Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation)

The Affirmation of Baptism (or Confirmation) experience is a way for students to explore and grow in faith and then affirm their faith publicly. The experience also provides community, connection with caring adults, and the opportunity to affirm their baptismal identities as God’s beloved children.

Email the Church Office if you are interested in confirmation at Good Shepherd: erica@goodshepherddecorah.org. A registration form can be completed here. 

Confirmation Classes at Good Shepherd

Here is a general overview:

  • Classes are taught by Pastor April and other adults helpers.
  • Students explore the Bible, the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments as well as Lutheran teachings about them.
  • Class is held most Wednesday nights in the school year from 7-8pm except during Advent and Lent. During Advent and Lent, students are expected to attend midweek worship with their family. During Lent students meet with a mentor during Lenten Soup Suppers.
  • Most students do regular Confirmation classes in 7th and 8th grade but students can start later as well.
  • During the fall of 9th grade, students meet additional times to prepare for Affirmation of Baptism. During this time 9th graders are asked to write a brief faith statement to discuss with the Pastor.
  • The Affirmation of Baptism service happens on the last Sunday in October on Reformation Sunday during the 9:30am worship service.

Here are specifics for 2024-25 for 7th-8th graders:

  • Sunday, September 29th: All 7th-8th grade Confirmation students will be blessed and new Confirmation students will be given a Bible.
  • Wednesday, October 2nd at 7pm in Fellowship Hall will be first Confirmation class this year.
  • There will be no class and no midweek worship: 27, Dec. 25, Jan. 1, April 23.
  • During Advent and Lent: Wednesday worship at 5:30 pm takes the place of class, students are expected to attend with families.
  • Advent: Wednesdays, Dec. 4-18, 5:30pm
  • Lent: Wednesdays, March 12 – April 9, 5:30pm
  • Ash Wednesday (Mar. 5), Maundy Thursday (April 17), Good Friday (April 18) worship services are at 7pm and take the place of class. Students are asked to attend with families.
  • The last class of the year will be May 7.

 

Here are specifics for fall of 2024 for 9th graders:

  • We will meet from 11-11:45 am on three Sundays: October 6, October 13, and October 20 in the Pastors Office. You will meet and write a brief faith statement.

This year the Affirmation of Baptism service for 9th graders will be Oct. 27, 2024 during 9:30am worship.