June 2001

Confirmation Class at Mindekirken
by Ole Amund Gillebo, Pastor

A new Confirmation Class is scheduled to begin in mid-September 2001.

Students from 7^th grade are welcome to attend.

The new building addition makes it very convenient and provides proper facilities for the purpose of having youth groups and classes at Mindekirken.

The old church building with the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall has many possibilities for that same purpose and to combine theory and practice.

Education classes and youth groups might have different activities and training programs.

The Confirmation Class will focus on a few basics such as the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, the Worship Service and the Sacraments and to get to know about congregational life.

Classes will be in English, but those who wants to learn some in Norwegian will have this opportunity.

The Curriculum details will be clarified according to the training background of the group and in cooperation with the parents.

The first Confirmation ceremony is scheduled for mid-February 2002.

The word "Confirmation" comes from the Latin, "confirmare", a word that means to confirm and to strengthen.

Confirmation has a long time record in church history. The Catholic Church values Confirmation as one of the seven sacraments and focuses very much on the ceremony as church action. The Lutheran Church refused to consider it as a sacrament and

has a tradition to consider Confirmation as Church action and an action of the confirmand as well. In Norway nowadays the Confirmation ceremony is focused on as a congregational intercession and prayer for the confirmands and the preparation period is highlighted as a very important part. The process of learning is considered of highest value.

In Norway, Confirmation usually takes place during May and 75 % of the young population participate. This is quite a celebration in church and at home. It is often called "vårens vakreste eventyr".

Are you interested in the confirmation class at Mindekirken, or if you know someone that might be, please give me a call or send me a letter.

The Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church ·  924 E. 21st St, Minneapolis, MN 55404-2952 ·  (612)874-0716