Click here for the 7^th & 8^th grade schedule Click here for the 9^th grade schedule Click here for the 7^th – 9^th grade Homework Schedule

ABCs of the OT (Old Testament Rap) Ten Commandments Rap New Testament Rap Click here if you’re in the band

ATTENTION 7th GRADE CONFIRMATION STUDENTS – FIRST COMMUNION:

You must attend ONE of the following sessions for first communion preparation. Wednesday, March 12th 7:45pm-8:45pm in the Parish Hall (after Wed. evening worship) OR Sunday, March 16th from 9:45am-10:45am in the Sanctuary. Please email Jill@stjlc.com to sign up for the classes. If you are going to receive First Communion on Saturday, March 22nd at 5:30pm then you MUST attend one of these classes.

What is Confirmation?

The Rite of Confirmation is a time for people to confirm or affirm the promises made to them by God in their Baptism. This is also a time to publicly announce the understanding of our responsibilities as Christians, knowing that we live under the forgiving power of the risen Christ and how we are called to spread the good news of God’s love in Christ by loving and serving others.

What are Confirmation Classes?

Confirmation “class” is a place where young people learn about the promises God has made, why He has made them and how this impacts our lives today. In order to understand this we need to look deeply into the Bible, as a complete book, in order to see how God has worked throughout history and still continues to work today.

What Grades are involved?

7^th, 8^th and 9^th grades. The grades all meet together for Theme Events. These theme events will cover the entire Bible, Sacraments and Catechism over a 3 year period.

Year A: LIVING SCRIPTURE -- Old Testament, New Testament, Life of Christ (2005/6)

Year B: LIVING FAITH -- 10 Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, Hot Topics (2006/7)

Year C: LIVING LUTHERAN --Martin Luther, Apostles’ Creed, Baptism, Communion and Worship (2007/8)

How are the classes taught?

Well, in our program we have done away with a class so to speak. We strive to teach young people in a way that will make the material relevant, fun and go to their heart. This is why we call this program h2h (HEAD TO HEART). Studies show that lecture based confirmation classes are not as effective in our current society. With the influx of technology, television programming and the Internet, young people respond more favorably to an interactive program. Of course this is a generalization; however we find that more often than not, students learn by participating in theme-based activities than by sitting listening to a lecture. Therefore this program is a based on a three-legged stool approach. Our goal is to get young people connected; to God, to each other and the church.

Three legged Stool?

A three-legged stool never wobbles and more importantly the stool will fall over without all three legs firmly in place. Our program has three legs:

1. THEME EVENTS: Every 2^nd and 4^th Sunday night (check the schedule closely) each month during the school year we will hold theme events in the Parish Hall of the Church. These Theme events include music, stories, skits, projected video and any other creative way we can present the theme for the night. Also, at certain times in the event students break into small groups of 6 and with their assigned Faith Mentor (GUIDE) they will discuss the theme for the day, pray together, review scripture and plan activities for their small group to participate in as required in the next two legs of our the stool.

There are 16 events this year, students may miss 4 events.

2. SERVANT & FELLOSHIP EVENTS: Throughout the year there will be planned opportunities for youth be involved in acts of service called HANDS AND FEET. This event is designed to foster group building and also reveal the value of servant hood to the students. Also, through out the year there will be planned fun, fellowship events. This activity is designed to foster relationships within the group and help build the community of God into a family.

3. WORSHIP LIFE – Students are required to regularly worship with their families throughout the year. Regular worship attendance is crucial for spiritual life as we try to help young people know the love of God. More information about this will follow in the parent orientation.

What is the point system?

Each year your child is required to fulfill 10 service/fellowship points. On the schedule you will see next to service and fellowship events a number, this value is the number a specific event is worth. For example, a game night is two points, attending a mission trip is 5 points and so on. This year 7^th & 8^th graders have the opportunity to earn 22 points and the 9^th graders can earn 27 points, 10 should not be too difficult.

What kind of parental involvement do you require?

As much as you can give! Parents, whether we wish it to be or not, will ultimately be the primary faith builders in a child’s life. No question! So the more you can help the better the team will be to foster faith building in your child. We do understand that families are finding themselves increasingly busy. We encourage parents to attend any of our 16 theme events. We also ask parents to be involved in their child’s homework assignments. Please see below.

Is there homework?

Of course! But this homework is unlike any other we have assigned in past. We will not call this homework, we call this a Family Check-in. After every theme event, your child will receive a Family Check-in sheet. With the sheet we ask families to:

1. Check- in daily – share your Highs and Lows of each family member’s day with each other

2. Read & Reflect on the daily Bible Passage. Your child will be asked to highlight this verse in their Bible and bring it with them to the next theme event.

3. Pray together.

This assigned Family Check-In should take no more than 10-15 minutes per evening. We ask parents to sign their child’s check-in sheet and send it with them to the next Theme Event.

There will be 15 homework assignments this year, we allow students not to complete two homeworks.

Cost?

There is a $50 per student fee that helps us cover the cost of materials, supplies, and helps us recognize the volunteers. Please make checks payable to St. James Lutheran Church. If a family finds themselves unable to pay the fee, please speak directly to Justin.

What else?

The three legged stool will only work if all three legs are firmly in place and at the top of the stool is WORSHIP. There are 36 Sundays during the Confirmation/school year. The goal is that you and your children worship at least 18 of those weeks. If a student misses three weeks of worship in a row a reminder postcard will be sent to you. Please be sure your child signs in at worship in the narthex.

Your child is also expected to serve the church in one of several ways.

1. Acolyte – receive training and once every month serve as an acolyte at one worship service.

2. Assistant Teach Sunday School – Weekly assist a teacher in the Sunday school program on Sunday mornings from 9:45 – 10:45 am.

3. Bell-a-Teen Choir – Rehearse 5:15pm on Thursdays

4. Join the Theme Event Band – Sing/play with the h2h band. Rehearsals are Thursday at 4:15 pm.

5. Service Corps—Monthly the students deep clean areas of the church

SEE THE SERVICE LETTER FOR MORE INFORMATION

All the above goals are designed to help young people stay connected to their faith and church. With so many competing interests consistency is the goal. We understand that schedules are busy if you have a problem completing the above requirements please contact Justin Vetrano to discuss other options.

Confirmation Staff 2007/2008

Justin Vetrano, Director 584-5212 jkvetrano@aol.com

June Scully, 7^th&8^th grade director 751-3203

Jill Spage, 9^th grade director 862-8221

Jason Gudzik, music leader/Technical

Jackie Kildale, theme event assistant

Tom Baxley, technical assistant

Eve Miceli, meal coordinator

Small Group Guides

Reinhardt Andersen	Tom Baxley	Julie Bohlen
Jordan Clark	Jared Clasper	Richie Cluxton
Matt D’Abreu	Nick D’Abreu	Heather Frampton
Kristen Giffuni	Kristy Grinere	Corey Grosskopf
Ian Grosskopf	Jason Gudzik	Danny Hardman
Paulina Janssen	Melissa Kassay	Jackie Kildale
Jim Lundgren	Emily Martino	Erin McDonnell
Adrianna Mollo	Travis Ochs	Erin O’Hare
Sarahjean Palmieri	Megan Russ	Eric Scholz
Kyle Seibert	Megan Stortveit	Erik Towers
Amanda Trepel	Anthony Varricchio	Justin Vetrano
Katie Wallman	Tom Werner

2007 – 2008 h2h Schedule

7^th & 8^th Grade Schedule

September

16 Confirmation Staff Retreat 12:30pm-5:00pm

21 Confirmation game night 7:00pm – 10:00 pm Parish Hall 2 points

21 7^th grade parent orientation 7:00pm-8:00pm

23 Theme Event #1 6-8pm (Bring a parent)

October

7 Theme Event #2 6-8pm

21 Theme Event #3 6-8pm

27 Service Event Hands and Feet/ZAP District Event (9:00am) 2 points

28 Service Event 1-4 pm Trick or Treat Street 2 points

November

4 Theme Event #4 6-8pm

10 Service Event Craft Fair 9:00-12:00 or 12:00-3:00 2 points

17 Fellowship Variety Show 6:30 Dinner 7:30 Show 2 points

18 Theme Event #5 6-8pm

24 Service Event Hands and Feet 10:00am-3:00pm 2 points

25 Service Event Advent Greens Cutting 12:30pm – 3:00pm

(Bring gloves and pruning clippers if you have them) 2 points

December

2 FAMILY EVENT Advent wreath making – 9:45am

2 FAMILY EVENT St. James Christmas Show with Lost and Found Time: TBD

9 Theme Event #6 6-8pm

14 Fellowship Confirmation Game Night 7:00-10:00pm 2 points

21 Service Event Christmas Caroling – 6:00-9:00 pm 2 points

?? FAMILY EVENT Christmas lantern parade – TBD

January

6 Theme Event #7 6-8pm

20 Theme Event #8 6-8pm

February

3 Theme Event #9 6-8pm SUPERBOWL SUNDAY – RESCHEDULED FOR 2-4pm

6 ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP 9:30 am, 6:30 pm or 8:00pm

9 Service Event ZAP District Event Time: TBD 2 points

13 FAMILY EVENT Lenten Midweek Service – 6:30pm

15-17 JR. HIGH YOUTH GATHERING Allentown, PA – RESCHEDULED FOR APRIL 25-27

17 Theme Event #10 6-8pm

20 FAMILY EVENT Lenten Midweek Service – 6:30pm

27 FAMILY EVENT Lenten Midweek Service – 6:30pm

March

5 FAMILY EVENT Lenten Midweek Service – 6:30pm

9 Theme Event #11 6-8pm

12 FAMILY EVENT Lenten Midweek Service – 6:30pm

21 Service Event Good Friday Walk around service 9:30am -12pm 2 points

22 First Communion (7^th graders) Easter Vigil – Time: 5:30 PM

30 Theme Event #12 6-8pm

April

12 Service Event Hands and Feet 10:00am-3:00pm 2 points

13 Theme Event #13 6-8pm

18 Fellowship Confirmation Game Night – 7:00pm-10:00pm 2 points

25-27 JR HIGH YOUTH GATHERING – Parsippany, NJ

27 Theme Event #14 6-8pm

May

3 Service Event Hands and Feet-- 10:00am 2 points

10 Service Event Mother’s Day Cookie Assembly—9-12:00pm or 12-3:00pm 2 points

18 Theme Event #15 6-8pm

June

1 Theme Event #16 6-8pm

2007 – 2008 h2h Schedule

9^th grade schedule

September

16 Confirmation Staff Retreat 12:30pm-5:00pm

21 Confirmation game night 7:00pm – 10:00 pm Parish Hall 2 points

23 Theme Event #1 6-8pm (Bring a parent)

October

7 Theme Event #2 6-8pm

21 Theme Event #3 6-8pm

27 Service Event Hands and Feet/ZAP District Event (9:00am) 2 points

28 Service Event 1-4 pm Trick or Treat Street 2 points

31 Fellowship HAUNTED HOUSE/CORN MAZE 6:00-10:00 pm 2 points

November

4 Theme Event #4 6-8pm

10 Service Event Craft Fair 9:00-12:00 or 12:00-3:00 2 points

17 Fellowship Variety Show 6:30=Dinner 7:30=Show 2 points

18 Theme Event #5 6-8pm

24 Service Event Hands and Feet 10:00am-3:00pm 2 points

25 Service Event Advent Greens Cutting 12:30pm – 3:00pm

(Bring gloves and pruning clippers if you have them) 2 points

December

2 FAMILY EVENT Advent wreath making – 9:45am

2 FAMILY EVENT St. James Christmas Show with Lost and Found Time: TBD

9 Theme Event #6 6-8pm

14 Fellowship Confirmation Game Night 7:00-10:00pm 2 points

21 Service Event Christmas Caroling – 6:00-9:00 pm 2 points

27 Fellowship Christmas Party – 6:30pm 2 points

?? FAMILY EVENT Christmas lantern parade – TBD

January

6 Theme Event #7 6-8pm

20 Theme Event #8 6-8pm

February

1 Service Event ART AUCTION 7-10 pm 2 points

3 Theme Event #9 6-8pm SUPERBOWL SUNDAY – RESCHEDULED FOR 2-4pm

6 ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP 9:30 am, 6:30 pm or 8:00pm

9 Service Event ZAP District Event Time: TBD 2 points

13 FAMILY EVENT Lenten Midweek Service – 6:30pm

17 Theme Event #10 6-8pm

20 FAMILY EVENT Lenten Midweek Service – 6:30pm

27 FAMILY EVENT Lenten Midweek Service – 6:30pm

28-March 2 SR. HIGH YOUTH GATHERING –WASHINGTON D.C. & VA BEACH

March

5 FAMILY EVENT Lenten Midweek Service – 6:30pm

9 Theme Event #11 6-8pm (Plus confirmation gown measuring for 9^th graders)

12 FAMILY EVENT Lenten Midweek Service – 6:30pm

21 Service Event Good Friday Walk around service 9:30am -12pm 2 points

30 Theme Event #12 6-8pm

15-16 Fellowship BOX CITY 12pm Sat. – 12pm Sun. 2 points

April

12 Service Event Hands and Feet 10:00am-3:00pm 2 points

13 Theme Event #13 6-8pm

18 Fellowship Confirmation Game Night – 7:00pm-10:00pm 2 points

27 Theme Event #14 6-8pm

May

3 Service Event Hands and Feet-- 10:00am 2 points

10 Service Event Mother’s Day Cookie Assembly-- 9:00am-12:00 2 points

or 12:00-3:00pm

18 Theme Event #15 6-8pm

June

1 Theme Event #16

8 RITE OF CONFIRMATION & PRESENTATION TO THE CONGREGATION (8:30am and 11:00am) (9^th grade only)

8 CLASS PHOTO 9:30 am

8 Confirmation Class Brunch in Parish Hall for families and members of the church 10:00am-10:45

2007 – 2008 h2h Homework Schedule

St. James Lutheran Church Confirmation

Date	Theme Event #	Lesson	Pages
September 23	Theme Event #1	Luther: The Stormy Monk	Packet
October 7	Theme Event #2	Luther: Trouble, Trouble, Trouble	Packet
21	Theme Event #3	Luther: A Legacy	Pages 66-70
November 4	Theme Event #4	Apostles’ Creed: God the Creator	Pages 128-132
18	Theme Event #5	Apostles’ Creed: Jesus Savior	Pages 158-162
December 9	Theme Event #6	Apostles’ Creed: The Holy Spirit	Pages 188-192
January 6	Theme Event #7	Apostles’ Creed: Church & Saints	Pages 198-202
20	Theme Event #8	Apostles’ Creed: Forgiveness of Sins	Pages 208-212
February 3	Theme Event #9	Apostle’s Creed: Resurrection	Pages 218-222
17	Theme Event #10	Baptism: One Lord, One Faith	Pages 230-234
March 9	Theme Event #11	Baptism: Newness of life	Pages 240-244
30	Theme Event #12	Communion: Passover to Last	Pages 250-254
April 13	Theme Event #13	Lutheran Worship: The Gathering	Pages 270-274
27	Theme Event #14	Lutheran Worship: The Word	Pages 280-284
May 18	Theme Event #15	Lutheran Worship: Meal and Sending	Pages 290-294
June 1	Theme Event #16	Confirmation: Confirming My Sanctions	(No Homework)