Bethel Confirmation — Faith Project Starter
So you need to complete your faith project but do not know what to do?
Start here and you will be well on your way!
Many people at Bethel and beyond, have committed to raising you up in the faith, teaching you the Holy Scripture, the 10 Commandments, the Creed, The Lord’s Prayer, The Lord’s Supper, and Baptism – what an awesome gift!
We want you to take some time to think about and share what God has provided for you in your baptism, and what you have gained through your years of learning and friendships at Confirmation. This is the purpose of the faith project.
Faith projects can take many forms. Some confirmation students write a 2-3 page paper or reflection based on the focus questions below. Others prefer to make something with the help of their parents or mentor. We’ve seen many wonderful examples of projects in the past including: papers, artwork, painting, composing a song and playing/singing it, making a cross, poetry, a scrapbook, or poster board highlighting what God has done in their life, or doing a meaningful service project with their Mentor. Use your imagination!
It is helpful and we ask that if you are not writing a paper, that you accompany your faith project with a written explanation that briefly answers the questions below as they relate to and inform your project.
God makes you holy as you hear his Word. We’ve spent quite a bit of time together learning God’s Word from scripture and what it means in Luther’s Small Catechism. Whether you choose to write a paper or create or do something more abstract, we want to see and hear from you how what you’ve learned in the Bible and the Small Catechism has impacted your faith and daily life.
Here are the focus questions for you to consider as you work on your faith paper/project:
- What verse from Scripture are you going to choose for your Confirmation Bible Verse? Where does it fit in the whole story of the Bible? Why is it important to you?
- What is one part of Luther’s Small Catechism that stands out to you most? How does it challenge you? How does it bring you comfort?
- Part of God’s work in caring for and preserving us is giving us good family and friends, teachers and mentors. Who are some of the people in your life that God has used to support and help you in your Christian faith? How have they helped you?
- In the explanation to the first article of the Apostles Creed (creation), and in the Lord’s Prayer (daily bread) we learn that God provides all that we need in this life for body and soul. What in your life are you most thankful for? Why?
- The fact that we have the 10 commandments tells us that life will not be perfect in this world, and not everything will always make sense to us. What do you find difficult or challenging about being a Christian? Describe. What are some questions you have about your faith?
- Think about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. (Read it again in the Gospels and check out Luther’s explanation in the 2nd article of the Creed). What has he done for you? How does this affect your life?
- We learned a lot about prayer in studying the 2nd commandment and The Lord’s Prayer. Why does God teach us to pray? How has prayer helped you in your life?
- We heard many stories in the Bible about how God was faithful in good times and in bad times. What events (happy or sad) in your life have shaped your faith and trust in God? Describe how they affected you.
- As Luther explains the 3rd Commandment, he says “we are to gladly hear and learn God’s Word.” This is why we have the Church! Think about your experiences in Church (confirmation, youth activities, Sunday School, worship, etc.), what are some things you will remember for a long time? Why?
- God has given you many gifts! And God will use you whether you realize it or not to help your neighbor and to help others hear the Gospel of Jesus. How do you think your faith will be lived out in the next year? What are some ways you dream of sharing your gifts and talents at Bethel?
We are here to celebrate with you all that God is accomplishing through faith in your lives. Please fill out this Faith Project Plan and hand it in to the Bethel Church Office. Contact Julie Allhiser (allnhiser@bethellutheran.com) with any questions. You are God’s creation, made perfect in your baptisms!