Confirmation is the centerpiece of our youth ministry and the milestone of adulthood in the church.  Meeting on Wednesdays in September through May, youth engage in faith education, fellowship with peers, and service to the greater world. 

Faith
Deeper theological understanding is nurtured over the course of a three-year curriculum, taught in a large group setting:

Year 1: 10 Commandments & Community

  • Starting with the story of Moses and the Exodus, this year focuses on Lutheran ethics and living in Christian community, explores the 10 commandments on a deeper level, connects the Lord’s Prayer to the story of the wilderness, and, reflecting on the covenant, asks the question, “Who has God called us to be in the world?”

Year 2: The Bible In A Year

  • Most people experience the Bible in bits and chunks, read at worship services or chopped up into bite size verses for devotionals and social media posts.  This year tells the whole story, from start to finish, while tackling common misconceptions about the Holy Book, aiming to answer the question “What is the Bible really about?”

Year 3: The Year of Belief

  • Using the Apostle’s Creed as a springboard, this is the year we explore the core beliefs of Christianity, the basics of Lutheranism and the ELCA, the beliefs of other Christians and other religions, and embark on exciting field trips to different faith communities.  The question driving our journey is “What do we believe?”
Fellowship and Service

Fellowship: To deepen learning and nurture the formation of church friendships, youth are divided by grade into small “care groups” which meet after the lesson.

  • Care Groups create a safe space for kids to sort out faith and life as they grow together. Led by dedicated adult volunteers, youth build trust in the group, share highs and lows, pray, play games, eat snacks, question and discuss what they learned, and expand their understanding of church.

Service: To live out what they have learned, our youth participate in service to our church community, our neighbors, and the world.

  • Youth volunteer to help with church events
  • Youth engage in worship leadership as acolytes and in 9th grade, branch out to more advanced worship leadership roles (a volunteer role which they can choose to continue after the program ends)
  • Youth volunteer in the local community or participate in service projects hosted by the church throughout the year.

Youth participate in a number of special nights throughout the year, including:

  • Pumpkin Decorating (Bible Characters)
  • Prayer Stations (Quiet & Creative Prayer)
  • Mardi Gras Celebration (Games & Pancakes)
  • Packing Lutheran World Relief Care Kits (Service Project)

Youth can also attend several exciting retreats and events, including:

  • A Kickoff Retreat Offsite (with other churches)
  • Family Fellowship Events (bowling, etc…)
  • A Winter Jamboree (laser tag, downhill tubing, etc…)
  • A Lock-In At The Church

Without a doubt, the highlight of our program is a week at Campfirmation.  

  • At this week-long summer camp, hosted in conjunction with other ELCA churches, youth headed into 9th grade have the opportunity to solidify lasting friendships, see Christian community in action, and understand why they would want church to be a part of their post-Confirmation life.