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Confirmation. What does this mean?
Confirmation is actually a ministry of the whole
church to our young people who are at a stage in their life where
they are able to study deeply the Bible, the Lutheran Small
Catechism, and church doctrine in community with their peers and
small group mentors. This process not only includes a weekly study
program, but also emphasizes worship participation and service to
the community at large. After our two year process, our young people
“confirm” their faith within the church community. The ELCA states
that confirmation ministry involves our youth and church in dialog,
and fosters spiritual growth. Confirmation is not “something to do.”
Confirmation is a something a young person chooses to do because
he/she wants to understand more about our faith and how it applies
to our lives.
Currently at Trinity, our two year confirmation
courses begin in the 7th grade. However, our classes are open to all
high schoolers who come to Trinity without having a previous
confirmation experience. To complete the confirmation courses, a
student will follow a two year curriculum. Year A involves the study
of the Bible—a survey of the Old and New Testaments, and a study of
the history and culture at those times. Emphasis is not on
memorization, but on comprehension. Students actually walk through
the entire bible in the year, learning about God’s message to his
people on the Old Testament and the message of Jesus Christ, our
Savior, in the New Testament. Videos, games, and lectures are some
of the ways that we work through the bible. Year B involves the
study of Luther’s Small Catechism, including the Creeds, Lord’s
Prayer, and 10 commandments. Students learn history concerning
Martin Luther, the Reformation, and basic church doctrine.
Sacraments, grace and salvation are also deeply studied.
Each summer, our confirmands are able to attend
confirmation camp at Stony Lake Camp near New Era, Michigan. Our
youth have truly enjoyed this wonderful opportunity to meet other
confirmands from area churches, and to learn about God “outside
church walls.” It is an experience that they will not forget!
Parents may request assistance for their children
who have learning disabilities, too. At Trinity, we are flexible in
how the material is presented so that each student can learn at
their own levels.
For more information about our confirmation
ministry, please contact the church office at 949-2510
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