Confirmation in the Lutheran Church is: 1) an educational ministry and 2) an opportunity to make a public confession of faith in Christ. Our Lord Jesus taught us to make disciples by baptizing and teaching (Matthew 28:19-20).  He also taught us to acknowledge our faith before others (Matthew 10:32-33).  Church members should bring their children to these classes as a means of providing for their education in the faith.

 

Those seeking Confirmation as a youth participate in a two-year period of instruction.  Classes are held on Sunday evenings at 6:00 and taught by our pastor.  Students normally begin this instruction when they are starting seventh grade, though older youth are welcome also. The 2010-11 classes will begin on Sunday, September 19 at 6:00 p.m. in room #9 of the Education Building.  Parents, please join us for the first part of class that evening.

 

Curriculum for these classes include one year of focusing on the Bible, with references made to the Catechism, and a second year of focusing on the Catechism, with references made to the Bible. The two years of instruction culminate in a Confirmation Day celebration on the first Sunday of May, providing an opportunity for the congregation to celebrate the youth's achievement and the youth to publicly confess their faith.

 

Those seeking Confirmation as adults take the "Bible Basics and Lutheran Doctrine" class taught by the pastors on Sunday morning. These classes are held at different times throughout the year.  Please see the "Bible Classes" page to see when they are scheduled.  An opportunity to publically confess the faith will be given those who decide to take the step of Church Membership.  Please see the "Membership" page for more information.

 

St. Paul's is now offering the option of First Communion Prior to Confirmation.  Children who have reached the 5th grade are eligible to take the classes and become a communing member.  However, just bacause a child is eligible by grade doesn't necessarily mean that they are yet a good candidate to begin communing.  You, your child, and the pastor will be involved in the process of determining whether the child's First Communion should be pursued at this time.  Some will want to wait until the child is older, or until after our Confirmation program is completed.  For further information, contact the church office at 703-573-0295.