What is it? 

Confirmation is an important ministry at St. Mark.  Through this ministry, we partner with parents to "train a child in the way they should go."  Not only do students review and learn the basics of what it means to be a Christian, students also study the doctrines of the Lutheran Church-MS as well as applying it to their daily lives.  We also take them through some basic discipleship classes such as Spiritual H.A.B.I.T.S., S.H.A.P.E., and writing a testimony.

At St. Mark, Confirmation is open to students in 7th grade and up.  The way the program works, is if a 7th grader meets all the requirements, they can be confirmed at the end of 7th grade.  Or if they wish to split up the program, they can meet the requirements in two years.  It is up to each family to decide how they are going to complete it.

Requirements of Students Who Attend St. Mark Lutheran School:

Attend two retreats on H.A.B.I.T.S. and S.H.A.P.E.

Attend mini-course on Writing a Testimony (a parent must attend)

Students and parents attend the Final Interview ( the year they're being confirmed)

Students must be in worship and Bible class on a regular basis

REQUIREMENTS EXPLAINED:

Attend Saturday Seminars OR Intensive Course:

Pastor Meyer teaches on the Six Chief Parts of Luther's Small Catechism.  This is accomplished in two ways.  In June, an Intensive Confirmation Course is taught.  Students can attend a seminar each day of the week (Mon-Fri) and get it all done then, OR they can attend Saturday seminars during the school year.  Seminars do not have to be taken in order if the student is completing this program in two years.  Parents can pick and choose which topics to attend each year.

Students will need to bring writing utensils, a binder to keep all their notes in, and Luther's Small Catechism (Catechisms are available for $10 each).  Parents should call the church office in advance to let Pastor know your student will be attending a specific Saturday seminar or the Intensive Course.

Seminar Schedule:

The 2009-2010 schedule is as follows:

"Apostle's Creed"  9/26; 9-11:30am 

"Lord's Prayer"  10/31; 9-11:30am

"Baptism"  11/14; 9-11:30am

"Communion"  1/16  For all students in Confirmation ministry & any 5th grader & up wanting to participate in Early Communion.

"Office of the Keys & 10 Commandments"  2/27; 9am-12:00pm

Attend Two Retreats on HABITS and SHAPE:

The HABITS Retreat teaches 6 spiritual habits which helps keep our faith going and growing.  The habits are: hang time with God, accountability, Bible memorization, involvement in the church, tithing, and studying Scripture.  Students learn the habits as well as practice them.  The challenge is to pick one or two to work on following the retreat.  

This retreat (led by SRTM staff) will be held at St. Mark on October 9th-10th, 2009.  Students will meet from 7:00pm on Fri to 3:30pm on Sat.  A parent MUST attend the last 30 minutes on Saturday as we do a special wrap up. 

Students will be sleeping in classrooms at church.  They should bring a sleeping bag/air mattress, pillow, clothes, and toiletries.  We do have showers at church.  There is a cost of $30 which covers meals, programing, and materials.

The SHAPE Retreat helps students discover their God-given shape.  They look at their spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences and put them together like a puzzle.  Students brainstorm ways to use their shape for God in ministry and are challenged to pick one or two ways and do them!

This retreat (led by SRTM staff) will be held at St. Mark on January 22nd-23rd, 2010.  We will start at 7:00pm on Friday and finish at 3:30pm on Sat.  A parent MUST attend the last 30 minutes on Saturday as we do a special wrap up. 

Students will sleep overnite at church.  They should bring a sleeping bag/air mattress, pillow, clothes, and toiletries.  We do have showers at church.  There is a cost of $30 which covers meals, programing, and materials.

Please Note:  there are no make-up sessions for these retreats.  These are the ONLY times they are offered.

Attend Mini-Course on Writing a Testimony:

This mini-course is designed to give a brief overview of what a testimony is and how to write one.  Tom Chester will guide parents and students through the testimony mannual...the work will be done at  home with parent supervision.  Tom will look over the draft at the final interview and may make some suggestions for change.  The student will ultimately give their testimony at the Confirmation worship service.  

The mini-course will be held on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010; 7:00-8:00pm in The Pit Stop.  A parent MUST attend with their student.

Students & Parents Attend Final Interviews:

Students desiring to be confirmed must go through a final interview.  Both parents must also attend.  Students & parent will meet with Pastor Meyer for 20 minutes in which Pastor will evaluate the student's knowledge and life application.  Then students and parents will meet with Tom Chester for 20 minutes to go over their testimony draft, talk about the discipleship retreats, and their future involvement in SRTM.

The interviews will take place sometime between April 18th & 26th.  We will update parents on the dates & times.

Students must be in worship and Bible class on a regular basis:

The Confirmation ministry process helps students connect their head knowledge to their heart.  It teaches that they need to be active in their spiritual growth.  When confirmands stand up on Confirmation Day, they will promise to continue to be faithful and active in ministry at St. Mark.  Because of what Confirmation is, it is only natural that students be in worship and Bible class.  Parents should also model this as well.

Rite of Confirmation Information:

Those students who have met the requirements outlined above will be eligible to become confirmed members of St. Mark.  Students and a parent will need to attend the Confirmation Rehearsal on Tuesday, April 27th (6:15-7:30 in the sanctuary). 

The Confirmation Worship will take place on SUNDAY, MAY 2ND, 2010 AT 3:00PM. 

Pictures will be taken at 2:00pm.  Confirmands may order picture packages from the photographer. Worship takes place at 3:00pm.   

There is a $25 fee for Confirmation which includes robe cleaning, flowers, certificate, and any other misc fees.  

EARLY COMMUNION

St. Mark offers early communion to 5th grade students on up.  Those students wishing to participate in early communion need to attend TWO sessions in January.  One is the Saturday seminar (1/16; 9:00-11:30am) and the other is a Wednesday night class (1/27; 6:30-8:00pm).  A parent must attend the Wednesday night class with their student.  Early communion is OPTIONAL.  Students will celebrate their first communion on Sunday, January 31st.

Questions?  Comments?  Concerns?

For general info related to the Confirmation Ministry, or about the retreats, or mini-course, contact Tom Chester, Youth Minister.  For info related to the Saturday Seminars or the Intensive Course, contact Pastor Tom Meyer.

Church office:  455-5320