Confirmation
Confirmation is the process that prepares middle school students for Affirmation of Baptism usually held on the second Sunday of October. Students make the Baptismal promises for themselves. They will be promising to Live among God’s faithful people, hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper, proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for peace and Justice in all the earth (ELW 237). Please keep them in prayer as they discern where God is calling them to serve in their congregations and in their lives..
Expectations:
Practice the promises of Baptism that parents, sponsors, and congregation first made and students will make for themselves in Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation)
Attend Worship
Attend and Participate in Class Activities
Attend Fellowship opportunities
Demonstrate leadership through being a worship leader, lead prayer, plan activities.
Attend to a life of faith through family devotions, prayer, reading, service, giving, encouraging, inviting, and studying scripture
Identify the gifts that God has given you
Complete work books, faith project and statements, and other projects
Discover God’s plan for you.
Class Format:
6:15 Worship/Devotion
6:30ish Class
7:10 Discussion
7:45 Sending
Lenten Project-The 10 Commandments
Week 1
Introduction to the Commandments-
Where Did TheTen Commandments come from?
Getting Started….
Share Highs and Lows from your day (or week.
Say this or another prayer….
Dear God, you've given us a big job! Help us to follow your commandments, and be patient with us when we fail. Hear our prayers now as we pray aloud or silently for each other, our concerns, our celebrations, and for those who are need of your help:. Amen.
Read All About it!
The whole book of Exodus (Exodus means Exit) is about the time the Israelites (God’s chosen People) as they were fleeing from Pharaoh and the life of slavery in Egypt. God called Moses and his brother Aaron to lead the people. God helped them by sending plagues to convince a very stubborn Pharaoh to let them go home to their country. They traveled for 40 years in the wilderness and in that time the people were naughty. Moses went up on a mountain where he talked with God and God gave Moses the Commandments as a gift to help the people live together with God, their family, and each other. Below is where to find the stories.
The 10 Commandments-Exodus 20:1-17
The Details- Exodus 20:14-31:17
The Golden Calf-Exodus- 31:18-32:14
The Broken Commandments-Exodus 32:15-32:35
The Second Set of Tablets- Exodus 34
Or watch this…See Link below-Chuck Knows Church
Reformation Connection…..
Martin Luther thought that it was important for parents to teach the basics of faith to their children. So he wrote the Small Catechism that included the Apostle’s Creed, The Lord’s Prayer, the Office of the Keys, Morning and Evening Prayer, and the Ten Commandments.
He used the Commandments from the Bible (Exodus 20:1-17). And then added an explanation. Included in this packet is a copy of the 10 Commandments from the Catechism.
WATCH THIS!
Make some popcorn and invite your family to watch the movie the “10 Commandments”. The Hollywood version of the story of Moses. Elayne has a DVD version. It might be on Netflix or on a movie channel.
Or watch the Veggie Tale Version-"Moe and the Big Exit"
Play a Game
· Play your favorite game but do not use any rules OR Make up a game.
· Talk about what happens when there are no rules.
Wrap it Up….
· Make plans to meet again
· Pray the Lord’s Prayer
Your Assignment:
What did you do?
Who was there?
Was there one thing that made sense to you, what was it?
How does this apply to you?
These are my Questions…..
Questions to Answer:
Who Wrote the 10 Commandments?
What is the Small Catechism?
Who did Martin Luther write the Small Catechism for?
Why do we have the 10 Commandments, rules, and laws?
Video: Chuck knows Church
Video: Moe and The Big Exit
Week 2
Our Relationship with God
Who Is God?
Getting Started….
· Share Highs and Lows from your day (or week):
· H/L Prayer: Say this or another prayer….
Dear God, You created us and you call us to be your children. Help us to love what you have made and care for it. Hear our prayers now as we pray aloud or silently for each other, our concerns, our celebrations, and for those who are need of your help:. Amen.
Catechism-The Ten Commandments-the 1st 3
The First Commandment
You shall have no other gods.
What is this? or What does this mean?
We are to fear, love, and trust God above all things.
The Second Commandment
You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God.
What is this? or What does this mean?
We are to fear and love God, so that we do not curse, swear, practice magic, lie, or deceive using God's name, but instead use that very name in every time of need to call on, pray to, praise, and give thanks to God.
The Third Commandment
Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy.
What is this? or What does this mean?
We are to fear and love God, so that we do not despise preaching or God's word, but instead keep that word holy and gladly hear and learn it.
Read All About it!
Read Matthew 22:37
Think About it…..Reflection Questions
(Answer Question 3 in the comments below)
1. What is competing with God for first place in your life?
2. What do you think….Is it ok to swear? Name examples of when someone has used the Lord’s name without respect. Is saying O-My-God! Or OMG taking the Lords Name in a wrong way? (see second commandment)
3. Why do you think God commanded the people to take one day of rest each week? What happens to people who are so driven at work that they rarely take a break?
4. Luther interpreted the Third Commandment as more than a day off. How do you understand Sabbath in our world today?
Something to do…..
Thing 1
Grab a newspaper, magazine, or your phone Twitter Feed. Read afew of the posts or headlines.
Thinking about the news events of the last few weeks, find examples of how have people been breaking or keeping these commandments?
Thing 2
Make a list of 10 things that you do, are important to you and/or that love to do.
After you finish your list, make the following marks by the items that apply.
· Put a dollar sign by the things that cost money.
· Put a “F” by the things that are free.
· Put a stick figure by the things that you do alone.
· Put a heart by your favorite thing.
· Put a date by the last time you did this thing.
· Put a “H” by the things that are healthy.
· Put a “S” by the things that you do in school or an activity where you learn.
· Put a cross by the things that demonstrate faith.
Look at your list….
Talk or journal about:
What are you doing the most?
Is your list a balance of things?
How are you including God in your Life?
“How can each of these good things become a ‘god’ if we are not careful?“
Explore!
Who is God?
Grab a big piece of paper and some markers-Talk about what and who God is…..Draw pictures of God…(see First Commandment)
Faith Walk
Go on a Faith Walk- Walk around the neighborhood-Make a list of where you see evidence that God is with us…..
Claimed and Named
You were claimed and named a child of God in the waters of Baptism….
· Google the meaning of your name(s)
· Invite each person to share the stories behind their names:
· who named you?
· Are you named after someone, and if so, who?
· What stories or memories do you associate with your name?
Wrap it Up….
· Make plans to meet again
· Pray the prayer below and end with the Lord’s Prayer
Closing Prayer
Gracious and holy God, give us diligence to seek you, wisdom to perceive you, and patience to wait for you. Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on you; eyes to behold you; ears to listen for your word; a heart to love you; and a life to proclaim you; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Your Assignment:
What did you do?
Who was there?
Was there one thing that made sense to you, what was it?
How does this apply to you?
These are my Questions…..
Helpful links:
Check out what your name means.....
Want More to think about? Check out this video called "Breathe" (by Nooma)
Week 3
Our Relationship with Family…..
Who is Family?
Getting Started….
•Share Highs and Lows from your day (or week):
•H/L Prayer: Say this or another prayer….
Dear God, You created us and you call us to be your children. Help us to love what you have made and care for it. Hear our prayers now as we pray aloud or silently for each other, our concerns, our celebrations, and for those who are need of your help:. Amen.
OR God of grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Fill us with your Spirit, guide us by your Word, and help us as we seek to follow you and your commandments. Amen.
Catechism-The Ten Commandments-the next Three
The Fourth Commandment
Honor your father and your mother.
What does this mean?
According to Martin Luther in the Small Catechism, this Commandment means that “we are to fear and love God, so that we neither despise nor anger our parents and others in authority, but instead honor, serve, obey, love, and respect them.”
What does this mean for me?
Loving parents want the best for their children. Children will not always agree with everything a parent has to say, but the Fourth Commandment invites us to respect the wisdom and guidance that our parents can offer and to seek a good relationship with our parents.
The Fifth Commandment
You shall not murder.
What does this mean?
According to Martin Luther in the Small Catechism, this Commandment means that “we are to fear and love God, so that we neither endanger nor harm the lives of our neighbors, but instead help and support them in all of life’s needs.”
What does this mean for me?
Life is a precious gift. The Fifth Commandment encourages us not only to value and protect life, but also to look for ways to help people in times of need so that they might share in God’s abundance and love.
The Sixth Commandment
You shall not commit adultery.
What does this mean?
According to Martin Luther in the Small Catechism, this Commandment means that “we are to fear and love God, so that we lead pure and decent lives in word and deed, and each of us loves and honors his or her spouse.”
What does this mean for me?
Relationships are hard. Even the most loving couples experience times of anger, disappointment and frustration. The Sixth Commandment reminds us of the importance of working together through relationship issues that may arise and instructs us not to abandon the promises we have made to our spouse.
Read All About it!
Read together each of the commandments….
Things to talk about….
Questions about the Fourth Commandment….
Do you always respect and willingly listen to your parents or grandparents? Do you always respect and follow the direction of your teachers?
Do you thank your parents every time they drive you someplace or buy something for you?
If you do not do these things, you do not always keep this commandment.
Have you ever thought hateful thoughts about your parents, teachers, principals, pastors, or other people in authority? Do you say mean things about them to other people? Do you say or do mean things to them directly?
If there are times when you fail to keep this commandment, please pick up one of these stones and place it in your bag.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to respect our parents and others in authority positions in our lives. Give us the strength to treat them with respect and to love them even if we aren’t happy with them. Thank you for blessing us with those important people in our lives. Amen.
Questions about the Fifth Commandment…..
Do you ever feel like you hate someone? Have you ever hurt another person by insulting or ridiculing them with your words?
Have you ever tried to ruin another person’s reputation by spreading rumors or telling other people embarrassing things about them?
Do you spend more time trying to get back at people for things they may have done to you rather than trying to forgive them?
If you have done these things, you have failed to keep this commandment.
Do you stand up for people who are being attacked by others or who are unable to defend themselves? If not, you have not always kept this commandment.
Do you always try to encourage others and build them up? If not, you have not always kept this commandment.
If there are times when you fail to keep this commandment, please pick up one of these stones and place it in your bag.
Prayer:
Loving Father, fill us with your loving presence. Give us the strength to treat others with respect. Help us to not say or think hurtful things to or about other people we come in contact with each day. Give us the courage, Lord, to encourage others and build them up instead of tearing them down. Amen.
Questions about the Sixth Commandment….
Do you always respect members of the opposite sex?
Do you ever talk about the physical appearance of people in a disrespectful way? Have you ever looked at a person and talked about how “hot” he or she is? Or the opposite, pointed out another person as being less desireable?
Are your thoughts, words and actions about sex always pure and honorable?
Have you ever looked at pornographic pictures on the internet or watched pornographic movies for pleasure?
Do you see sex as a way to use people for your pleasure?
If there are times when you fail to keep this commandment, please pick up one of these stones and place it in your bag.
Prayer:
Creator God, help us to keep our thoughts and actions towards the opposite sex pure and holy. Help us to be the best we can be for the person we marry. Give us the strength to remain faithful to You and to this Commandment. Amen.
Something to do…..
Find a parent, other than your own, ask them about their thoughts about being a parent….best thing, Worst thing,
Watch a favorite movie, or read a favorite book. How many times was a commandment broken. What happened to them? Was there a consequence? How does breaking a commandment help or hurt those around them.
Explore!
Find articles in the newspaper or something on TV about parents, kids and families, about murder or hurting others, or articles about bodies….How are people taking care of themselves? How are people taking care of each other? How are people hurting each other. How does that relate to these three commandments?
Pick one of these three commandment: Ask someone like a neighbor, someone from church, or a stranger, to explain what they think it means.
First, make a family tree of your family….include your siblings, your parents, their parents, your aunts, your uncles, add anyone that has been significant in your lives. Remember to include step families too!
Talk about and make a note by the following things or other things that you are interested in:
How your parents or grandparents meet.
What has your family celebrated
What have been the difficulties?
Has anyone been sick?
Did anyone have cancer?
Did anyone serve in the military?
Live a life of faith-where did they go to church? Baptized, Confirmed?
Wrap it Up….
Make plans to meet again
Pray the Lord’s Prayer or the one below
Gracious and holy God, give us diligence to seek you, wisdom to perceive you, and patience to wait for you. Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on you; eyes to behold you; ears to listen for your word; a heart to love you; and a life to proclaim you; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Your Assignment:
What did you do?
Who was there?
Was there one thing that made sense to you, what was it?
These are my Questions…..
How does this apply to you?
Week 4
Our Relationship with our Neighbors
Getting Started….
Share Highs and Lows from your day (or week):
H/L Prayer: Say this or another prayer….
God of grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Fill us with your Spirit, guide us by your Word, and help us as we seek to follow you and your commandments. Amen.
Catechism-The Ten Commandments-the Last ones
The Seventh Commandment
You shall not steal.
What does this mean?
According to Martin Luther in the Small Catechism, this Commandment means that “we are to fear and love God, so that we neither take our neighbors’ money or property nor acquire them by using shoddy merchandise or crooked deals, but instead help them to improve and protect their property and income.”
What does this mean for me?
While most of us would never walk out of store with an iPhone without paying for it, many people will download a song or movie from a sharing site without paying, cut and paste a quotation without citing it or fail to correct the clerk who gives them too much change. The Seventh Commandment doesn’t draw a distinction between little thefts and big thefts, but simply encourages us to respect our neighbor’s property and to help them keep what they have.
The Eighth Commandment
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
What does this mean?
According to Martin Luther in the Small Catechism, this Commandment means that “we are to fear and love God, so that we do not tell lies about our neighbors, betray or slander them, or destroy their reputations. Instead we are to come to their defense, speak well of them, and interpret everything they do in the best possible light.”
What does this mean for me?
The Eighth Commandment invites us to see our neighbors words and actions in the best possible light. Imagine how much happier relationships would be if we looked for the good in the actions of others, gave people the benefit of the doubt and focused on the best traits of our neighbors.
The Ninth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.
What does this mean?
According to Martin Luther in the Small Catechism, this Commandment means that “we are to fear and love God, so that we do not try to trick our neighbors out of their inheritance or property or try to get it for ourselves by claiming to have a legal right to it and the like, but instead be of help and service to them in keeping what is theirs.”
What does this mean for me?
No matter how cool your neighbor’s toys are, don’t try to take them. In fact, the Ninth Commandment encourages us to actively work to help our neighbor keep what is theirs.
The Tenth Commandment
You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
What does this mean?
According to Martin Luther in the Small Catechism, this Commandment means that “we are to fear and love God, so that we do not entice, force, or steal away from our neighbors their spouses, household workers, or livestock, but instead urge them to stay and fulfill their responsibilities to our neighbors.”
What does this mean for me?
While the Ninth Commandment focuses on respecting our neighbor’s ownership of property, the Tenth Commandment focuses on respecting our neighbor’s relationships. Support your neighbor in their relationships, help them strengthen their relationships, and/or learn from their relationships, but don’t disrupt those relationships.
Read All About it!
Read the Seventh to the Tenth Commandments together.
Things to talk about….
Questions for the Seventh Commandment….
Do you always deal with others fairly and honestly? Have you knowingly made a deal with someone that you knew wasn’t fair for them?
Have you ever cheated on an exam?
Have you ever used your brother or sister’s things without asking?
Do you sometimes take signs or other “souvenirs” from public places that will need to be replaced?
Do you always return things that you borrow?
Do you use more of the world’s resources than you really need?
If you have done these things, you have not kept this commandment.
If there are times when you fail to keep this commandment, please pick up one of these stones and place it in your bag.
Prayer: Faithful God, help us to be honest and faithful people and respect other people and their belongings. Help us live lives of truth. Amen.
Questions for the Eighth Commandment….
Have you ever passed on gossip or made up stories about another person?
Do you ever talk about your frustrations with another person behind his or her back?
Are you always careful what you say about others, seeking to build them up rather than tear them down?
Have you ever lied about people?
Have you ever allowed someone to take the blame for something you did?
If there are times when you fail to keep this commandment, please pick up one of these stones and place it in your bag.
Prayer:
Gracious Lord, help us to do our best to be people of honesty and integrity. Teach us to avoid gossip and lies by being truthful in our faith and in our lives. Amen.
Questions for the Ninth and Tenth Commandment….
Have you ever wanted something that belongs to your friends’:
Phone?
Bike?
Computer?
Tennis shoes? Clothes?
Girlfriend or boyfriend? Looks?
Abilities? Grades?
When you go shopping, are you only focused on wanting more?
Do you let TV and magazine ads convince you to want things you really don’t need and can’t afford?
Do you think, or do anything, about others in the world who have much less than we do?
If there are times when you fail to keep this commandment, please pick up one of these stones and place it in your bag.
Prayer: Lord, You know our needs better than we do. Help us to seek out what You want for us. We need to remember that You give us all that we need. Thank you for taking care of us. Amen.
Questions for the Tenth Commandment….
Have you ever tried to break up someone’s friendship, so that you could have that person’s friendship for yourself?
Do you always encourage your friends to be loyal to one another?
Have you ever spread rumors in hopes of breaking up a friendship or two people who were dating?
Do you always encourage your brother or sister to be loyal to your parents?
Do you find yourself hoping you’ll receive special attention over others?
If there are times when you fail to keep this commandment, please pick up one of these stones and place it in your bag.
Prayer: Gracious Father, thank You for being a loyal God to us. We pray for Your model of loyalty to carry through in our lives. Help us to be encouraging and true to others. Amen.
Something to do…..
Have you ever stolen something? Had something stolen from you? How did you feel- Talk about it… Give everyone 10 small pieces of paper-like post it notes. Think about the things that are most important to you….Write one thing on each of the 10 pieces of paper. Share with each other your choices. NOW, choose 4 things. You have just lost them. How did you feel when you had to choose, how did you feel when you lost them? Next, The person on your right, take away 3 things. How did it feel to take from another. If there is someone not playing have them come and pick 2 things of their choice. You have one thing left…. Share what it is, Was it the thing you would have picked as the most important? .
Grab a jar of baby powder. Sprinkle some on a table. Put the powder back into the jar. Talk about How is the baby powder like words? Even when you clean it up (say you are sorry) some of the powder is still left. How do words hurt people?
What can you give to someone else? Can you give away clothes and shoes that no longer fit?
Explore!
Talk about what does it mean to be:
Blessed…
Rich….
What does it mean to have enough…
Ask your parents what their income is for the year.
Go to:
http://www.globalrichlist.com
Enter USA (dollars) for the country, and your family income…
Talk again about what does it mean to be:
Blessed….
Rich….
To have enough….
How much is enough.
Check at the Library (or get a copy from Elayne) and read the book(s): “If the World Were a Village” OR “If America Was A Village” by David J. Smith; Illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong.
How does this relate to the 9th and 10th Commandments?
Wrap it Up….
· Celebrate! You are done!
· Did you learn anything new about the Commandments…what will you share with others…
· For Holy Week-Consider watching a movie like “Godspell” or “jesus Christ Superstar” as a family.
· As a Family, Go through the Stations of the Cross at St John’s Opening on Palm Sunday and open through the Saturday before Easter.
· Pray the Lord’s Prayer Together….
Your Assignment:
What did you do?
Who was there?
Was there one thing that made sense to you, what was it?
These are my Questions…..
How does this apply to you?
Youth Group
We ARE Going to Houston TEXAS, Y'ALL!
2018 Youth Gathering
June 27 - July 1, 2018 we will be gathering in Houston for the ELCA Youth Gathering. Every three years, 30,000 high school youth and their adult leaders gather for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. Through days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service and fellowship, young people grow in faith and are challenged and inspired to live their faith in their daily lives.
For more information go to:
Click Here for more information about the ELCA Youth Gathering