November 13, 2008

Dear Parents and Confirmation Students,

Confirmation is open to anyone ages 10+.

I guess I should start by explaining what confirmation is NOT (to avoid confusion, though I'd like to start with what it is). Confirmation is not a class that someone attends and then is confirmed and done with it (whether it’s the three seminars we have now, or the two years of classes we had before). And Confirmation is not a ritual where we have a group of kids all get confirmed the same day. (Whew! Glad we got that out of the way!)

Basically, what we want to confirm is the pattern of habits and attitudes that are fundamental to a life-long and eternal friendship with Jesus—like…

• Daily reading of God’s Word (Colossians 3:16; Luke 8:11)
• Daily setting your mind on Christ, killing the old nature (Colossians 3:1-5)
• Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; James 5:16)
• Financial stewardship (Matthew 6:19-21)
• Service (1 Peter 4:10; Galatians 5:13; 6:10)
• Encouraging and building one another up in Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

This is the life of baptism as a child of God.

These habits can really only be taught in the home and by parents in daily life. Both the Bible and Small Catechism are clear in saying that parents are the primary teachers of the children. (Of course, you say, but “Aaauuugghh, how do I do it?!?!”)

As pastors, we want to partner with you in teaching your kids about growing in Christ. Therefore, we'd like to meet with you to discuss the "My Confirmation Plan" (both at the beginning and before being confirmed). We have material to guide you. And we offer three seminars once or twice a year to help teach some of the basics of God's Word.

So, yes, the three seminars are required, as well as meeting with us. But the most essential aspect of the Confirmation Process is the development of the habits and attitudes of living daily in Christ (that is, living in your baptism as a child of God).

The Confirmation Process

1. Meet with both Pastors to discuss the Confirmation Process.
2. Fill out “My Confirmation Plan” and return it to the church office.
3. Work through and apply the “Welcome to the Famiy” guide book.
4. Attend the Three Small Catechism Seminars (at any point, in any order).
5. Meet with both Pastors to discuss the Confirmation Process.

Next Scheduled Small Catechism Seminars

Lord’s Supper Seminar

TBA

Small Catechism Chief Parts 1-2, The Ten Commandments and the Apostles’ Creed

TBA

Small Catechism Chief Parts 3-5, the Lord’s Prayer, Baptism, and Absolution

TBA

We will have the Rite of Confirmation for students when they have demonstrated readiness—taking a longer or shorter period of time, depending on the student.

Thank you for the opportunity to work together as we seek to fulfill Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. Please speak with a pastor about your “My Confirmation Plan.” (We would also like to make a copy for our records.)

Your partners in Christ's Work,

Pastors Rowe & Willweber

Attachments:

File	File size	Last Modified
My Confirmation Plan.pdf	86 Kb	11/18/08 12:57
Confirmation Letter November 2008.pdf	26 Kb	11/13/08 13:29