|
Confirmation Sermons
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation,
a long standing tradition in the Lutheran Church, provides
an opportunity for young people to become familiar
with the teachings of the Lutheran faith and prepares
them to identify more deeply with the Christian community
and participate more fully in its mission. Following a period of
instruction, participants are confirmed by making a public affirmation of their
baptismal vows. At St. John, confirmation instruction is part of an
overall program of ministry with youth and is the responsibility of the entire
congregation. When does Confirmation begin?
Pre-confirmation classes begin in the 8th-9th
grades. Confirmation begins in the 10th grade, but it's not
mandatory that someone begin confirmation in 10th grade if they feel
they are not ready for it yet. Why do we wait until 10th
grade?
Confirmation teachers have discovered over the course of
many years that older youth are much better equipped to understand and
discuss the complex faith questions and concepts which arise in confirmation
instruction. Participants' interest level is higher and we have a
much better opportunity to prepare them to live as confident and
committed witnesses to the Christian faith as adults. We also
avoid the frequent problems of youth viewing confirmation as
"graduation from church." How does a young
person prepare for enrollment in confirmation?
Before beginning confirmation, students commit to memory
as much of the following material as possible: Books of the Bible
in order, the Ten Commandments, The Apostle's Creed, The Lord's Prayer,
portions of Martin Luther's Small Catechism (explanations to the
Apostles' Creed, the Sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion),
plus a list of Lutheran definitions and information about the Lutheran
Church. For more detailed confirmation activities, please
contact the church office. Place of Confirmation in the
Life of an Individual
The life of the confirmed is a lifelong process. It
begins with baptism when a child is welcomed into the church.
Parents and sponsors promise to support and guide their children as they
grow in Christ. First Communion is a period of instruction where
children are welcomed to the Lord's Supper. Confirmation is a
continuation of instruction that a child has been receiving from their
parents and training in church through Sunday School, Bible Studies, and
Youth Events. Confirmation is a more formal study of the
fundamentals of the Christian faith. Each confirmand makes a public
confession of faith and confirms God's action in their lives.
Learning to live one's faith does not end with confirmation, but
requires a lifetime of effort and commitment. Confirmation is the end of
the beginning.
Confirmation Class 2004
 |
