Summer 2007…
Hello friends!
I am so happy that you have decided to be a part of the 2007-2008 Confirmation class. For me, it is an honor to be able to “teach” Confirmation classes at AHCC (and by teach I really mean – walk with you on this part of your faith journey). I look forward to meeting you and beginning our time together in September.
This year we will think about and discuss things like: faith, belief, God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, the Church, and it is my hope that when considering these different Christian themes, we will also be able to really dive into the relevancy of these themes for your life (because honestly – at the end of our time together, I hope you are able to answer the question, “Why does this whole “church/Christian thing” matter to me anyways”). It is also my hope that together we will learn, and grow, and change...and that in the spring of 2008 we will be able to say that: “we are more fully the people God created us to be”! If that is the case, then we will all be able to say that the class was successful!
As we move along through our year (16 classes to be exact) we will be using a book titled: Words For the Journey – Letters to Our Teenagers About Life and Faith written by Martin B. Copenhaver and Anthony B. Robinson, as a companion – or a guide for our conversations and discussions. The chapters in the book are very short, on average 2-3 pages, and it is my desire that your parents be responsible for reading with you, the given assignments. That way your parents can stay connected and informed about what we are doing in our classes.
Also, you will be responsible for writing a final paper, due on Saturday, April 27th – answering the question: What does it mean to be a Christian? Now, please don’t stress about this paper...or even think about it too much at this point...I think you will find that after our journey together this year, the paper will be an easy thing for you to work out. Really, this final project will be a Statement of Faith, more than a paper, and I will give you more instructions about it as we move along.
On the back of this letter you will find a tentative schedule of our class meetings. I do ask that if you are not able to make one of the classes, for any reason, please contact me before the meeting...and that is so I don’t worry about you. FYI – you can always reach me on email: thompson@ahcc.org or you can leave me a voice mail message at church: (860) 565-9686 ext. 18 or in the case of an emergency you can contact me on my cell phone: (203) 464-4248 (but please, only in the case of an actual emergency).
Again – Confirmation Class 2007-2008 will begin with a family potluck dinner on Sunday, September 16th at 5:00 p.m. in Drew Hall at AHCC. Please bring with you – your parents and/or a loved one, the book mentioned above, something (an object, a photo, the lyrics to a song, etc.) which for YOU represents “faith”, and one of your favorite foods (to share with the group)...beverages and desserts will be provided for you!
I am so very excited about our adventure together, and I really hope you are too! Have a wonderful rest of the summer and enjoy your vacation.
Always,
Erica
Confirmation Class Schedule
2007 - 2008
Date: Theme:
September 16 KICK-OFF: Family Potluck
September 30 Who is God, anyway?
October 7 The life of Jesus
October 21 The teachings of Jesus
November 4 The Holy Spirit
November 18 Got Faith? Or, maybe belief?
December 2 Sin and suffering!
December 16 Grace and miracles!
January 13 The Church
January 27 Worship
February 10 The Sacraments
February 24 The Bible
March 9 The really hard parts of the Bible!
March 16 “Say a Little Prayer for Me…”
March 30 What does it mean to BE a Christian?
April 6 – Last Class! Any questions?
Statement of Faith workshop – April 20th at regular class time; optional
Confirmation Lock-In at AHCC – April 25-26
Statements of Faith due: Sunday April 27th
Confirmation Sunday: Sunday May 4th