YOUTH CONFIRMATION What is Confirmation?
Philosophy and Expectations
General Student Requirements
Grade 5 Requirements
Grade 6 Requirements
Grade 7 Requirements
Grade 8 Requirements
Memory Work
Confirmation Portfolios
Acolyte
Service Projects
Confirmation Retreats
Statement of Faith
Confirmation Interviews
Confirmation Details
Application
Click here to view videos about Acolyting What is Confirmation? Confirmation is a man-made practice or “rite” in which a person publicly admits
(or “professes”) his/her faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Furthermore, the
person promises that s/he would rather die than give up this faith in Christ. As a
church connected to the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Trinity practices
the Rite of Confirmation and offers it to members, both adults and youth. Why do we practice Confirmation? The Lutheran Church believes, teaches, and practices Infant Baptism because we
believe that God’s Holy Spirit can and does give faith, even to infants.
Confirmation is an opportunity to give the person who may have been baptized
as a baby (and thus, had no say in the process!) to finally stand up on their own
and personally connect to that faith. They are “confirming” the faith that they
receive in Baptism. Does my child have to be confirmed? While confirmation is not required in the Bible, it is an important part of our
heritage as Lutherans. Confirmation is a personal and voluntary act that connects people
to congregational membership. By being confirmed, a person is publicly proclaiming that they
have studied the Bible and the doctrine of the Lutheran church and that they believe in it
and trust in Jesus as their Savior from sins. What steps lead to a person getting confirmed? A person becomes confirmed by:
1. Indicating that they wish to make this public statement of faith.
2. Studying and learning the Scripture
3. Demonstrating through his/her lifestyle that they believe in Jesus and wish to serve Him by
helping others and helping the church How does a person get confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church? Many different ways, depending upon what is currently happening in your life!
1. Adults can get confirmed by taking Adult Information Classes during special
Seminars offered throughout the year.
2. Students in grades 5-8 who do not attend Trinity Lutheran School have a
special weekly class that covers the 6 Chief Parts, an overview of the Old
and New Testaments and the life of Jesus. Class format combines games, activities, small groups’
discussions, Bible Study, and memory work to introduce students to the materials. This is to
supplement what parents are already teaching at home and takes FOUR YEARS to complete. It is
required that students begin in grade 5 if they intend to be confirmed in the 8th grade year.
3. Students in Trinity Lutheran School participate in religious studies that can culminate in the Rite of
Confirmation, but it is not a school requirement. All Religion classes at Trinity are firmly rooted in
Scripture, as systematically taught through Luther’s Small Catechism. In grades 5-6, the religion
curriculum focuses specifically upon Bible knowledge and in grades 7-8, it is based specifically
upon the 6 Chief Parts of Luther’s Small Catechism, as follows:
1. The 10 Commandments
2. The Lord’s Prayer
3. The Apostles Creed
4. The Sacrament of Baptism
5. The Sacrament of Holy Communion
6. The forgiveness of sins through the Universal Church of believers in Jesus What other things are involved with Confirmation at Trinity? 1. Adult Confirmation takes place at a Sunday morning worship service after the class has been completed.
2. Youth Confirmation takes place at 1 pm, the first Saturday in May.
3. Each 7th and 8th grade student will participate in a Confirmation Retreat.
4. Each youth student will complete a Confirmation Portfolio demonstrating their church and community service, their personal Statement of Faith, and other faith based activities.
5. Each youth student will complete a personal Statement of Faith that will be published in the church newsletter.
6. Each youth student will complete a Confirmation Interview with the Pastor or Confirmation Coordinator, an elder, and their parents to demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to Jesus. Philosophy: Trinity 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 Jesus. Because of the Biblical command, we expect that you will be an active part of the Confirmation process. Our Partnership with Your Family 1. 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 let you know in advance when we will be talking
about things of a sensitive nature, such as sexual relations (6th commandment). 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. You can count on us to be there for you! If you ever have questions or concerns about your child’s instruction, faith development, or anything else, please contact us so that we can work together with you for the best for your child.
2. 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 child in weekly worship, as well as aiding them in accomplishing their acolyte, service, and portfolio 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. We expect that if you have questions, comments, or concerns, you would contact us immediately so we can discuss your ideas.
3. What your child needs from you Your child needs you to grow in and model your own faith through worship, Bible study attendance, service, outreach, private devotion, and “God Talk” at home in a casual setting. Your child needs you to be the PARENT by setting boundaries, and sometimes taking the hard stance on things. MOST OF ALL, your child needs you to love God and love them, and listen to both God and your child!
General Student Requirements 1. All students will need to have… Been baptized in a Lutheran church[1] (See footnote) An open and attentive mind A Bible[2] they will read and in which they can take notes (See footnote!!!) A copy of Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation that they can use in class and for memory work. These are available for $10 at orientation and when class begins. (Midweek- needed in grades 5-8; Day School- needed in grades 7-8) Textbooks as needed (these will be available when class begins) Pencil/pen, highlighter, and notebook for class 3 ring binder for Confirmation Portfolio items
2. All students will need to have accomplished…. Faithful church attendance for the time they are in instruction
(75% minimum, as indicated by “We Care Card” participation) Students not
attaining this minimum will receive a warning and then need to meet with the Pastor or Confirmation Coordinator to be reinstated in the program. Faithful class attendance:
° For Midweek this means that any missed work must be made up through the textbook and presented to Confirmation Coordinator when you return. For extended absence, alternative work will be assigned.
° For Day School this means staying current with homework and memory work as assigned by classroom teacher. Memory Work: Each student will memorize portions of Luther’s Small Catechism.
° For Midweek this means you will complete memory work through home study and take periodic quizzes. The quizzes must all be passed
with a minimum of 70% by the 8th grade year.
° For Day School this means that you will keep up with your daily memory work quizzes as assigned by classroom teacher. Confirmation Portfolio: Each student will create a Confirmation Portfolio that documents their work leading to Confirmation. It will include Acolyting Worship Folders, Service Project information, Retreat reports, Statement of Faith, and other evidences of faith building experiences. Acolyting a minimum of 9 times in 6-8th grades. Acolyte service is counted ONLY by a signed worship folder. We recommend that a student serves 3 times per year for grade 6, 7, and 8. PLEASE NOTE: Acolyting in Trinity Day School Chapel, while a wonderful and necessary service, DOES NOT COUNT towards the acolyte service requirements. Service hours from helping one of the various ministries around Trinity or the community. The MINIMUM service requirements are 2 different times of service for at least 2 hours for BOTH grade 7 and grade 8. (A total of 4 hours per year.) 6th graders are STRONGLY encouraged to participate in at least one service project, although there is no specific time requirement. Service projects are a great family activity! Retreats: Students in grades 7 and 8 will have retreat experiences offered. Students should attend the retreats, as we cover unique information on the retreats that we do not offer elsewhere. If a student is unable to attend, they must make up the work by doing a paper/project/report
which will be assigned by the Confirmation Coordinator. Statement of Faith: Students in grade 8 will need to complete a Statement of Faith early in their 8th grade year. This will be published in the Trinity Witness or another publication for the congregation. Confirmation Application: Students in grade 8 will need to apply for Confirmation by completing a special form. This will be due with their Statement of Faith, early in the 8th grade year. Confirmation Interview: Students will need to complete an interview with a Pastor or Confirmation Coordinator, an elder, and their parents during the spring of their Confirmation year.
Grade 5 Requirements Day School Students Only Church attendance: at least 75% of the services, as measured by family participation in “We Care Cards” Memory Work as assigned by classroom teacher (Appendix A) Religion tests and homework as assigned by classroom teacher
Midweek Students Only Church attendance: at least 75% of the services, as measured by family participation in “We Care Cards” Memory Work as assigned on scheduled handout. Take memory work tests as given. All students need to pass memory tests with 70% or better by grade 8. They are given to all students as a practice and
learning experience. (Appendix A) Active participation in Wednesday night sessions, both in large and small group. This includes:
o Being on time to class (or early, for extra poker chips and occasional treats!)
o Coming to class with Bible, textbook, catechism, notebook, and pencil/pens and highlighters.
o Meaningfully contributing to games, discussions, and small group.
o Appropriate behavior at all times.
Grade 6 Requirements Day School Students Only Church attendance: at least 75% of the services, as measured by family participation in “We Care Cards” Memory Work as assigned by classroom teacher (Appendix A) Religion tests and homework as assigned by classroom teacher Learn to acolyte through in-school training or private session Serve as an acolyte in a public worship service at Trinity at least 3 times. Acolyting in Trinity Day School Chapel, while a wonderful and necessary service, DOES NOT COUNT toward the acolyte
service requirement (Appendix C) Begin and maintain a personal Confirmation Portfolio to be turned in at periodic checkpoints. The Confirmation Portfolio will contain all written work and validation for service projects, acolyting, and other faith building
experiences. These will be completed in Grade 8 and publicly displayed prior to the Confirmation worship service. (Appendix B) Optional: Service Projects (Appendix D)
Midweek Students Only Church attendance: at least 75% of the services, as measured by family participation in “We Care Cards” Memory Work as assigned on scheduled handout. Take memory work tests as given. All students need to pass memory tests with 70% or better by grade 8. They are given to all students as a practice and
learning experience. (Appendix A) Active participation on Wednesday nights, both in large and small group. This includes:
o Being on time to class (or early, for occasional treats! J)
o Coming to class with Bible, textbook, catechism, notebook, and pencil/pens and highlighters.
o Meaningfully contributing to games, discussions, and small group
o Appropriate behavior at all times. Learn to acolyte through in-class training or private session (Appendix C) Serve as an acolyte in a public worship service at Trinity at least 3 times. Begin and maintain a personal Confirmation Portfolio to be turned in at periodic checkpoints. The Confirmation Portfolio will contain all written work and validation for service projects, acolyting,
and other faith building experiences. These will be completed in Grade 8 and publicly displayed prior to the Confirmation Worship Service. (Appendix B) Optional: Service Projects (Appendix D)
Grade 7 Requirements Day School Students Only Church attendance: at least 75% of the services, as measured by family participation in “We Care Cards” Memory Work as assigned by classroom teacher (Appendix A) Religion tests and homework as assigned by classroom teacher Serve as an acolyte in a public worship service at Trinity at least 3 times. Acolyting in Trinity Day School Chapel, while a wonderful and necessary service, DOES NOT COUNT towards acolyte service requirement. (Appendix C) Complete at least 2 service projects of 2 hours each. (Appendix D) Attend and report on Confirmation Retreat. (Appendix E) Continue to add to Confirmation Portfolio and turn it in to be checked at assigned check dates. (Appendix B)
Midweek Students Only Church attendance: at least 75% of the services, as measured by family participation in “We Care Cards” Memory Work as assigned on scheduled handout. Take memory work tests as given. All students need to pass memory tests with 70% or better by grade 8. They are given to all students as a practice and learning
experience. (Appendix A) Active participation in Wednesday night sessions, both in large and small group. This includes:
o Being on time to class (or early, for occasional treats! J)
o Coming to class with Bible, textbook, catechism, notebook, and pencil/pens and highlighters.
o Meaningfully contributing to games, discussions and small group at all times.
o Appropriate behavior at all times. Serve as an acolyte in a public worship service at Trinity at least 3 times. (Appendix C) Complete at least 2 service projects of 2 hours each. (Appendix D) Attend and report on Confirmation Retreat. (Appendix E) Continue to add to Confirmation Portfolio and turn it in to be checked at assigned check dates. (Appendix B)
Grade 8 Requirements Day School Students Only Church attendance: at least 75% of the services, as measured by family participation in “We Care Cards” Memory Work as assigned by classroom teacher (Appendix A) Religion tests and homework as assigned by classroom teachers Serve as an acolyte in a public worship service at Trinity at least 3 times. Acolyting in Trinity Day School Chapel, while a wonderful and necessary service, DOES NOT COUNT towards acolyte service requirement. (Appendix C) Complete at least 2 service projects of 2 hours each. (Appendix D) Attend and report on Confirmation Retreat. (Appendix E) Continue to add to Confirmation Portfolio and turn it in to be checked at assigned check dates. The portfolio will be completed as part of your English and Religion grades. (Appendix B) Write a Statement of Faith and submit it by the due date. (Appendix F) Complete Confirmation Application and submit by the due date. (Appendix H) Attend Confirmation Interview as assigned in spring. (Appendix G) Have Confirmation photos taken. This is a free service done at Trinity for the class composite photo. Purchasing photos is optional. (Appendix H) IF NEEDED: Purchase a Confirmation robe if you do not have one to borrow. (Appendix H)
Midweek Students Only Church attendance: at least 75% of the services, as measured by family participation in “We Care Cards” Memory Work as assigned on scheduled handout. Take memory work tests as given. All students need to pass memory tests with 70% or better by grade 8. They are given to all students as a practice and learning
experience. (Appendix A) Active participation in Wednesday night sessions, both in large and small group. This includes:
o Being on time to class (or early, for occasional treats! J)
o Coming to class with Bible, textbook, catechism, notebook, and pencil/pens and highlighters.
o Meaningfully contributing to games, discussions, and small group at all times.
o Appropriate behavior at all times. Serve as an acolyte in a public worship service at Trinity at least 3 times. (Appendix C) Complete at least 2 service projects of 2 hours each. (Appendix D) Attend and report on Confirmation Retreat. (Appendix E) Continue to add to Confirmation Portfolio and turn it in to be checked at assigned check dates. The portfolio needs to be completed for display at confirmation. (Appendix B) Write a Statement of Faith and submit it by the due date. (Appendix F) Complete Confirmation Application and submit by the due date. (Appendix H) Attend Confirmation Interview as assigned in spring. (See Appendix G) Have Confirmation photos taken. This is a free service done at Trinity for the class composite photo.
Purchasing photos is optional.
(Appendix H) IF NEEDED: Purchase a Confirmation robe if you do not have one to borrow. (Appendix H)
Appendix A
Memory Work Memory Work All students will be required to memorize the 6 Chief Parts of Luther’s Small Catechism, as well as other Bible verses assigned in their religion classes. The standard for memorization is that in Day School they must receive a passing grade in Memory Work and in Midweek, they must pass the material with a 70%. Failure to do so will require a special meeting with the Pastor and/or confirmation Coordinator to determine what further actions will be taken to assist a student in meeting this requirement. There will be quizzes throughout the school year. Here is a sample of what is required: What is Baptism? Baptism is ____________ just ____________ ____________,
but it is the ____________ included in ____________ ____________ and combined with ____________ ____________. Which is that word of God? Christ our ____________ says in the last ____________ of ____________: “Therefore ____________ and ____________ ____________ of all ____________ , ____________ them in the ____________ of the ____________ and of the ___________ and of the ____________ ____________ .” Appendix B
Confirmation Portfolio What is a Confirmation Portfolio? The portfolio is a collection of required pieces and optional or extra pieces that document your faith journey through Confirmation instruction. It must be put in a 3 ring binder. We encourage students and families to get excited about their portfolios and be creative with them. There is a list of possible other items that can be added into a portfolio at the end of this section. Minimally, a portfolio will have the following documentation: From 6th grade
3 times of acolyting
A service project From 7th grade
3 times of acolyting
2 service projects of 2 hours each
7th grade retreat paper From 8th grade
3 times of acolyting
2 service projects of 2 hours each
8th grade retreat paper
Statement of Faith
(For Trinity Day School students, there will be extra assignments) When do I start my portfolio? You MAY start it as early as the spring (June) of the 4th grade year.
You MUST start it by the spring (June)of the 6th grade year. This means all summer activities can be included, and each student only needs one portfolio which they can continue to work on through all Confirmation years. Students can work together on items but each needs evidence of the project in their own portfolio. (e.g. 5 students work together on a service project, 2 students design a board game for Sunday school) How do I organize my portfolio? Your portfolio is YOURS, so organize it in a way that makes logical sense to you.
We STRONGLY recommend a Table of Contents and number the pages. Here are common ways of organizing the portfolio, so choose one that will work for you.
By grade:
6th grade 7th grade
Acolyte Acolyte
Service Service
Retreat By activities:
Acolyting: Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8. Service Projects: Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8 Philosophy of the Confirmation Portfolio There are a series of requirements to fulfill in order to become confirmed members of Trinity Lutheran Church. While these requirements have proven to be both positive and helpful experiences for the students, we recognize that each person has different gifts, abilities, talents, and interests. As such, we are trying to get away from the “one size fits all” program for the students. Ultimately,
the goal is to communicate to both students and parents the importance of these activities beyond merely “what is the least that I need to do to be confirmed?” mentality. Furthermore, we recognize that in confirmation, the church is merely affirming the faith that the child has received from God through Word and Sacrament ministry. That faith can be evidenced in people’s lives through a variety of ways, and really, the importance of Confirmation is that the student publicly proclaims that they have studied, learned, and embraced both the beliefs and the lifestyle of Christianity.
Because faith is unique to each person, we are asking families to help “tailor make” a unique Confirmation experience for each student. To this end, each student will be making a portfolio documenting his/her unique faith building experiences. The following are simply ideas, but there is a great deal of flexibility within the parameters. We are always open to discussing other activities for your child. Purposes of the Confirmation Portfolio Help the parents and students track activities that have been completed Provide documentation and memories from activities The portfolio can be shared at the Confirmation Interview and displayed at church during Confirmation
Creative ideas for the Confirmation Portfolio Original artwork, poetry, or music that you may have written CD ROM/DVD movies about pertinent faith issues Essays or reflection papers (What I learned from doing this) Photographs of pertinent activities or events (servant events, the Confirmation retreat, dramas done by student, etc.) Photographs of posters or projects such as a timeline of the Bible, maps done by student, etc. Games (board/card/computer) that you may have designed to teach others such as a “concentration” type card game to teach the 10 commandments. Thank you cards from people you may have served Newspaper clippings of projects, when applicable Interview transcripts from conversations with an elderly person about what his/her faith means to them, or what their Confirmation instruction was like Worship folders from services in which the students participated Homework assignments from Confirmation classes
For each creative piece included in your portfolio, the important part is your writing about not only what you did, but what you learned from it and why it matters to your Christian faith. All 3 components should be included in the writing. Other Activities with Portfolio Potential: Sing on a praise team with permission from one of Trinity’s music staff. For the portfolio simply get the music director to sign the service folder, punch holes, and put it in the binder. Serve as a reader of the Bible lessons with permission and direction from a teacher or youth director. For the portfolio simply get the Pastor to sign the service folder, punch holes, and put it in the binder. Serve as an usher. For the portfolio simply get the head usher to sign the service folder, punch holes, and put it in the binder. Serve on one of the worship preparation teams, such as pew crew, who takes care of
“We Care Cards,” Bibles, envelopes, and other information in pews; Altar Guild, who prepare the Communion and Baptism supplies, place the banners and paraments; or Greeters, who welcome people as they arrive at church. Help lead music/skits/lessons at VBC or children’s church. For the portfolio, a simple sheet stating what you have done with a signature from either the VBC Director or a supervising teacher would be appropriate. It would also
be fun to include photos. Go with a Pastor or other staff member to help during a nursing home worship service by playing piano or helping in another way. For the portfolio, a simple sheet stating what you have done with a signature from whomever you accompanied would be appropriate. Lead devotion during a youth group activity. For the portfolio, a simple sheet stating what you have done with a signature from a youth chaperone would be appropriate. Attend Sunday Morning Bible Study REGULARLY. Write about what you have discussed and learned. Have your Sunday School teacher sign this paper. Assist with Sunday Morning Sunday School for the young children. Write about what you have done with the children and get it signed by the supervising teacher. Help with or teach a class during VBC. Write about what you have done with the children and what you have learned from the experience, and get it signed by the supervising teacher. Invite a non-Christian friend to church and then write about the experience. Help do PR for a church event or activity such as a particular worship service or program like VBC. (Putting posters and fliers around) Attend a youth activity such as a scavenger hunt, Whirly ball etc. Write about what you did and what you have learned from the experience. This would be a great time to include photos. Get some friends together to watch and discuss a movie such as “A Walk to Remember.” Talk about how the girl in the movie shared her faith despite the people around her. Talk about how easy it is to share your faith. If you record this and make a transcript, that would be a great activity for this category. With your family, adopt a child from Compassion International or World Vision. With your family help at MCREST, SSS, COTS, etc. Help write Christmas cards to shut-ins, nursing homes and prisoners.
With your family, help ring bells for Salvation Army collection sites. Attend Michigan District Junior High Youth Event (servant events are a component of this event) in summer (Aug)
SAMPLE PORTFOLIO
One of the purposes of portfolios is so that growth can be shown over time. Here is an example of what a well done
portfolio might contain:
Grade 5 Several signed worship folders from ushering with family Signed sheets from Sunday school class, photos from VBC class Essay about doing Christmas cards for nursing home people
Grade 6 Several signed worship folders from ushering with family, also copy of script from chapel service that student performed including
4 photos of skit Signed sheets from Sunday school class, special report from school assignment about faith issue Photos and scrapbook pages signed by friends from Outdoor Education or Spring Hill Retreat Signed copy of flier that you distributed advertising Trunk or Treat 4 worship folders from acolyting
Grade 7 Several signed worship folder from ushering with family and acolyting, and one from singing with a small group Signed sheets from Sunday School class, Signed VBC helper certificate Essay that you wrote about inviting a friend to a youth event w/photos Team photo with essay about what it means to be on a team, Photos and essay about Christian family from summer family reunion Essay about ringing Salvation Army bell with family at Christmas with photos Scrapbook pages about attending and serving at the MI District Junior High Youth Gathering in Ann Arbor during the summer
Grade 8 Several signed worship folders from ushering, acolyting, and regularly singing on praise team Signed sheets from Sunday school class. signed VBC form with photos from VBC director Transcript of conversation with friends of other churches about specific beliefs Power Point presentation of MI District Junior High Youth Gathering to get others to attend this year Bulletin from funeral with essay about why it is important and comforting to be a Christian and know that
not only do we live forever, but we get to be reunited with family members
Appendix C
Acolyte What is acolyting? To acolyte is to serve as a worship assistant in the formal worship services. The duties of an acolyte can vary from service to service, but is always to discreetly aid in carrying out the parts of worship. Acolyte duties typically entail the following: Lighting the candles before the worship begins Collecting the “We Care Cards” Assisting with Holy Communion by helping supply the wine to the stations Extinguishing the candles after the worship
Acolyte special duties may entail the following: Serving as a Crucifer (Carrying the Cross into the worship setting at the start of a processional) Serving as a Torch Bearer (Carrying the candles as part of a Gospel Processional) Lighting or extinguishing special candles, such as on the Advent Wreath or during a Ten brae (Good Friday) Service
Who may serve as an acolyte? Any student in Grades 6-12 may serve as an acolyte. Training can occur privately or in a class setting, and takes approximately 20 minutes. Once trained, a student is eligible to serve anytime thereafter. What are the parents’ responsibilities for acolyting? Parents need to coordinate scheduling for their child(ren) to acolyte since children cannot drive themselves to church. Parents need to attempt to fill a spot for acolyting if their child is unable to serve on their scheduled day. Parents are asked to have their child in the robe room at least 15 minutes prior to the service in which they are serving. (PLEASE NOTE: If a student is not there by 15 minutes prior to the service, another student may take their spot!) Parents are requested to accompany their child to the robe room prior to the service to assist the student in putting the robe on, and lighting the tapers, as well as to comply with our “2 Adult Rule” for the safety of all children.
Dress code for acolytes Out of respect for God, and so as to not draw attention to themselves, all acolytes will wear white robes provided for them. Out of respect for other members of the church, we as that if you KNOW you will be serving as an acolyte, that you wear dress shoes (all black sneakers with black laces are acceptable but NO flip flops, or multi-colored sneakers) and
dress pants (no shorts or jeans!) What if I’m not signed up to acolyte? Any trained student can step in during a worship service to serve. This can be done at any public worship service, including summer services, evening services, or any services in which there are no/only one acolyte present. A student would discreetly go to the robe room to put a robe on and prepare to serve, and then take a seat in the first pew to complete the acolyte duties for the remainder of the worship service. NOTE: In the even that a student is serving in this “fill in” capacity, do not be as concerned with the dress code. How often do I need to acolyte? You are welcome to serve as often as you like, provided you are not “taking spots” from students who need them for confirmation. Each student needs to serve MINIMALLY 3 times per year for grades 6-8, for a total of 9 times of acolyte service. If necessary, you may serve more than once per Sunday. Summer worship services, special services such as Advent, Lent, and Christmas all are appropriate for serving as an acolyte. How do I document my service? Simply save the WORSHIP FOLDER, (not the Evangelist, but the actual order of worship!) and have a Pastor or usher sign it. Place it into your portfolio. Starting fall of 2008, you MUST HAVE a SIGNED worship folder indicating when you have served. Put them IMMEDIATELY into your Confirmation Portfolio so they do not get lost. How do I acolyte? (This is for parents or as a review. It is all covered in the training!) 1. When you know you will be serving as an acolyte, make sure to wear long pants/slacks (not jeans or shorts) and dress shoes or ALL BLACK sneakers. (If you are filling in, do not worry about what you are wearing.)
2. Get a robe from the acolyte closet. Make sure it is the right length for you. When in doubt, go shorter! Robes go on as follows: inside snap on left shoulder, then shoe lace ties at left hip, then double snaps on outside of right
shoulder, then rope belt. Pastor or an elder can help you put the rope belt on.
3. Have an ADULT light your taper! If there is a good flame, it has oil and is available for use. If there is no flame or a small flame, get a different taper or have an adult refill the taper for you.
4. Wait until 10 minutes before the service time if you know you have a partner coming. Otherwise, begin lighting the candles alone.
5. Stop and reverence the cross (bow) before you go up the first step and before you go up the second set of steps.
6. Light candles in the following order:
With Partner
| | | | t | | | |
4 3 2 1 1 2 3 4 Without Partner | | | | t | | | |
5 4 3 2 1 6 7 8 Discreetly blow out taper and place it in the green stand in the chancel. Return to your seat but don’t forget to reverence the cross! Collect “We Care Cards” during offering. If there is Holy Communion, assist with wine trays.
After Pastor and other worship leaders leave the chancel, extinguish candles. Don’t forget to reverence the cross before you go up first and second steps!
Extinguish candles in the following order: With Partner | | | | t | | | |
1 2 3 4 4 3 2 1
Without Partner
| | | | t | | | |
4 5 6 7 8 3 2 1
Appendix D
Service Projects
Service Projects Jesus calls us to serve one another in love. Not only did He merely say it, He also modeled it many times, showing us exactly what it means to serve. In fact, right before He was arrested and ultimately crucified, He took the lowest slave job and washed His disciples’ feet. He WANTS us to live a life of service. More than that, He promised that whatever service we do for others is the same as doing it for Him! We serve others because we love Jesus and want to serve Him. We require service projects for Confirmation because Confirmation is about far more than just head knowledge; it is also about a change of heart. Jesus said, “You will show that you are my disciples by bearing fruit” which includes doing acts of service as a lifestyle. We encourage families to try and be part of at least one service project with their student. It is a great learning lesson, and kids also need to see their parents serving too. What service is: Service is ANY time we do something nice or helpful for a person, a group, or the community. For example, it is service to pick up garbage on the ground. It is service to volunteer to usher at church. It is service to rake an elderly
neighbor’s yard. It is service to do dishes at home. ANY kind or helpful act is indeed service to Jesus. What a service project is: While there are infinite kinds of service acts, for the purpose of documentation, an “official Confirmation service
project” must meet several criterions, as follows:
1. Planned (deliberate)
2. Organized
3. A minimum of 2 hours for one project
4. Helpful for someone
5. You write a BRIEF paragraph about your service, discussing what you did and what you learned about serving. What a service project is not: 1. Anything you would normally do as part of a community. (e.g. taking out the trash at home or attending a Boy Scout meeting are NOT service projects)
2. Fun, silly things that don’t help people (e.g. Standing on a street corner with a “Honk if you love Jesus” sign, while fun, and possibly thought provoking, doesn’t really meet anyone’s need and is NOT a service project)
3. Anything you get paid for. There is NOTHING wrong with getting paid for working, but “service” implies it is a gift. What are acceptable service projects?: Here is a TINY list of onsite service opportunities at Trinity: SSS: Every Sunday of the year Market Day: (monthly - school year)
Trunk or Treat: October VBC: one week each summer
MCREST: one week each summer Motown Soup/pancake mix: seasonally
Journey Worship helpers NSO Food Prep/distribution (Sat)
Nursery Assistance: weekly Bible Club helpers: weekly (school year) How many service projects are required? Grade 5: None required, although any that you do may put into your portfolio! Grade 6: No specific time required, although you should participate in at least one service experience and write a brief report for your Confirmation Portfolio. Grade 7: Two different service projects done at two different times. Each must be a MINIMUM of 2 hours long. Sometimes, you will have to do things twice to add up to two hours but this would still only count as one service project. (Example: helping in the church nursery for one hour blocks.) Sometimes, you will work MANY hours but it will still only count as one service project. (Example: helping at VBC for 15 hours in a week.) Grade 8: Same as grade 7 How do I document service projects in my Confirmation Portfolio? 1. Write a brief paragraph about the following:
a. WHAT you did
b. WHO it helped or served
c. WHEN you did it
d. WHERE you served
e. WHAT YOU LEARNED 2. OPTIONAL but nice for the portfolio
a. Photographs
b. Thank you cards or notes you received for serving Appendix E
Confirmation Retreats What is a retreat? A retreat is a time to “get away” from our usual activities of life to focus on God and our relationship with Him. It can be as simple as closing your door, having a private prayer, or going away to a camp or retreat center for a time of directed spiritual growth. Trinity has special retreats designed for the 7th and 8th grade students in our Confirmation program, typically in the fall. These are for both for Midweek students and Trinity Day School students, and each student will need to do a brief (one page) Confirmation Portfolio piece explaining what was learned on the retreat. Why do we do confirmation retreats? There are several great reasons for doing retreats. First of all, some material is simply better covered through an extended period of time through experiences. For example, it is one thing to talk about being part of the Body of Christ, it is another thing entirely to give students opportunities to depend upon each other and work together. Secondly, some materials are best covered in one sitting rather than over a few days or even weeks. Finally, the retreats offer a unique time for students to build relationships with others not in their classes (midweek and day school students) as well as having a more casual experience with their Pastors and other instructors. What is the retreat format? Each year, a “brand new” retreat experience is planned, so there is no one set format. Often, but not always, these are overnight experiences. Sometimes they are just for students, at other times they are for students and parents. Sometimes the students are broken into classes, at other times they are broken up by gender or even family groups. The purpose of the retreat is to offer a unique learning situation for the students as they prepare for confirmation. When/Where Just as there is no set format, there is also no set time or place. We work with the school calendars and the athletic director to select times that would work for most of the students. Understanding the challenging economic times, we attempt to offer the retreat for as little cost as possible, and there is financial assistance available if that is an issue for your family. Specific details for the retreats (date, time, place etc.) will be available each fall at
Confirmation orientation. What are parents’ responsibilities for retreats? 1. Parents need to insure that their student(s) attend the ENTIRE retreat.
2. Parents are needed to function as small group leaders, chaperones, and occasionally, Cooks for the retreats.
3. We recognize that parents are the ones primarily responsible for the Christian Education of their children. Therefore as part of the program, we may ask parents to participate in the retreat in a variety of different activities. What if my child cannot attend a retreat? Because this is part of the Confirmation process, we urge parents to make it a priority for your child. Nonetheless, we understand that there may be times when a child simply cannot attend due to illness or mitigating circumstances. In those cases, the child would need to do a “Make-Up” project, covering the same materials as we cover on the retreat. This would be in written format and need to be put into the Confirmation Portfolio. Make-Up directions would be available after the retreat is over. Appendix F
Statement of Faith What is a Statement of Faith? When you get confirmed, you are promising to die rather than give up your faith. So exactly what is it that you are willing to die for? A Statement of Faith is simply that: YOUR statement of what you personally believe. A good way to write it is by answering this question: What do you believe about God and why do you think He should let you into heaven? Another good way to answer it is by simply saying “I believe…” and then stating what you believe about God, salvation, sin, etc. What should I include in my Statement of Faith? You may use Bible verses, quotes from the Catechism or other people, but your statement should be yours. You should certainly include WHAT is saving you and from WHO or WHAT are they saving you, WHY they are doing so, and finally, WHAT is your response to what they have done. How long should my Statement of Faith be? A statement of faith is not a 10 page essay, but it also demands more than a yes or no answer. If you are brief, you can probably say it in about 4-5 sentences. Please try to keep it to 2 or 3 paragraphs at the most. How do I turn in my Statement of Faith? You will need to have your Statement of Faith available in 2 formats. There should be a nicely typed copy in your portfolio, which can contain artwork, photographs, or clip art if you like. You will also need to turn in an electronic copy in Microsoft Word format which you can do on disk or email to Patty J at pattyj@trinityutica.com When is it due? Your Statement of Faith is due by mid-October so that it can be included in the Trinity newsletter. You will receive the exact date at Confirmation orientation, or from your teacher. Examples 1. My faith is my bond with God. It’s everything I believe in. I believe that Jesus came to Earth as a small child and soon grew up only to be shed and crucified for my sins. At first I didn’t think much of His crucifixion but after seeing The Passion of the Christ, and seeing how much suffering and pain He went through for me, my faith grew a lot stronger than it was. He has been there for me in the hardest times of my life such as deaths in my family and the tornado that hit our house in 1997. I never realized how much He loved me when I wasn’t even a thought and He continues to love and care for me and will always protect me from the toils and troubles of every day life. With all the trouble and toils of life sometimes it is hard to remember that God is there for me. It gives me great joy in the knowledge that He is there for me at the end of the day. 2. I believe that God has made me and every other thing. I believe that He sent his Son to die for me and everyone else. I believe that God has provided me with forgiveness of sins and anything else that I may need for life. I believe that Jesus is Lord. Appendix G
Confirmation Interviews Interviews In the spring of the Confirmation year, each student will participate in a 15-20 minute Confirmation interview with a Pastor or Confirmation Coordinator and the conferment’s parents. In most cases, an elder will also be present, as well. The purpose of the interview is to encourage students to apply and share their faith in some real life situations. The interview will not be over knowledge questions as it is assumed that the students do know and understand what they have been taught. Instead, it is an opportunity for the students to articulate their faith. In addition, it is a learning experience for the student in case they have any specific questions or concerns about any topics. Example of an interview question and a good response Pastor: Tell me how the 4th commandment might help you say no to drugs.
(Note that it is assumed the student knows what the 4th commandment is!) Student: Well, the 4th commandment is about obeying my parents and other authorities, and I know that my parents don’t want me getting involved with drugs. I also know that it is a crime to mess with drugs, so to do drugs is to break the 4th commandment. Since that is a sin, I don’t want to do it. How do I sign up for an interview? The Confirmation Coordinator will determine if your child is eligible for Confirmation by having met the worship attendance requirement MINIMUM of 75% of all services attended, all acolyting, service projects, retreat paperwork, and Statement of Faith completed and portfolio turned in. When this is the case, you will receive a notice from the Pastor’s office indicating the
time of your interview appointment. If you cannot make the assigned appointment, you can make special arrangements through the Church office. Appendix H
Application and
Confirmation Details When is the service? The Confirmation worship service will take place on the first Saturday of May at 1 pm. The entire class will be confirmed together. Parents, sponsors, and other important family members will be part of the worship. There will be Holy Communion as part of this worship experience. Bible Verses Each student will receive a Confirmation Bible verse. You are welcome to select a meaningful verse or you may ask a Pastor or the Confirmation Coordinator to select one for you. This verse will be read as part of the blessing over you at the Confirmation worship. It will also be printed on your Certificate of Confirmation. Typically this also provides the text for
your funeral service, so it is important to choose a meaningful verse or ask an adult to select one for you. Photographs In very early spring of the Confirmation year, we will have a professional photographer come in to take a Confirmation picture of each student. For your convenience, the photos are taken at the end of the school day for Trinity Day School students and right before the Midweek program starts, so you will not have to make a special trip. If your student misses the photographer or you are unhappy with all the proofs, you may go to the studio to get a retake done. The photographer will have a robe and flower for the photo, and typically take 4 poses. There is no cost for this service, but you will receive the proofs and be able to purchase photos if you desire. Some families like to send the pictures with the Confirmation invitation, so you will receive them back in time to do this if you choose. A class composite picture will be made and hung in the church. You may purchase a class picture as well, however these will arrive later in the year so you may have to pick them up from the Confirmation Coordinator. Practice for the Worship Service Prior to the Confirmation worship service, the Pastor, teachers, Confirmation Coordinator, and students will do a“walk through” so students know how to march in, where to sit, and how the service will proceed. Parents are welcome to attend so they can see how they will be involved. Robes Each student will need a robe for the Confirmation service. You may purchase one for about $15 (see Confirmation Coordinator for exact price) or you may borrow one from a previous Trinity student. There are a LIMITED number of robes available to borrow from the church, and these are distributed on a “first-come first-served” basis. If you wish to use a robe from a different church, it will need to be approved by the coordinator, as there are different robe styles, and we make every effort to make the class look uniform. Dress Even though you will have a robe on, we can see what you are wearing! We expect that all students will be dressed appropriately for a formal worship setting. Appropriate dress for confirmation is as follows:
Girls are encouraged but NOT required to wear dresses or skirts. There will be no strapless, no spaghetti straps, no bare midriffs, and NO FLIP FLOPS. Girls are STRONGLY cautioned against wearing extremely high heels as the slate floor of the chancel can be slippery.
Boys must wear dress pants and dress shirts with ties. Jackets are not necessary. Absolutely NO jeans and NO athletic footwear. Flowers Trinity will purchase corsages for students. Parents are welcome to help put them on the students prior to the worship service. Offering Envelopes Each student will receive a box of offering envelopes as a confirmed member of the church. They will receive these at or prior to their Confirmation service. Crosses Thrivent for Lutherans provides a Confirmation Cross to each person who is confirmed in the Lutheran Church. You will receive these at or just prior to your Confirmation worship service. It is helpful if a parent would be responsible for these items so they do not get lost or misplaced! The Worship Service Because Confirmation is connected to Baptism, the parents and sponsors are invited to come up and lay hands on the student as the Pastor prays for and blesses the student. Others such as grandparents or siblings may come up as well. The Confirmation Application The Confirmation Application needs to be turned in prior to your Confirmation date. It will be used to verify your permanent church membership information, as well as to complete your Confirmation Certificate. Please use your FULL formal name, as was used at your Baptism. The Pastor may use a nickname in his prayer and blessing for you, but the Rite of Confirmation will use your full name. CONFIRMATION APPLICATION
(Please complete the entire form and submit with portfolio) Today’s Date __________________ Full Name of Student as it is to appear on Confirmation Certificate (please print clearly) _______________________________________________________________________
first middle last suffix (if any) Address _______________________________________________________________________ City______________________________ Zip__________________ Home Phone (_______)_______________________ Birth Date__________________________________ Baptism Date ___________________________ Baptism Church and Location_________________________________________________________________ Confirmation Date _______________________________________________________________________ School Now Attending ______________________________________________________________________ Circle One: Day School Student Midweek Confirmation Student Father’s Name ________________________________________________ Church_______________________________ Mother’s Name_________________________________________________ Church______________________________
(If different from above) Chosen Confirmation verse: Please write out the verse and where it can be found: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [1] Or a church in which the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod accepts their baptism [2] Here’s an idea: if your child’s sponsors or grandparents will be giving them a nice Bible for confirmation, have them give it EARLY so that the student can use the Bible in class and take notes in it! We prefer NIV or NASB, but any translation is fine (not a paraphrase!) There are many good student Bibles available through Christian and other bookstores. Call the Confirmation Coordinator for recommendations or if you have questions. |
