Saint John Lutheran Church—ELCA
302 N. Parker Drive
Janesville, WI 53545
608-752-3159

The congregation's program of Confirmation Formation emphasizes formation of the young believer, over and above adult ministry to them, or adult instruction of them.  The formal formation begins with a few weeks of Bible survey and review for parents and students in the fall of the seventh grade year.  The following two years include small group gatherings and one-to-one mentoring.  Young adults typically affirm their baptisms in the fall of their tenth grade year, near Reformation Sunday.  Each year has its own components and expectations.  Chose the appropriate link below to access information for that grade. 

Confirmation Formation 0.5 (7th Grade)

Confirmation Formation 1.0 (8th Grade)

Confirmation Formation 2.0 (9th Grade)

Confirmation Formation 2.5 (10th Grade)  

Developing directive for this ministry:

Adults and youth of the congregation helping one another know
that God’s love abides in them and is made known through them. 

 

Background Texts

“Confirmation ministry is a pastoral and educational ministry of the church that helps the baptized through Word and Sacrament to identify more deeply with the Christian community and participate more fully in its mission.”  (Report of the Joint Commission on the Theology and Practice of Confirmation, 1970 )

“Confirmation ministry will vary from place to place, but it will always be an educational and pastoral ministry of the entire community of faith.  To describe confirmation ministry as the responsibility of the entire congregation suggests that faith matures by virtue of the Holy Spirit working through a rich fabric of caring relationships.” (The Confirmation Ministry Task Force Report, adopted by the Third Biennial Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA, September 1, 1993)

 

Four Keys for nurturing the faith, values, and character formation of children, youth, and adults.

    “1.  CARING CONVERSATION.  Christian values and faith are passed on to the next generation through supportive conversation.  Listening and responding to the daily concerns of our children make it easier to have meaningful conversations regarding the love of God, and are ways to express God's love to others.

    “2.  FAMILY DEVOTIONS.  Adults need to learn the Christian message and the biblical story as their own story if they are to pass on their faith to their children and other adults.  Our Christian faith shapes the whole of our lives and involves a lifetime of study, reflection, and prayer.

    “3.  FAMILY SERVICE.  Children, youth, and adults are most likely to be influenced by those who "walk the talk."  There are many opportunities for service: some in the home, some in the congregation, some in the larger community.  Whatever type of service you choose, it is best done with family members or other intergenerational groups.

   “4.  FAMILY RITUALS AND TRADITIONS.  Families identify themselves and tell their family stories through daily routines, celebrations, and rituals.  Whether it's an annual summer vacation, hanging Christmas ornaments, or an informal liturgy before bedtime, these activities speak volumes about what the family values, believes and promotes, and how much the family values its faith.” (Faithlife in the Home, Youth and Family Institute, Minneapolis, MN)