2020 Confirmation Retreat at Caroline Furnance
January 17-19, 2020

Click here to download the following:

Make Up Assignements

• September - Confirmation Welcome Packet

We are stronger when we work together.  With that guiding principle in mind, the churches of the Eastern Panhandle have come together for Confirmation Instruction.  

6th and 7th Graders:  Formation and Biblical Foundation

The goal of this group is to build relationships and prepare them to continue through the Confirmation so that less attention in Confirmation has to be spent on developing a Biblical foundation and more important themes around social justice, stewardship, church polity, leadership, prayer. The kids would have lunch with the confirmands and then move to the youth group room for a time of games and Bible Study . The goal of this group is to build relationships and prepare them for confirmation so that less attention in Confirmation has to be spent on developing a Biblical foundation so that larger, more important themes around social justice, stewardship, church polity, leadership, prayer, etc can be explored more deeply.

Curriculum:  Echo the Story from Augsburg Fortress

8th Grade:  Catechism

Focus on Luther’s Small Catechism.  Class is once a month for four hours on a Sunday.  Lunch starts at 1 pm to allow all congregations the chance to make it on time.  Class will end at 5pm.  Class time is divided into two parts:  learning and then reinforcement. During the reinforcement time, an activity will be done to help show how what they learned can be used every day in regards to faith.  These actives can include a movie with discussion, a field trip, service project, panel discussion, etc.

9th Grade:  Indepth Bible and Theology

Since a Biblical foundation has already been created, the topics during this year of confirmation will focus around the Theology and Biblical Studies.  We will explore Lutheran theology, specifically the Augsburg Confession as well as Martin Luther.  We will experience the Bible through the story of Passover and a retreat focusing on Holy Week.  Students will also be introduced to a chart to help them learn how to read a particular passage of scripture.  The chief philosophy of confirmation is to build a relationship with students so that, no matter where they might go or leave, they will know there is a church that loves them and will support them.  Learning something is secondary but with adding an additional component of 6th and 7th grade youth group, we hope that we can begin to build the relationships sooner and last longer.  

Location:

Classes will be held at St. John’s and St. Thomas this year.  

Participating Congregations:

• St. John’s Lutheran Church
• St. Thomas Lutheran Church
• St. Peter's Lutheran Church
• St. James Lutheran Church
• Trinity Lutheran Church

Materials needed for Class 

1. A Bible (No KJV or Paraphrased translations such as the Message).  We will provide one!  Make sure you bring it.
2. Luther’s Small Catechism (Don’t worry, we will provide this too.  Just make sure you bring it!)
3. A notebook.

Expectations for Parents, Students, and church members:

We do not like having requirements because it goes against our doctrine of grace. However, confirmation is not possible unless everyone involved (both parents, students, and teachers) participate in as many activities of our program as possible.  

• Attend class when possible.  Life happens and there will be times when you can’t make it to class—just don’t make it a habit.  If you miss a class or have to leave more than hour early from class, there will be a written assignment that you must complete before the next class period.  They will be available on our website or by sending your pastor an email.
• The Confirmation Retreat is important and, in our mind, a requirement for everyone.  Please mark the weekend on your calendars!!!***
• Sermon Notes:  Need to be done once a month and turned in at each confirmation class to your respective pastor.
• Bring your books!
• Be on time.
• Participate in class discussion.
• Serve in Worship
• Parents, we ask that you be open to talking to your children about what they learn.  Ask questions and encourage them to share their point of view.  You are their role models when it comes to faith so don’t be shy in sharing your faith with you children.  
• Church members, when you see a confirmand at worship or around town, introduce yourself, talk them about their faith, make sure they feel welcomed and appreciated.  We need good role models!

Schedule for Standard Confirmation Class

• 1-:1-30 - Lunch
• 1:30-2pm - Game
• 2pm - 3:15pm - Teaching Time
• 3:15-3:30 - Break
• 3:30-4:45 - Reinforcement Activity
• 4:45-5pm - Prayer/Wrap Up