Bethesda provides tremendous opportunities for Middle School youth (6th-8th Grade) to connect with one another and Bethesda's staff and volunteers, as they grow spiritually, personally and socially during this time of their lives. In these formative years, learning about and experiencing God's infinite love, as shown forth in Jesus Christ helps Bethesda's Confirmation age youth lay a foundation of trust in God's abiding presence in their lives.

Middle School Activities:

  • Lutheran Lakeside Camp's Confirmation Week (July 28th - August 2nd)
  • OASIS Confirmation Hangout Time in the Youth Room (Wednesdays from 6 - 7 p.m. throughout the academic year; includes free drinks and snacks)
  • Oasis Confirmation (Wednesdays from 7 - 8 p.m. throughout the academic year)

About OASIS Confirmation:

Class time includes two parts. The first is a large group plenary session in Room 210 where Pastor Jonathan Dolan, Bethesda's Associate Pastor for Youth and Family teaches the basics of the lesson utilizing typical teaching methods and the Collaborate curriculum. Our ELCA publishing house Augsburg Fortress (aka 1517 Media) has created multiple Confirmation-age based curriculums for use in our congregations. Every lesson builds upon the knowledge base of the previous lesson, thus weekly attendance is the expectation. The second is small group time in Rooms 211 and 212 where two adult volunteers invite the youth to think deeper about what they were just taught utilizing the accompanying Collaborate workbook. Generally, there is also a time of sharing highs and lows for the week. In my experience, youth appreciate the opportunity to discuss what's going on in their lives. Small group time ends with prayer.

The 8th grade Confirmands also work with mentors throughout their final year. As a medium sized congregation, it is preferred that the mentor not be related to the Confirmand. This helps them meet other people in the congregation. Studies indicate that the more connections youth make, the more they feel cared for and loved by their congregation. The Rite of Confirmation takes place during Worship in late spring.

Register your middle schooler for Confirmation.

For questions, please contact Pastor Jonathan at or by calling the church office at (515)-232-6256.