, service, outreach, family devotion, and “God Talk” at home in a casual setting.

MOST OF ALL, your child needs you to love God and love them, and listen to both God and your child!

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Affirmation of Baptism

At Zion, the Rite of Confirmation (Affirmation of Baptism) is held in the fall of the student’s ninth grade year. This occurs during a special, afternoon service with the entire grade. In order to participate in this service, ALL requirements must be completed and turned in prior to the service. Exceptions to the rule are almost never made. If a student desires to be Confirmed, it will serve them best to : 1) Stay aware of the requirements 2) Notify their small group guide, or Myron/ Jim, if, due to circumstances in their own lives,

that that are having difficulty meeting the requirements. This should be done BEFORE the end of the year as time allows many and gracious ways of adjusting. The longer the student waits, the harder it will be to find a solution.

3) Use the summer wisely and to it best advantage (especially those with full school year calendars)

4) Decide early to become an active part of your church community through worship, fellowship and programs

If it happens that a student does not meet the requirements in time to be Confirmed with their class, once the work has been completed, the student may elect to be Confirmed on a Sunday of their choosing, in a private service to be held with family. All students, even students who fall behind for any number of reasons, do good work. If all coursework is not completed in time to be Confirmed with your class, choosing to be Confirmed at a later date will ensure that the good work that has been done and the time that has been put in will not be wasted. All students deserve the opportunity to Affirm their Baptism. To preserve the integrity of the Confirmation program at Zion, students will receive the opportunity when the stated requirements are met. Zion will do everything in its power to work with students as they prepare for this important event. Parents with questions or comments are welcome to voice them with Myron or Jim. Future Confirmation Retreat and Affirmation of Baptism Dates: 2013 Sep 14 - Confirmation Retreat - Final Lesson, Stole Making, Walkthrough Sep 21 - Affirmation of Baptism Service 2014 Sep 13 - Confirmation Retreat - Final Lesson, Stole Making, Walkthrough Sep 20 - Affirmation of Baptism Service

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Not Grades, but Practice

Confirmation at Zion isn't an automatic. It's not like a student hits a certain age and they’re automatically confirmed. Confirmation is about equipping students with the tools that they will need for life as a Christ-follower. When a Confirmand is confirmed - it's not the end. Because they usually wear robes, have a corsage, get a slip of paper and cake, sometimes folks think Confirmation is a 'Graduation' like experience - when it's really just one celebration in the formation of a strong Christian. Confirmation is also not about 'becoming a member.' One is made a member through Baptism. Is it perfect? Nope. We’re not perfect. Neither is the program. Thank God for grace! There is a specific goal in mind - and Confirmation is designed to be an enjoyable and edifying experience for Confirmands and parents alike. It's designed as the first big step in forming Christ-followers and disciples. It's got to be said Confirmation is an 'Institution of Law' which means that certain things need to be done in order to complete each program. This means that the things that are required: Sermon Notes, Service Hours, Attendance & more are among the things that are required to complete a course. It must also be said that students who go through full years without doing part or all of these things won't complete the course requirements. We are flexible and sensitive to your situation - but large gaps in expectations mean that students might not be eligible for their Affirmation of Baptism. It's not fair to the students who do complete the work if students who don't complete course requirements are treated the same. What if? Let's be honest, life gets hectic, and the expectation of student in all aspects of home, school and church are pretty high. It is understandable that there are situations that happen in every-one’s life from time to time. If for some reason a life situation changes, please, let us know. We want to be there to assist you in any way we can. This is a partnership between students, staff and parents. To quote High School Musical, “ We are all in this together!” If you ever have any questions, concerns or ideas, let us know.

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Wednesday Night Suppers

Suppers begin on September 12 from 5:00-6:15pm.

Meals are served every Weds except school breaks (Oct 17, Oct 31, Nov 21, Dec 26, Mar 27)

Suggested donation is $4/person or $15/family… a great meal deal!

If you know your student will be eating at Zion every Wednesday (24 meals), consider a one time donation this fall to cover meal costs. (24 meals x $4 = $96)

Suppers are open to all: parents, students, friends, grandparents, neighbors, Confirmation guides…. Myron and Jimmy are always here to greet you and eat with you.

Please do not let finances be a reason that you do not join us on Wednesday night meals though. All are welcome to enjoy the feast!

Friday Night Fun Nights

Friday Night Fun Nights, which are held the third Friday of each month from 7pm-9pm, are a time for 6th - 8th graders to come together and have fun. Each FNFN, led by Senior High students and adults, offers a different theme, with games, music, skits, snacks and a movie, speaker, or service project planned for some. Dates are: Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21, Jan 18, Feb 15, Mar 15, Apr 19 & May 17

Bible Camp

Zion, in partnership with Lake Wapogasset Bible Camp in Amery, WI offers a great opportunity for 6th-8th grade students to go to Bible Camp. During the week, students are able to worship, sing, pray, play games, eat great food, swim, go horse back riding, do crafts, make new friends, meet Jesus in new and creative ways & more. Youth Camp dates for next year are July 7th-12th, 2013. Cost is $390/student, but, thanks to a generous gift each year from the Zion Foundation, the cost is lowered by $100 to only $290/student. Scholarships are available. Do not let finances be a reason a student does not go! Camp Sunday will be Feb 3, 2013. This will be the first chance to register. Registrations will close on Mar 3.

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Confirmation Tracking Sheet 2012-13

This sheet designed to keep track of the progress each student is making in their Confirmation requirements. The recording agent will mark when the requirement has been completed. Copies of this sheet will be mailed home periodically to keep parents up to date on progress. Name ___________________________ Grade _______ Guide ________________ Parent’s Name _____________________________ Phone ________________________

Attendance (Record of Absences Only)

Memory Work (Write in Completion Date Only)

Service Hours Completed (30 Total - 10 Family, 10 Community, 10 Church)

Sermon Notes Completed (20 Required - (10) Sunday Morning - (3) Lenten Wednesday)

Memory Work #1 Memory Work #2 Memory Work #3 Memory Work #4

Family

Community

Church

Parent Meeting: Special Guidelines:

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Family Devotion Time (Nine are required)

Mentor Name: _______________________________ Phone: __________________

Mentoring (Write down lessons chosen and date completed)

Statements of Faith (Three required each year)

To stay informed about Confirmation:

Subscribe to emails at ZionBuffalo.org/subscribe. Check the box for 7th or 8th grade

'Like' Zion Confirmation on Facebook - www.facebook.com/zionconfirmation

Check the Confirmation web page at ZionBuffalo.org/confirmation

Let us know if you change your address, email address or phone number: abengtson@zionbuffalo.org

7th Grade 8th Grade

God the Father Promises Made

God the Son Christian Living

God the Holy Spirit The Church