Woodbury Lutheran Church -- Foundations Ministry

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What is Confirmation (Foundations)?

In the Rite of Confirmation, young people publicly confess their faith, celebrate the promises of their baptism and begin to identify with and become involved in the adult Christian community. Confirmation instruction is a team effort, involving parents, pastors and staff, servant mentors, and the educational ministry of the church in the preparation of Confirmands for this important transition.

It is the continuing responsibility of the parents and sponsors who made the following promise on the day of the student's baptism: "I promise to diligently and faithfully teach him/her the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord's Prayer; and, as he/she grows in years, to place in his/her hands the Holy Scriptures, bring him/her to the services of God's house, and provide for his/her instruction in the Christian faith; that, abiding in the covenant of his/her baptism and communion with the Church, he/she may be brought up to lead a godly life until the day of Jesus Christ."

Confirmation begins at baptism when God claims us as His children and ends when we join our Savior in heaven. The Rite of Confirmation is in no way a graduation from Christian education and growth in faith, but a step along our journey of faith. God has entrusted the spiritual instruction of children to parents. Confirmation instruction is a supplement to — not a substitute for — this duty. The basic responsibility continues to be with the parents or guardians (not the instructor or the church) to see that young people receive and participate in this educational process.

Basis For Our Foundations Ministry

Our confirmation ministry is based on the command of Jesus, "Go and make disciples... teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20) Confirmation instruction is one of the ways we obey Jesus’ command to teach the Christian faith.

God gave us this command out of love for us. We, too, love our children. We desire that our youth have the best in life. We believe that they cannot have the best if they lack faith in Jesus Christ. We offer our prayers, our encouragement, our faith, so that they may have the best in life—a personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ!

The Foundations program at WLC is all about providing opportunities for students and families to grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. That is the foundation of our program. To achieve this goal we have a program that is made up of different class modules and requirements. It also involves family participation, which is vital in a child’s faith journey. This program offers a family the choices and flexibility of going at their own pace to complete the program while placing a high value on commitment and follow through.

Foundations Program

Our Foundations program is designed to provide flexibility and accountability; classes are not separated by grade, although there are prerequisites for several of the classes that will make them available only in the third year of study. The options provided in independent study and in the action and retreat modules make it possible for students to complete the majority of their studies in the first two years, so they can focus on personal testimonies and strengthening a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in their third year. For third-year Foundations students; Alpha/Testimony and the Cornerstone retreat will help them understand what it means to dedicate their lives to God, the Master Builder in a personal way. Upon completion of this third year and all requirements, students are invited to participate in the public Rite of Confirmation.

We have established a computer-based tracking system so that students and their parents will have ready access to their progress.

Materials

Each student will need a BIBLE. A study version is helpful.
Students are also expected to bring a PEN or PENCIL to each class session.
Each student should bring their Luther’s Small Catechism weekly
It is encouraged that each student bring their Confirmation backpack each week to increase the odds of assignments and materials making it to class. (Each Foundations student will receive ONE backpack during their 3 yrs—this cost is part of the yearly fee)—PLEASE WRITE YOUR NAME ON THE BACKPACK!!!

Explanation of Course Modules

The Course Modules are each 5 weeks long (with one exception: Alpha/Testimony). We typically offer 6-8 courses each 5 week session and we have 5 Sessions a year along with a Lent Term. (see schedule below).

If a family wants to complete the Foundations program in three years then it is necessary for the student to participate in 5 course modules per year. There are also courses offered during alternative times which are posted on the youth website as they come up—some are in the summer and family courses are offered on some Saturdays during the year—if Wednesday nights isn’t a manageable time for parents to attend a class with their student.

Foundations Schedule: 2007-2008 (CHANGED FROM 06-07)

Time: Foundations classes are offered at WLC from 6-8pm [Opening in the Genesis room then we divide off into separate courses—except during Lent term when all students go directly to their course’s room]

Session	Dates
Session 1	Sep 26 - Oct 24, 2007
Session 2	Nov 7 - Dec 12, 2007 (NO CLASS Nov 21, 2007)
Session 3	Jan 2 - Jan 30, 2008
LENT TERM (Optional / make up term)	Feb 13 - Mar 12, 2008 (5:30-6:30pm due to Lent)
Session 4	Mar 26 - Apr 30, 2008 (NO CLASS Apr 2)
Session 5	May 7 - June 4, 2008

Confirmation Weekend

After students have completed all 18 course-units, they will be given an opportunity to express their desire to be confirmed and share any questions or concerns.

The Service of Confirmation will seek to guide each student to make a meaningful, deliberate step forward in being disciples of Jesus Christ. Parents and baptismal sponsors will be given the opportunity to participate in the service.

There will be two Confirmation Services (One on Reformation Sunday in the fall and the other on the first weekend of May)

Foundations Banquet and Rehearsal

The Saturday night before Confirmation Sunday, there will be a Confirmation banquet at the church. This banquet will include a celebration of their commitment, some reflections of their Foundations experience, and a rehearsal for the following day. We will need each family to RSVP how many will be attending the banquet a week before (more information will be sent to you prior to this event). This night will consist of Confirmation pictures being taken by a professional photographer, a nice banquet meal and program and a rehearsal that will take place immediately after the meal and program is over.