Why Confirmation?

Why does the church have Confirmation? It isnt commanded in Scripture and Lutherans do not believe that Confirmation is a Sacrament (an act commanded by Christ, using an earthly element, which bears Gods promise). But as Lutherans, we believe that students should experience Confirmation. Why? Confirmation is an affirmation of baptism. Many of us were baptized as infants or young children, before we were able to make baptismal promises ourselves. Confirmation is an opportunity to learn about the faith into which we were baptized and affirm our faith in Jesus Christ. Confirmation provides students and their families the chance to grow closer to one another, to other Christians, and to God. It is about deepening faith, claiming our identity as children of God, growing evermore Christ-like, and reaching out in love and service to our neighbor. Confirmation is not about a special blessing nor is it a final step in ones church life. Confirmation is a new beginning, a further instruction, a step in the lifelong journey of faith in Christ. It is not graduation, a program, or schooling. Confirmation is an experience which includes worship, service, learning, and fellowship. Those who wish to begin the Confirmation journey commit to carry through on the baptismal promises made on their behalf when they were baptized. Experiencing Confirmation can be an exciting journey. Were glad you have joined us!

Goals
Our goals for Confirmation are:

1. Students will experience: A sense of being welcomed, cared for, and valued; Meaningful relationships with peers and caring adults and role models; Opportunities to contribute, serve, and lead;

 Clear boundaries about what is expected; Growth in faith; Faith formation which is relational, experiential, and applicable to daily life; A sense of belonging in the intergenerational community of faith; Ministry with a strong connection to families. 2. Students will learn: They are saved by grace through faith; Key events in church history; Key Bible passages; How to use the Bible; Basic Lutheran theology, tradition, and doctrine; The Lords Prayer, the Creeds, and the 10 Commandments.

3. Students will be equipped to: Practice faith (through worship, prayer, devotions, service); Make the Christian faith a way of life; Live a life of service; Reach out to others; Exercise moral responsibility.

Our goal is not that our young people know everything there is to know about these different elements. Rather, we hope that they will have an understanding of them, and an opportunity to think about what these things mean for individual lives, and can understand how we integrate these things into a faithful life.

Requirements
The core of our Lutheran theology is that we are justified by Gods grace through faith as a gift. Jesus calls us to be his disciples to follow him. We follow not out of obligation, but as a living out of Gods grace. Christians grow as Jesus disciples as they worship, learn, serve, and have
Page | 2

fun together (fellowship). These four areas represent the foundation of our Confirmation requirements: worship, education, service, and fellowship. We understand that there may be reasons certain requirements cannot be met. If you know this to be the case for you, please speak with Pastor Dan as soon as possible. REQUIRED Attend Confirmation Learning Events 5 worship notes each year Order of St. John service as scheduled Attend Confirmation Camp or Mission Trip (one week) Attend Youth Quake Zone (one time) Complete 2 interviews of congregation members. Participation in 6 service projects at/through Trinity English. For those being confirmed: 1. Face to face meeting with Pastor Dan 2. Complete Faith Journey Project 3. Write Faith Statement 4. Select Confirmation Bible Verse 5. Attend Evening of Honor ENCOURAGED Participation in Fusion (middle school Sunday School) Participation in Middle School Youth Group Participation in all service projects Youth Quake Zone each year Mission Trip each year Serve as Sunday School mentors as able Family devotions, caring conversation, service, rituals/traditions

Confirmation Learning Events

If you are a member of any sports team or musical group, attendance at regular practices and games or rehearsals and performances is mandatory. You cannot participate without regular attendance. The same is true for Confirmation Learning Events. Attendance is required. We know, however, that illness, emergencies, and other situations happen. If you are unable to attend for any reason, please contact Pastor Dan in advance, if possible. Confirmation Learning Events take place on Sunday mornings throughout the school year. We meet in the Youth Center from 10:00 am until 12 noon. The first hour is dedicated to large group learning, which includes
Page | 3

lecture, discussion, video clips, music, skits, and/or experiential learning. The second hour is used for small group time. Each student is assigned to a small group of students who are in the same grade at school which is led by an adult small group leader. Small group time includes discussion, application of what was learned in the first hour, and hands on activities which can include service, crafts, games, etc. Because we meet only 12 to 14 times per year, depending upon how the calendar falls, it is imperative that students attend Confirmation Learning Events. There really isnt any written make up work that can substitute for the Confirmation Learning Event experience. If church were ever to be cancelled due to inclement weather or any other reason on a Sunday when there is a Confirmation Learning Event, it, too, would be cancelled. Notice would be posted on the congregations website at TrinityEnglish.org. Should a student miss more than 25% of the Confirmation Learning Events it would be an issue that will be addressed by the Pastors.

Curriculum
Our Confirmation curriculum focuses on exploring an overview of the Bible, Luthers Small Catechism (the Lords Prayer, Creeds, 10 Commandments, and Sacraments), as well as application of faith to our daily lives. We use a 3 year cycle that repeats. A scope and sequence chart which details the topics that are covered follows.

Page | 4

Scope and Sequence

Year A (2009-2010) (2012-2013) (2015-2016) Creation, Human Condition, Adam and Eve Flood, Noah Exploring the Commandments 1 Abraham and Sarah Exploring the Commandments 2 Jacob, Joseph Exploring the Commandments 3 Moses Exploring the Commandments 4 David/Psalms Israel/Judah/Exile The Greatest Prayer Gods Kingdom and Will Holy Communion Martin Luther and the Reformation Annunciation, Birth of Jesus Disciples/Beatitudes God Gives and Forgives Temptation, Trial, and Deliverance Parables Last Supper, Crucifixion Resurrection/Ascension Early Church Prayer/Labyrinth Trinity English History World Religions Christian Denominations Lutheran Worship Practices Saved by Grace through Faith Law/Gospel, Saint/Sinner Spiritual Formation Stewardship Working for Peace and Justice Holy Baptism Creeds 3 Creeds 2 Creeds 1 Year B (2010-2011) (2013-2014) (2016-2017) Intro to the Commandments Year C (2008-2009) (2011-2012) (2014-2015) Creeds Overview

Page | 5

Order of St. John

All Confirmation students are part of the Order of St. John (OSJ) at Trinity English. OSJ members serve as acolytes, crucifers, torch bearers, Bible bearers, and assist with Holy Communion, Baptism, and in other ways during our worship services. OSJ members are called on to serve approximately once every three months, although it can sometimes be more often (such as during Lent or at Christmas or Easter) or less often (such as during the summer).

Confirmation Camp
Following the completion of 7th grade, students are expected to attend Confirmation Camp at Camp Lutherwald in Howe, Indiana. This is a time of learning, making friends, and creating a safe place to discover and become who God has called us to be. The added benefit is that it is a lot of fun! Confirmation Camp is remembered as the highlight of their Confirmation experience by many of our students. Because we so highly value this long standing tradition of Trinity English, the congregation subsidizes the cost of attendance at Confirmation Camp, paying almost half the registration fee. We are not sure when we will attend Confirmation Camp in 2014. We hope to know soon. Registration information will be sent to families in February 2013.

Youth Quake Zone

Students are expected to attend Youth Quake Zone at least once, although you are welcome every year. Youth Quake is a regional gathering of middle and high school youth who come together at a hotel to experience awesome music, dynamic speakers, interactive workshops, and tons of fun with friends, all of which is designed to help students grow in faith. In previous years, Trinity English Confirmation students were required to attend 2 retreats each year. We have dropped that requirement and replaced it with Youth Quake Zone because it is so effective in building community and fostering commitment. Because we so highly value this experience for our youth, Trinity English and The Lutheran Foundation provide more than half the cost of attending Youth Quake Zone. In 2014, Youth Quake will be held Friday evening, January 10, 2014, through Sunday afternoon, January 12, 2014. It will be held at the Holiday Inn Eastgate, 4501 Eastgate Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45245. Family share of the cost to attend is $75. The deadline to register is Sunday, October 6, 2013.
Page | 6

Worship
Just as worship is central to our Christian life, it is important to the Confirmation journey. It is in worship that we are gathered together around Gods Word, celebrate the Sacraments, and are reminded of our call to live as Gods children in the world. We ask that you make worship a priority for your family. In addition to being in worship, we require that students complete 15 worship notes during their three years (5 in 6th grade, 5 in 7th grade, and 5 in 8th grade). Blank worship note forms are available in the Youth Center and on the Trinity English website. Completed forms should be returned to Pastor Fugate. All Confirmation students and their parents are asked to attend the 9:00 am worship service on Sunday, September 29, 2013. Students and their parents will be invited forward during this service in order to ask for Gods blessing on their Confirmation journey.

Middle School Youth Group

Our Middle School Youth Group provides the opportunity for students to grow in faith, to make new friends, to deepen existing friendships, to serve others, and to exercise leadership. The Middle School Youth Group generally meets on Sunday evenings on those weeks when we do not have Confirmation Learning Events.

Parents
Trinity English is a community where families are encouraged, equipped, and supported in living out their faith together. Faith-filled families worship together and do service together. They engage in meaningful conversations and define their families through rituals and traditions. Yours is the most important role in the development of your childs faith. They see how you live your faith and model theirs accordingly. The church is a partner with you as you fulfill the promises made at Holy Baptism. Your participation is key to the type of experience they will have. As parents we ask that you: Worship at least twice a month with your student. Pray for, support, and encourage your students participation. Pray for, support, and encourage the staff and small group leaders. Be aware of and talk with your students about the things they are learning. Consider participating in service projects with your student.
Page | 7

So, parents get involved and stay involved! There are 4 keys which have been identified as helping students grow in faith and strengthening families. They are caring conversation, devotions, service, and ritual/tradition. Caring Conversation: Be sure to take time to talk with your child each day. Ask them about the best thing they experienced as well as what happened that they could have lived without today. Ask them what they are looking forward to. Ask what worries they have. Keeping the lines of communication open and expressing your care through conversation and being interested in what your child thinks is crucial especially in the middle school years. Talking the faith in the home is important. Name the presence and activity of God in your lives and the world around you. Share the stories of faith and their relevance to your lives. Caringly and respectfully listen to one another, engaging hurts, joys, concerns, and dreams in the light of your Christian faith. This can often be woven into our daily interactions. Devotions: Reading the Bible together and praying will bring your family closer together. Even a short prayer before meals or at the end of the day will make a difference. Well provide suggestions to you throughout the year about ways you can recognize Gods presence in your lives and continue to grow in your faith. If this is something completely new for your family, start in small ways. Decide to be intentional about this for even a short time, maybe during Advent or Lent. Service: Students will engage in service through Confirmation and our Middle School Youth Group, but family service has particular power and significance. Parents who model helping behaviors and guide their children to help others in Christs name preach a powerful living sermon. By serving with parents and those of other generations, children and youth learn service as a lifelong virtue and discipline. Serving together helps families discover their own particular sense of Christian mission and vocation. It strengthens families and helps deepen faith. There are many opportunities for families to serve together at and through Trinity English. We will be sure to make you aware of these opportunities. Ritual and Tradition: When adults are asked to recount their best childhood experiences, they frequently recall events involving family traditions or rituals. Family mealtimes, holiday gettogethers, and nightly bedtime routines are examples of rituals and traditions that make deep and lasting impressions on children. From a faith perspective, rituals and traditions are no less important. In fact, they are at the heart of the Christian faith. Worship, Holy Communion, and Baptism are each God-given rituals and traditions that bond us into Gods family and remind us of whose we are and what is truly important. Rituals and traditions in the home can include eating meals together without the TV on, marking regular family events with simple faith celebrations (baptismal anniversaries, birthdays, etc.), observing church seasons (such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter) both in the home and by attending worship together.

Confirmation Projects
Confirmands are required to complete 2 projects prior to Confirmation. The first is a Faith Journey Project which visually introduces the student and their faith journey to the

Page | 8

congregation. The second is the writing of a Faith Statement. Pastor Fugate will provide instructions for completing these projects beginning in January.

Special Projects
For several years, our Confirmation students have supported a child through Compassion International. Our child lives in Tanzania and his first name is Cleven. We collect $1 from students at each Confirmation Learning Event and this covers the cost for the year.

Check In System
Students check in for confirmation using our automated kiosk check-in system. Enter the letters of the last name as instructed. Touch the correct name. Tap the check in button. You will receive a nametag and your attendance will be recorded.

Confirmation Banquet Evening of Honor

We will hold a formal dinner the evening before Confirmation Day in order to honor our confirmands and their parents, give them gifts and resources, and recognize the important role of family and friends in faith formation. Confirmands, their parents and extended family, two friends, baptismal sponsors, small group mentors, Church Council representatives, and staff will be invited. Our Evening of Honor for this years confirmands will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2014, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, at the church. Confirmation will take place during the 11:00 am service on Sunday, May 18, 2014.

Youth Mission Trip

All Confirmation students are invited to be a part of our annual Youth Mission Trip. The Mission Trip is an amazing week long experience of hands on service, growing in faith, meeting new friends, and deepening existing friendships. Our 2014 trip will be Saturday, July 5, through Saturday, July 12, 2014. We will travel to Niagara Falls, NY. The cost is $200 per person and includes transportation, food, and lodging. Confidential financial assistance is available.

Page | 9

Confirmation/Middle School Youth Group 2013-2014 Schedule

9/15/2013 9/22/2013 10 am until 12 n 10:00 am 6 8 pm 9/29/2013 9:00 am 10 am until 12 n 10/6/2013 6 8 pm 10/13/2013 10 am until 12 n 10/12/2013 9:30 a.m. 10/20/2013 10:00 am 6 8 pm 10/27/2013 10 am until 12 n 5 7 pm 11/3/2013 all morning 6 8 pm 11/10/2013 10 am until 12 n 11/17/2013 10:00 am 12 noon - 3 pm 12/1/2013 12/8/2013 10 am until 12 n 4:00 pm 12/15/2013 12 noon 3 pm 12/24/2012 1/5/2014 10 am until 12 n 6 8 pm 1/10/2014 1/11/2014 Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center Christians in Action, Youth Center Youth Group Extravaganza, Pastor Dans home Confirmation Blessing during Worship, Nave Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center Deadline to register for Youth Quake Zone! Crazy Pinz, meet there Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center Pet Blessing, meet at church Christians in Action, Youth Center Peddle Go Karts, meet at church Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center Halloween Party, Youth Center Alternative Christmas, Wagenhals Hall Bonfire, home of Jacque and Spencer Emenhiser Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center Christians in Action, Youth Center Kids Against Hunger meal packing, Wagenhals No Youth Group, Happy Thanksgiving! Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center Candlelight Christmas Caroling, meet at church Christmas Eve Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center Pre-Youth Quake Zone Meeting, Youth Center Youth Quake Zone, Cincinnati, Ohio Youth Quake Zone, Cincinnati, Ohio

Page | 10

1/12/2014 1/19/2014 1/26/2014 10 am until 12 n 10 am 5 7 pm 2/2/2014 10 am until 12 n 12 noon 2/9/2014 2/16/2014 3/2/2014 3/4/2014 3/5/2014 3/9/2014 3/16/2014 3/23/2014 4/6/2014 4/13/2014 6 8 pm 10 am until 12 n 6 8 PM 6 8 pm 10:00 am 5 7 pm 4/17/2014 4/18/2014 4/19/2014 4/20/2014 4/27/2014 5/4/2014 6 8 pm 5/17/2014 5/18/2014 5 7 pm 11:00 am 6 8 pm 7/5/2014 10 am until 12 n 5 7 pm 10 am until 12 n 10 am until 12 n 5:30-7:00 pm

Youth Quake Zone, Cincinnati, Ohio Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center Christians in Action, Youth Center Life-size Candyland Game, Wagenhals Hall Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center Souper Bowl of Caring Luncheon, Wagenhals Hall ChocolateFest and Game Night, Youth Center Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Youth Center Ash Wednesday OSJ Night, Youth Center Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center Service Project, place to be determined Coney Island, meet at church Journey to the Cross Holy Week Walk, meet at church Maundy Thursday Good Friday Easter Vigil Easter Sunday Confirmation Learning Event, Youth Center May Music Fest Crud Night, meet at church Evening of Honor (for Confirmands), Wagenhals Hall Confirmation during worship service Confirmation/End of Year party, place to be determined Mission Trip to Niagara Falls, NY begins

Page | 11

How Will We Know Whats Happening?

Weekly Announcements: Watch the church bulletin for announcements. Emails: This Weekend at Trinity English is an email that is sent to parents each week to highlight those activities that are taking place. If we do not have a current email address for you, you will not receive these! Monthly Postcard: A postcard with the months schedule is sent to each home. Parish Visitor: The congregations newsletter, which is primarily sent by email, includes important dates and highlights. Website: You can check the Trinity English website (TrinityEnglish.org) for updated information. Questions? Dont be afraid to ask. Feel free to contact Pastor Dan Fugate at (260) 42-3424 or by email at DFugate@TrinityEnglish.org.

Trinity English Lutheran Church

Working Together to Change the World through Jesus 405 West Wayne Street Fort Wayne, IN 46802 (260) 426-3424

Page | 12