CONFIRMATION/COMMISSIONING
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Confirmation is an opportunity for youth (targeted at 9th graders) to affirm for themselves the
meaning of their baptism. To be confirmed is to choose to trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and
Savior. To be commissioned is to commit yourself to being a responsible member of Christ’s
church.
To help youth make this commitment, they are invited to participate in a sixteen session
program that develops personal faith and service. Pastor, mentors, parents, and classmate
support the youth in making an honest and informed decision.
The class meets every other Wednesday.
The lesson schedule for 2005-2006 is:
10/5 TRAVELING LIFE AS A JOURNEY Hebrews 12:1-2
Orientation for Confirmands and Parents
Biblical basis; WPC Mission Statement
Journey – Choosing your Companions, Dealing with Detours, Knowing the Way,
Showing others the Way, Celebrating the Steps
Assignment: Foot Prints; Read Marj Carpenter articles and/or research Internet for
Presbyterian Mission, and prepare reports
10/19 SHARING THE WORD IN GOD’S GLOBAL FAMILY Matthew 28:16-20;Luke 4:16-21
Video: “Partners in Mission” or “VIM”
Reflections visit of Guatemalan Presbyterians
Assignment: Prayer Partners; Examine campaign materials, discuss with family, make a
pledge
11/2 SUPPORTING THE WORK OF THE CHURCH II Corinthians 8:1-15; 9:7
Review campaign materials
Building a church – Mission statement, goals, activities, budget
or Video: “Ever Expanding Circles”
Assignment: Fill out “Start Up” and “Journey” to share with Mentors
11/16 REVIEWING FAITH WITH MENTOR Philippians 3:12-14
Sharing assignments with Mentors; Mentors share “When I Was Young” and “Life
Beyond Confirmation”
Reflections on Baptism Renewal Service
Assignment: Write prayer and participate in another church’s worship service
11/30 WORSHIPING GOD John 4:21-24
Explore acts and attitudes of worship; Video: “Growing Edge: Youth Encounter in
Worship”
Share “Worship Reflections” of our and other church’s worship services
Assignment: Discuss meaning of sacraments and relationship to confirmation with
Parents
12/14 EXPERIENCING GOD IN THE SACRAMENTS Acts 2:38-39; I Corinthians 11:23-34
Review steps in Faith Journey
Explore meaning of Baptism and Lord’s Supper
View Video: “The Meaning of Mystery”
Assignment: Create Christmas cards proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ
PROGRESS REPORT TO PARENTS AND MENTORS
12/28 PARTYING WITH MENTOR
Assignment: Review Luke’s gospel
1/11 PROCLAIMING THE GOOD NEWS John 20:24-31
Explore the purpose of a gospel
Look at who needs the good news at school
Assignment: Participate in Sermon Roundtable
1/25 PREPARING TO LEAD WORSHIP Romans 12:1-2
Finalize preparations to lead worship on January 29
Assignment: List important things Jesus said or did in Mark’s gospel
2/8 UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURE’S WITNESS II Timothy 3:14-17
Overview of Bible content; Mark’s Portrayal of Jesus
Use and interpretation of the Bible (Science vs. Religion)
Assignment: Complete a Timothy Task (service project with Mentor)
2/22 SERVING OTHERS John 13:1-20; Matthew 25:31-46
Jesus’ Example and Teachings
Modified NETWORK – passion and gift identification
Assignment: Reformation Story and choices of what needs to be changed today
PROGRESS REPORT TO PARENTS AND MENTORS
3/8 STANDING FIRM (Presbyterian Heritage) Matthew 16:13-20
View Video: “Who Are We Presbyterians”
“On Being Presbyterian” “Litany of the Names of the Church”
Assignment: Interview Elder, Presbytery Commissioner, Synod Staff, General Assembly
Commissioner or Youth Advisory Delegate
3/22 DECIDING FAIRLY/FIGHTING RESPECTFULLY I Peter 5:1-4
Explore Presbyterian governance and characteristics of leadership
Play “The Presbyterian Game”
Assignment: Read and reflect on “A Brief Statement of Faith”
4/5 EXAMINING PRESBYTERIAN BELIEFS Philippians 2:5-11
Examine Creeds & Confessions; View Video: “Presbyterians – Belief and Doctrine”
“My Beliefs and Thoughts about Jesus”
Assignment: Read “So What is Confirmation?” and “Saying Yes”
Begin writing a personal statement of beliefs
4/19 EXPRESSING PERSONAL BELIEFS Personally selected verses
Reflections on “So What is Confirmation?” and “Saying Yes”
“Jesus Counts” and share personal statements of beliefs
Assignment: “Jesus as Prophet, Priest, and King”
5/3 FOLLOWING JESUS Matthew 16:13-20
“Jesus the Man who Changed History”
Select picture of Jesus and it implication for your living
Assignment: Prepare for examination before Session
PROGRESS REPORT TO PARENTS AND MENTORS
For those who choose to confirm the Christian faith & be commission for Christian
service:
5/18 Examination before Session
5/24 Rehearsal for Confirmation/Commissioning Service and Pizza Party and a
celebration and evaluation of the Journey to this point
6/4 Pentecost Service of Confirmation/Commissioning