Memory Work: Parents work with their child to memorize Luther’s Bethel’s Confirmation Program is an exciting ministry that works with teenagers and their parents. Our mission is to teach God’s Word and Luther’s Small Catechism is such a way that young people would be drawn into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The three spokes of the Confirmation wheel are the teens (who commit to doing the work), the pastors (who commit to relevant teaching), and the parents (who commit to supporting their kids and pastors). The program begins for teenagers in the spring of 7th grade and concludes in the fall of 10th grade. Below are the many facets of the ministry.

 Class Sessions: Regular classes for 8th and 9th graders are held on Wednesdays, October through February, at two different sessions (4:30pm or 6:00pm). All of the pastors attend, with one teaching while the others support and encourage the kids. Teaching topics include: the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed, Baptism, Holy Communion, worship, Martin Luther and stewardship. After 45 minutes of large group class, small group adult volunteers meet with the kids to discuss more personally the topic at hand. Teaching techniques include lecture, video, skits, music and worksheets.

 Youth & Parent Nights: Twice a year the students and parents (over 200 in number) gather in the Sanctuary for a time of fun, learning, and updates. Speakers or musical groups help to provide excitement to these wonderful evenings.

 Confirmation Camp: After the 7th and 8th grade years, the kids go to a week of camp with the pastors and youth directors. This camp will be July 10-15 at Good Earth Village in Spring Valley. This is a time for youth to build friendships, study the Old and New Testaments with the pastors, have fun, make friends and worship. Camp is a highlight to our program, and it is a great investment in a child’s faith.

 Mentoring Program: This part of the journey connects each 9th grader with a caring adult in order to help the students explore the integration of their faith and life. They meet individually and in large group for activities and discussion.

 Small Catechism.
 Service Hours: Students are required to do a certain number of service hours each year in order to experience that faith is an action word.

 Worship Notes: Each student has a certain number of worship notes to turn into the pastors each year. This helps them to listen more sensitively to the sermon and hymns.

 Confirmation Day: 10th grade students affirm their Baptism on the last Sunday in October with a special afternoon service. This inspiring day is preceded by the student writing a faith paper, choosing a theme verse from the Bible, and having a personal interview with one of the pastors. The students are then encouraged to live as disciples by staying involved in worship and youth activities, such as the Peer Ministry program.