Confirmation is a 3.25 year ministry that, by the power of the Holy Spirit and God's Word, strengthens youth in their faith and in their knowledge of Christianity so that they may personally grasp and proclaim their faith before their faith family.

Confirmation starts in the winter of the 5th grade year with instruction in the Lord's Supper. Welcome to the Lord's Table is a six week class on communion taught by the pastor, which ends with the student's first communion on Maundy Thursday. This class is traditionally held on Sunday mornings and designed for parents and youth. Parents may choose to have their child attend this class beginning in the 5^th grade year or any year after that as they feel their child is ready to learn about and receive Holy Communion.

In the fall of sixth grade, regular education classes begin at 5:00-6:15 pm on Wednesday evenings for our students that attend the public school.

• 6^th grade classes focus on learning about the basics of the Bible, specifically the Old Testament.
  
• 7^th grade classes focus on the Bible, specifically the New Testament.
  
• 8^th grade classes focus on life application and the six chief parts: the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, Apostle's Creed, Confession, and Baptism, with a refresher on the Lord's Supper.

For our Day School students, instruction is held during the school day. confirmation classes are held during the school day. During the Lent season (40 days prior to Easter), public school students receive a home study packet to be completed with their families. Regardless of which school a student attends, they will receive weekly instruction, one weekly assignment and memory work. Students also need to:

• Complete 10 hours of service yearly (either through the church or through the community)
• Attend designated fellowship activities
• Attend the fall confirmation retreat
  
• Complete sermon notes
• Attend at least one winter/spring Jr High lock-in during their three years
• Attend the one day spring mini-retreat (6th grade only)
• And participate in the acolyting schedule.

Classes typically run mid-September to mid-May.

Public Confirmation is held in May of each year for students who have completed the requirements and wish to publically proclaim their faith.

If you have questions about Confirmation, please contact Pastor Tim Ritter, pritter@immanuelrapids.com or Pastor John Grohs, pjohn@immanuelrapids.com.