Confirmation Bootcamp
In-Person Block One • Old Testament
Beginning in the fall of 2022, Peace Lutheran Church will take a different approach to Confirmation. Confirmation will be available over a 26-week period that will involve in-person study with Pastor Eric as well as at-home activities such as a project and community service. Confirmation Bootcamp is separated into three five- to six-week in-person blocks that study the Bible, Luther's Small Catechism, and Lutheranism (theology and history). Students will have two blocks to complete their confirmation project and participate in community service activities through Elsie's Pantry, Peace's food ministry.
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Block One begins with the Old Testament and includes an examination of Luther's Small Catechism, particularly the Ten Commandments (the Decalogue). Students will interact with Scripture through readings, cooperative learning, exercises, movies, and discussions. Because our confirmation curriculum is condensed, participants are expected to miss no more than three sessions during the 26-week period.
1.1. the Bible (November 13, 2022)
Students are introduced to the Bible. The introduction includes how it is organized, how to find scripture, the original languages and other facts.
1.3. Exodus (December 4, 2022)
This session focuses on Jospeh and the events at Sinai and Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. The lesson will include Luther's Small Catechism instruction on the Commandments.
1.6. Habakkuk (December 18, 2022)
The world is a hectic place and youth are confronted with a lot of mixed messages. Habakkuk offers the opportunity to dig deeper into our relationship with God and how, in the midst of so much chaos we can and should trust God. Conversation will focus on the theme of evil in the world (theodicy).
1.2. Genesis (November 20, 2022)
In this session, students will receive an overview of the Book of Genesis and engage in conversation around the topics of creation, sin, and stewardship.
1.4. Samuel (December 11, 2022)
Students will dig deeper into who Samuel, Saul and David were as individuals and their relationship with God. Conversation will focus on leadership, sin and its consequences, and relationships.
Self-Study Block
Confirmation students will begin their self-study block between December 19 and January 28. During the self-study block they will work on their first project and participate in community service through Elsie's food pantry on distribution days. Details about the self-study block are below:
Self-Study Block One
At the conclusion of the first six-week block, students will have a break for self-study work. During this time students will complete their first confirmation project and volunteer twice on distribution days at Elsie's Pantry.
Block One Community Service
Elsie's Pantry is an important part of Peace Lutheran Church's mission and ministry. The food ministry relies on volunteers to help package and distribute food. During the break, a requirement for confirmation is that students volunteer twice at Elsie's Pantry on food distribution days.
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Food Pantry Distribution Days:
Saturday, January 7, 2023, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Saturday, January 21, 2023, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
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Students will need to check in with the pantry coordinator to note attendance. If students decide to volunteer elsewhere, a letter confirming their volunteer hours during the self-study period is requested.
Self-Study Project
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Step One: Reading
Select one of the following books to read. Students can also listen to audio versions.
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Book of Esther NRSV Message Audio (NIV)
Book of Ruth NRSV Message Audio (NIV)
Book of Daniel NRSV Message Audio (NIV)
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Step Two: Project Options
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Option 1: Write a two page reflection paper answering these questions: 1) What did this book teach you about God?; 2) What did this book teach you about yourself?; 3) What did this book teach you about the world?; and 4) What caught your attention the most during your reading of the book?
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Option 2: Be creative! Students can create something (drawing, painting, diorama, shadowbox, poem, etc.) that reflects a theme, person(s), or event from the reading that stood out to them.
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Students will bring their projects to the first in-person session of Block Two on January 29, 2023 (12-1:30 p.m.)