JR HIGH : 7th and 8th grade

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation is a two year program for 7^th and 8^th grade youth which includes one year of Bible study, and one year of Catechetical instruction.  Several weeks of a third year will be spent preparing for the Affirmation of Baptism which takes place on Reformation Sunday (the last Sunday in the month of October).

The confirmation program combines fellowship, learning, serving, worship and discovering God’s grace in our world.  Confirmation is about equipping youth to be disciples – daily following Christ through relationship with others and being part of their church.  Confirmation is so much more than mastering facts about Jesus, about the church, and about the Bible, it is about living their faith in the real world.

Service is a vital part of the confirmation program.  Confirmands will have an opportunity to serve God and the community by being an acolyte or crucifer on Sunday mornings.

SUNDAYS

The Jr. High confirmands meet every Sunday morning from 9:30am-10:30am downstairs. We discuss real life situations and compare with Biblical context.  For example, we reviewed the top 10 heroes and villains of the Bible and compared to our world today.  It’s a fun group of people!

WEDNESDAYS

Wednesday Midweek Connections is on hiatus due to the pandemic.

The Jr. High confirmands also meet Wednesday evenings with Pastor Schnelle beginning at 6:15pm.  They will gather first in the Sanctuary and then in the Youth Loft downstairs. The confirmands will engage in study, participate in worship and meet with an adult mentor.

Through all of these activities they will be building relationships with their peers and others in the congregation.

SYNOD GATHERINGS

During the summer special experiences are available either through a camping or travel experience.

SEDER MEAL

The annual Passover Seder meal is on Palm Sunday.  Confirmands, their families and those preparing for first communion on Maundy Thursday are invited to participate.  For more information, contact us.

 

BANQUET

The annual Gethsemane Lutheran Confirmation Banquet is usually held in May, in the Multi-Purpose Room.  We recognize our 7th and 8th graders for completing confirmation instruction this year.  Gethsemane youth entering the 7th grade in the fall will be welcomed into the catechetical program.   A graduating Gethsemane senior will the speaker for the evening.  A delicious meal will be served.

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM

Gethsemane youth, having completed two years of study and participation in confirmation ministry, affirm their baptism.  Youth are confirmed on Reformation Sunday in the fall of their 9th grade year.

Continuing a Gethsemane tradition for almost four decades, the confirmands introduce their family members during a reception for them at 9:30am in the Multi-Purpose Room.

During the 10:30am service, their mentors present them to the congregation.  Family members present a candle, symbolic of their baptismal candle.