Confirmation Class

About Our Confirmation Program, Wednesday Evenings, September-May 

The typical schedule on most Wednesday evenings is:

• 6:45 – 7:00 p.m.  Gathering Time– introduction to the theme for the night in small groups; pizza and drinks will be available at a reasonable price
• 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.  The Main Thing – one of the pastors will present the theme, connecting it with scripture and daily life
• 7:30 – 7:55 p.m.  Small Group Time– students and adult guides will meet to share events of the day and discuss the theme of the evening
• 7:55 – 8:00 p.m.  Sending– everyone gathers to share a time of prayer and blessing

Memorization
Candidates will be given a copy of the Bible and Luther’s Small Catechism. These are the basic texts for instruction. Candidates are expected to memorize the Ten Commandments (and Luther’s meaning), The Apostles’ Creed (and Luther’s meaning), The Lord’s Prayer and the books of the Bible (the names of the books, not the entire Bible). Recitation of the memorized material will be part of the candidate’s final interview at the end of eighth grade.

Service Projects
Service projects are opportunities to build community and learn more about who we are within the world around us. Candidates will have the opportunity to sign up for at least 3 service opportunities planned throughout the year. Parents are asked to sign up to help lead these projects and share their community involvement with our youth as parents and youth work side by side. If you are unable to participate in these planned service projects you can substitute others, such as service projects through school or other community groups such as Shelter House, DVIP, Crisis Center, and Animal Shelter.

Worship and Sermon Notes
Candidates and their families are encouraged to worship weekly throughout the year. During Advent and Lent the people of Zion gather for worship on Wednesday evenings. Candidates are expected to take sermon notes during worship using the forms available in the narthex (near the worship handouts) and return the completed forms to the designated box in the main office.

Each confirmation student is also expected to participate in worship as an acolyte, usher, or another leadership role.

Camping
Seventh grade candidates are expected to participate in a week of “Confirmation Camp” at EWALU (our camp near Strawberry Point, Iowa) where candidates experience living in Christian community in which people are affirmed, accepted and encouraged. Bible study and worship opportunities are linked to life skills and fun. The congregation has budgeted funds to subsidize the cost for camp. More information will be shared as the year unfolds.

Further questions can be directed to Pastor Jennifer Lutz at 319-338-0944.