welcome to the 2012-2013 year of confirmation...
TRANSCRIPT
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Welcome to the 2012-2013 year of Confirmation Class!
The Confirmation Class includes those 6-8th graders who are involved in a process of Bible
Study, Discipleship, and Service. At the end of these three years, the students decide for
themselves if they want to make a public AFFIRMATION of their BAPTISM. In other words, they
decide to take on their faith as their own and publicly state that they believe in Jesus Christ as
their Savior and Lord.
We have a ton of fun as we learn about the Bible, Luther's Small Catechism, and discipleship.
All students are expected to be at worship on a regular basis. All students are asked to acolyte
10 times in the next year during a mix of the 8 and 11 a.m. worship services.
In this packet you will find everything that you need for the year. Things are subject to change
but we hope to stick to this schedule as much as possible. The best way to stay up to date with
what’s happening with this program is to talk to your child(ren). Not all information that you
need may not always make it home . In that case, Pastor Aaron will update the church
website with the latest news and announcements. Please periodically check
www.stpaulwesterville.org, click the Education and Youth tab, and then click on Confirmation.
To contact Pastor Aaron directly, e-mail him at [email protected] or call him in the office
at 614-882-7601, extension 2. Pastor Aaron’s office hours are Monday – Thursdays from 9:30
a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Pastor Aaron will be out of the office on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons in
the fall as he will be teaching a class at Capital University on how to run effective youth groups.
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This Year’s Focus
This is what we call our "Discipleship" year, which means that this year we will be learning
about our faith and what it means to put it into action. I have been working since April to line
up opportunities for us to do things like tour 104.9 the River studios (and talk to an on air
personality and discuss what makes Christian music Christian), thinking globally with a
fundraiser called Nothing But Nets while thinking locally with an opportunity to help serve those
at Faith Mission. We will also have guest speakers that we hope will help our students grow in
what it means to live out the Christian faith.
It is with GREAT excitement that we enter this year and the service opportunities that we will
have. Please make every effort to have your student attend as many, if not all, of these
opportunities.
We meet every Sunday night from 6 - 8 p.m.
What do we do with those 2 hours???
From 6 - 6:30 p.m. we have a meal provided by parents of the group in the Fellowship Hall. There is a signup sheet on the Fellowship Hall Bulletin Board. Please sign up at least once. If there are blank spots left open once everyone has signed up, please prayerfully consider signing up again as you are able. During that time vital fellowship is experienced. It has been said that friends join friends, not organizations. No one reads the constitution of St. Paul Lutheran Church and says "I can't wait to join there!" Most join any church, community organization, etc. because someone invited them or they felt welcome. In order to aid in the formation of faith that we teach, it is vital for these students to have time for fellowship. It is certainly Biblical to have that time over a meal.
From 6:30 - 6:50 p.m. we play games with a purpose. We have fun playing games and then we relate those games to a Biblical story or truth. It is important to show that we Christians live with joy. Having fun through purposeful games helps to create an atmosphere that increases the bond between classmates and enhances the overall experience.
From 6:50 - 7 p.m. we have student lead devotions. The High School class will provide a short devotion for 6-12 graders. This helps the High School class to practice and get comfortable, through experience, with talking about their faith with others, while figuring out what they believe as well. The 6-8th graders see people just a little older than that are setting a positive example as well.
The time between 7 - 8 p.m. is our study time. The Confirmation Class stays with Pastor Aaron in the Fellowship Hall while the High School class goes to a different room for separate instructional time.
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The Cost
There are a few costs to fulfill what we have planned. The policy of St. Paul Lutheran
Church is that cost should NEVER be a reason why someone cannot participate. We have
the ability to cover the costs detailed below if your family is in need of assistance. Please
talk to Pastor Aaron and we can confidentially work something out.
The costs are detailed below:
Anti-Workbook – onetime cost of $22.50 per individual
The re:form Anti-Workbook provides individual and group activities to help youth engage the
tough faith questions presented in the re:form session videos.
This highly interactive workbook includes 192 pages of vivid illustrations and offers multiple
types of engagement activities including drawing, interviews, photo reports, scrapbooking, Web
searches, and an occasional thumb war.
Here We Stand Lutheran Study Bible – onetime Confirmation cost of $25
If you are a returning student, you already have one these. You don’t need another This
Bible features the NRSV translation as well as introductions, notes, and articles written by over
sixty Lutheran pastors and teaching theologians. This resource is designed to invite confirmation
students to experience the Bible and its message through solid background material, unique
Lutheran insights, and opportunities for faith reflection.
Winter Retreat – onetime cost of $94/2 = $47 per student!
On January 25-27 we will be camping (in cabins) at Lutheran Memorial Camp (LMC) for a Winter
Retreat! With chaperones from SPLC (including PAL & Lee) we will enjoy programming from the
LMC staff that will lead us in Bible Study, games, and prayer!
The $94 cost is split between the camper and the church, as St. Paul pays for half of camping
costs. This money is due around the first of December. This split is also in effect for our summer
camp as well!
Summer Confirmation Camp – onetime cost of $385/2 = $192.5/student for the week!
On June 23-30 we will be camping (in cabins) at LMC for Summer Confirmation Camp! With
chaperones from SPLC (including PAL & Lee) we will be diving in to a experiential encounter with
the Reformation. Campers will be transported back in time to 1517 to learn about the
Reformation in a wonderful way!
The $192.50 cost is split between the camper and the church, as St. Paul pays for half of
camping costs. This money and registration materials are the first of March.
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Worship and Acolyte
The most important thing a community of faith does is worship. Worship defines who
we are as Christians and it helps to shape our faith. It is where we gather to hear God’s
Word, celebrate the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, learn about God
and how God is in and working in our lives, and enjoy fellowship with other Christians.
That is why we expect all students and families to be in worship on a regular basis, that
is, to be in worship more than they are not.
As worship is no little matter, for the assembly to worship well the competent exercise
of various leadership roles is crucial. Acolytes are, first of all, members of the assembly.
But they are member of the assembly who have been entrusted with various tasks that
include lighting and extinguishing the candles, helping with the offering plates, assisting
in the distribution of Holy Communion, carrying the cross down for the processionals
and recessionals on festival Sundays, and other special duties on any given Sunday.
As this is a role of leadership, we are asking students to “dress up” for their time of
service. As a sign of respect for the leadership role they are fulfilling in the worship
service, we ask that the level of dress be at business casual or above. Please no tennis
shoes.
Each student is required to sign up to serve in the acolyte position 10 TIMES in the
next year (August 2012 – August 2013): 5 times at the 8 a.m. service and 5 times at the
11 a.m. worship time. Acolytes are not utilized regularly during the 9:30 a.m. service.
Certainly things come up, illness occurs, etc. If you need to switch your acolyte sign up
date, please do so by contacting another member of the Confirmation class and notify
the church office (614-882-7601) of the change.
While we will train on a Sunday night, you can also look at the video made by PAL on
how to Acolyte by going to https://vimeo.com/47955619.
During the times that the students serve this important ministry, they will be asked to
fill out Worship notes that are located in the front pew of the section nearest to the
choir. These sheets may be turned in on the table just outside of the Sanctuary.
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CONFIRMATION COVENANTS
“For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as
an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another.”
~Galatians 5:13
Confirmation is the affirmation of one’s baptism. During the confirmation years,
students will prepare themselves to make the following promises to God:
To continue the covenant God made in Holy baptism (discipleship)
To live among God’s faithful people (fellowship)
To hear his word and share in his supper (worship)
To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed (evangelism)
To serve all people following the example of our Lord Jesus. (ministry)
CONFIRMATION COVENANT for CONFIRMANDS
I commit to deepen my faith through Bible study, worship, fellowship, prayer and
service in the upcoming year.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, I commit to:
o Glorify God with my life
o Pray in Jesus' name on a regular basis
o Respect, honor and grow with those in my community of faith
o Participate in this community of faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church by asking
questions & actively listening to others
o Attend class weekly
o Worship regularly with my family
o Honor my parents and communicate with them throughout this process
o Acolyte my fair share of times (see sign up on Sunday nights)
o Each time I Acolyte I will “dress up” knowing that how I dress in leading worship
reflects respect for what I am doing and who I am serving
o Each time I Acolyte I will fill out Confirmation Worship Service notes
o Attend Confirmation Winter Retreat and Confirmation Summer Camp at least
ONCE
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CONFIRMATION COVENANT for PARENTS
I commit to deepen my own faith through Bible study, worship, fellowship, prayer and service in
the upcoming year.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, I commit to nurturing my Confirmand's spiritual growth by:
o Glorifying God with my life
o Creating a home where it is okay to ask questions and share our faith
o Upholding Confirmation as a priority
o Worshiping regularly as a family
o Ensuring he/she Acolyte’s as scheduled. If that schedule needs to be changed, I as
parent(s) will make sure coverage is arranged and the church office notified.
o Ensuring he/she attends class weekly AND service project trips whenever possible
o Ensuring he/she attends Confirmation Winter Retreat and Confirmation Summer Camp
at least ONCE.
o Share in providing meals to whole group— will schedule soon
o I will pray consistently for our confirmation leaders and for my Confirmand.
CONFIRMATION COVENANT for LEADERS
I commit to deepen my own faith through Bible study, worship, fellowship, prayer and service in
the upcoming year.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, I commit to:
o Glorify God with my life
o Pray consistently for our class and parents
o Love and edify this class and seek Christ in each individual
o Prepare for each class through Bible study, prayer, and the Lutheran Confessions fully
knowing that what I teach is of faithful importance.
o Employ, to the best of my ability, techniques of Education Psychology and Multiple
Intelligence theories, all the while taking into account the appropriate stages of the
student’s development.
This a place of grace and forgiveness, love, understanding, growing in faith and fun.
We are looking to empower students for a lifelong commitment and discipleship of Jesus Christ.
Romans 12:2 says it best, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his
good, pleasing and perfect will."
If students and parents have both looked over this covenant, are willing to make this
commitment, and hold fast to the covenant with St. Paul Lutheran Church, please digitally sign
below.
DAY DATE TIME TOPIC LOCATION SCRIPTURE NOTES
Sunday 9/9/2012 6-8 p.m. Why should I follow Jesus;
can’t I just say I believe in HIm?
Fellowship Hall Matthew 4:18-20
John 3:16
Sign up for Hog Roast coverage
Sunday 9/16/2012 4-7 p.m. Serving at Hog Roast Fellowship Hall Mark 9:35
James 2:14-26
Follow sign up times
Sunday 9/23/2012 6-8 p.m. Why should I pray when God doesn’t answer
all my prayers?
Fellowship Hall 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Homework: Wordless prayer pg. 79
Sunday 9/30/2012 6-8 p.m. Why should I pray the Lord’s Prayer when it
feels like I’m just going through the motions?
Fellowship Hall Matthew 6:9-13
Matthew 6:7
Talk about how it felt to serve at Hog
Roast
Small group work on pg. 85
Sunday 10/7/2012 6-8 p.m. Can someone lose their salvation? Fellowship Hall Romans 8:38-39
Sunday 10/14/2012 6-8 p.m. Can I be a Christian without going to church? Fellowship Hall Acts 2:43-47 Remember to meet this Friday for 104.9
the River Day!
Friday 10/19/2012 10 a.m. -
12:30 p.m.
What makes Christian music, Christian?
What makes a person who is a Christian a
Christian person?
104.9 the River
Studios
Book of Psalms
Ephesians 5:15-20
Those who wish to car pool will meet at
the church at 10 a.m. Our tour of the
104.9 studios (881 E. Johnstown Rd.
Gahanna, Ohio. 43230-1851) will begin
at 10:30 a.m. and will include going in
the On-Air booth with on air talent and
music director, Eric Faulds. Jet Pizza
will be provided for lunch. If you can
send a couple of dollars to help defer
the cost of pizza, that would be great.
Sunday 10/21/2012 6-8 p.m. Why are there so many different religions? Fellowship Hall Leviticus 19:9-10
Romans 12:13
Sunday 10/28/2012 6-8 p.m. How can Lutherans believe in “grace alone” if
we also believe in “faith alone” and “Scripture
alone”?
Fellowship Hall
Sunday 11/4/2012 6-8 p.m. What’s a synod and why are there so many
different ones?
Fellowship Hall
Sunday 11/11/2012 6-8 p.m. Why do Christians believe Christianity is the
best religion?
Fellowship Hall 1 Corinthians 15:13-14
Philippians 2:5-11
Sunday 11/18/2012 6-8 p.m. Why are there so many different Christian
churches?
Fellowship Hall Acts 2:43-47
John 17:20-23
Sunday 11/25/2012 6-8 p.m. NO CLASS - Thanksgiving Break Fellowship Hall
Sunday 12/2/2012 6-8 p.m. Am I supposed to believe that Mary was a
virgin?
Fellowship Hall Isaiah 7:14
Things listed below are subject to change. Stay up to date via the confrimation page on stpaulwesterville.org
St. Paul Lutheran Church Confirmation | 2012 - 2013 schedule
Sunday 12/9/2012 6-8 p.m. Live Nativity Fellowship Hall All students are STRONGLY
encouraged to be a part of our annual
LIVE NATIVITY. You can be a
character or a behind the scenes
person--just come and be a part of it!
Sunday 12/16/2012 6-8 p.m. Singing to Shut-ins - NO Class, just singing :) Fellowship Hall Be sure to turn in all paperwork and
money for the upcoming Confirmation
Retreat
Sunday 12/23/2012 6-8 p.m. NO CLASS - Christmas Break Fellowship Hall
Sunday 12/30/2012 6-8 p.m. NO CLASS - Christmas Break Fellowship Hall
Sunday 1/6/2013 6-8 p.m. How do I stop doing things I know I shouldn’t
do?
Fellowship Hall Luke 4:1-2a
Romans 7:15-20
Sunday 1/13/2013 6-8 p.m. What if my friends aren’t Christian? Fellowship Hall Galatians 3:28
Sunday 1/20/2013 6-8 p.m. Did God create the devil? Fellowship Hall Luke 10:7-20
Friday -
Saturday
1/25-26/13 TBA Confirmation Class Winter Retreat Lutheran
Memorial Camp
TBA
Sunday 1/27/2013 6-8 p.m. NO CLASS - Winter Retreat Fellowship Hall
Sunday 2/3/2013 6-8 p.m. Why does God let bad things happen? Fellowship Hall Romans 8:28
Sunday 2/10/2013 6-8 p.m. Can I do something bad enough to make God
stop loving me?
Fellowship Hall Luke 15:20
Psalm 136:1-3
Sunday 2/17/2013 6-8 p.m. Mentor Meeting Fellowship Hall Confirmands provide food & drink
Thursday 2/21/2013 Afternoon Serving at Faith Mission...kind of SPLC Kitchen Matthew 25:31-46 Due to age restrictions, many of those
in the Confirmation program cannot
actually serve in the kitchen at Faith
Mission. However, you can apply for
an excused absence from school (if
parents find it to be good to do so) and
help in the SPLC kitchen to prepare the
food for some homeless residents of
Columbus.
Sunday 2/24/2013 6-8 p.m. Can you accept the theory of evolution and
still be a Christian?
Fellowship Hall Psalm 19-1-4 Look to Nothing But Nets week (3/17).
Sunday 3/3/2013 6-8 p.m. Does Revelation really describe how the
world will end?
Fellowship Hall Revelation 1:8 Look to Nothing But Nets week (3/17).
Sunday 3/10/2013 6-8 p.m. Was Jesus of Nazareth God? Fellowship Hall John 14:7
Colossians 1:15a
Look to Nothing But Nets week (3/17).
Sunday 3/17/2013 all morning Nothing But Nets Discipleship Fellowship Hall In the spirit of March Madness, we are
doing a campaign call Nothing But
Nets.
Nothing But Nets is a global, grassroots
campaign to raise awareness and
funding to fight malaria, a leading
cause of death among children in
Africa. Nothing But Nets provides
everyone – students to CEOs, bishops
to basketball players – the opportunity
to join the fight against malaria by
giving $10 to send a net and save a life.
Youth, for one month prior, will take
pledge forms and ask for donations to a
free throw competition. For every free
throw that each youth makes in ONE
minute, people are asked to make
pledged donation for every shot that
they make. Of course, the real winners
are those whose lives are saved from
the nets we are funding.
Sunday 3/24/2013 6-8 p.m. If Jesus was God why did he have to die? Fellowship Hall Philippians 2:5-11
Romans 8:10-11
Remember it is Holy Week. Maundy
Thursday & Good Friday services are at
7:30 p.m. Remember the Flowering of
the Cross is on Easter.Sunday 3/31/2013 6-8 p.m. EASTER - NO CLASS Fellowship Hall
Sunday 4/7/2013 6-8 p.m. Did Jesus know he was God? Fellowship Hall Matthew 4:1; Colossians
2:9; 1 Corinthians 8:6
Sunday 4/14/2013 6-8 p.m. Mentor Meeting Fellowship Hall Mentors provide food & drink
Sunday 4/21/2013 6-8 p.m. Discipleship Event - TBA Fellowship Hall
Sunday 4/28/2013 6-8 p.m. Is believing in Jesus really the only way to get
to heaven?
Fellowship Hall John 3:5-6, 16-17
John 14:6
Romans 10:9Sunday 5/5/2013 6-8 p.m. Mentor Meeting Fellowship Hall Picnic - Mentors provide main dish, 6th
graders table settings, 7th graders side
dishes, 8th graders desserts
Sunday 5/12/2013 6-8 p.m. NO CLASS - Mother’s Day Fellowship Hall
Wednesday 5/15/2013 6-8 p.m. Confirmation Rehearsal & Dinner Sanctuary &
Fellowship Hall
6th & 7th Grade students and parents
organize and throw a dinner for the 8th
grade students to celebrate their
upcoming confirmation. Rehearsal for
this upcoming Sunday is from 6-7 with
the dinner beginning at 7.
Sunday 5/19/2013 6-8 p.m. Confirmation Day! Fellowship Hall
Sunday -
Saturday
6/23-29/13 All week Confirmation Camp Lutheran
Memorial Camp
The Reformation will be the subject of
this immersive camp experience.