Faith Basics – Confirmation Essay
Your essay theme is “Love the Lord!” based on Matthew 22:34-40
34
But when the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they
gathered together.
him.
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And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test
“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
37
And he said to
him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind.
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This is the great and first commandment.
it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
40
39
And a second is like
On these two commandments
depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
During this year, you have learned more about who Jesus is what we believe as Christians by
studying The Apostles’ Creed, Communion, and The 10 Commandments.
In your essay, which you will read to the congregation this summer or fall, describe who you
believe Jesus is, how the 10 Commandments connect with what Jesus said in Matthew, and
how you live out what Jesus taught: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all
your soul, and with all your mind…(and) love your neighbor as yourself.”
Include:
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Who is Jesus? Why do you believe that?
What does it mean to Love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind? Why is this the greatest
commandment?
What does it mean to love your neighbor?
How does the word "Love" sum up the commandments?
When you participate in the Rite of Confirmation, you are publicly professing your faith. You are
also becoming an adult member of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. How will you your love for
your Lord? How will you show your love for your neighbor?
*Please include at least 3 passages of scripture in your essay. Here are some places to start, and
you can find many scripture references in your Small Catechism as well:
John 17:3
Matthew 28:18
I John 4:9-11 John 3:15
John 1:1-3
Luke 10:36-37
Romans 13:10
I John 3:16, 18
*You are welcome to talk with your parents about your essay, but this is primarily an
opportunity for you to articulate the importance of following Jesus in your life and how you are
growing as God’s child.
(over)
*Please email your first draft to [email protected] by Monday, April 11.
*During Faith Basics class time April 13 & 20, each student will visit individually with Pastor Tom
about your essay. He may suggest some revisions or additions.
*Your final draft is due to [email protected] by Monday, May 9.
*In June, I will circulate a SignUpGenius by email so you can choose a service time to share your
essay with the congregation (during the offering at each service beginning in August).
Faith Basics – Confirmation Project
Begin planning for a Confirmation Project that you will present to the Faith Basics class as well
as your family and friends before your Confirmation Service in October.
This Project is to be a visual representation of your essay - “Love the Lord!"
In the past, students have used music, sculpture, sewing, painting, quilting, woodworking,
dance, and many other ways of expressing their faith through their Confirmation Project. Be
creative and use your gifts to bring glory to God.
Please email your project idea to me when you send essay first draft, by Monday, April 11.
Here are some important dates for you and your parents to remember:
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Monday, April 11 – Essays first draft and Project idea should be emailed to Amy Niemann
Wednesday, April 13 & 20 – review first draft with Pastor Tom during Faith Basics
Monday, May 9 – final Essay due to [email protected]
August–October - Essay Sharing at 5:00pm 8:30am & 11:00 am Services; sign-up available
in June
Friday, September 30- deadline for technology needs: I will be using video/powerpoint,
an instrument/vocals etc. Please note the sanctuary computer operating system is
Microsoft- Windows 7 (PC).
Wednesday, October 26 – Project Sharing at 6:15 pm
Saturday, October 29 –morning Rehearsal for the Rite of Confirmation
Saturday, October 29 – Confirmation Banquet and Project Sharing at 5:30 pm
Sunday, October 30 – Rite of Confirmation; Last names A-L at 8:30, M-Z at 11:00
(over)