Week 2 Of Confirmation!

Small Groups and Martin Luther and the Small Catechism! 


We got into our small groups for the first time this week. 


Time was spent getting to know each other and creating a "Small Group Covenant".  Small groups covenants were created so that each group has a list of "norms/expectations" they can hold each other accountable to. The word "covenant" is a biblical word that we often translate to "promise". God makes several covenants with God's people throughout the Biblical story. God makes covenants with Abraham, Noah, Moses, and DAvid-and God makes promises to us through Jesus Christ, in our baptism and each time we partake in the Lord's Supper. God ALWAYS keeps his promises he makes to us.  We as broken and fallen people strive in faith to keep the covenants we make with each other. 


Time was also spent this week talking about Martin Luther and the Small Catechism. We will continue this conversation all year. However, here is a quick review of some of the martial covered. 


Martin Luther did his most notable writing and work in the 1500's. He lived in Germany. 


Martin Luther was a Catholic Monk, he was concerned that some of the work of the Church at the time did not reflect the Holy Scripture. He felt the church needed to reform. His (and other reformers) work led to what we know as the "Protestant Reformation". 


A catechism is a collection of church doctrinal writings. There are many catechisms written by many different people. We however, are going to focus on Luther's Small Catechism. This catechism was written by Luther for everyday people. Luther took what he felt to be the most important parts of our faith and doctrine, put it in one place, so all people could learn it and memorize it. Luther felt that faith was best learned in the home, around the dinner table, by parents. (I think Martin Luther was right!) :) Check out the link below for an online version of our Confessions. Included in our Lutheran Confession is the Small Catechism. (Also, ask any Confirmation student where the Small Catechism is their Lutheran Handbook...they SHOULD be able to show you!) 


http://BookofConcord.org/index.php





Have a wonderful weekend! Enjoy what seems to be finally the start of the fall weather! See many of you at the Fall Kick Off Dance TONIGHT at SA! 
God's Peace,  Jen

Week 1 Of Confirmation!

It was great to see everyone on Wednesday (guides and youth alike!). The kids spent some time playing some games, mixing up and getting to know each other, and brushing up on their skill of looking passages up in their Bibles. During this same time the small group guides went to a fast and furious training. 


What an awesome group of adults who have answered God's call to "welcome the child". On that note...we still need more guides at all times and locations! If you, or someone you know, have this call (and I know you do) let us know as soon as you can-we would LOVE to have you!


Next Wednesday we will be "getting to know Martin Luther's Small Catechism" and getting into small groups. See you then! Have a Blessed Weekend


Peace, Jen

Welcome to Confirmation!

Hey Everyone,
Welcome to the St. Andrew Lutheran Church 7/8th grade Confirmation blog! We had our orientation last night, so if you missed it be sure to stop by church or send us an email to get caught up and registered! 


This blog will be a place families, youth, and small group guides can go for some deeper thoughts on the topic of the week as well as some other surprises that come up! Check back regularly for updates :) 


Have a great weekend, and see you all WEDNESDAY at CONFIRMATION!


God's Peace, Jen