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.
OASIS Confirmation classes begin on Wednesday, September 13 meeting on Wednesdays from 7 - 8 pm throughout the academic year. 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.
**********
As a friendly reminder, next summer during the end of July (date: TBD) we will be attending Lutheran Lakeside Camp's Confirmation Week. Our youth are highly encouraged to attend during this specific week as Pastor Jonathan accompanies and interacts with them throughout the week. Also, historically multiple congregations in the "area" attend that week including but not limited to: Ankeny, Des Moines, Indianola, Clive and Urbandale. Bethesda sets aside funds each year in our budget to offset the cost of attending camp. It's also an opportunity to strengthen relationships, form new ones and meet new friends from other ELCA congregations all while taking in the beauty of God's creation on land and lake. The experience of going to camp at least one time during Bethesda's three-year Confirmation program is expected.
Prior to class is OASIS Hangout Time from 6 - 7 pm in the Youth Room that is stocked with FREE drinks, snacks, chips, cookies, etc. This intentional gathering time allows our youth to interact and form relationships outside of class time. As some of you may know, Bethesda draws families who attend multiple school districts including Ames, Ballard, Boone, Gilbert, Madrid, Nevada, Roland-Story and Iowa Virtual Academy. Thus, our youth may only interact with one another through church activities. Bethesda believes providing this hour for our youth is vital in allowing them to build stronger relationships with one another and build rapport with Pastor Jonathan.
Thank you, parents and guardians, for prioritizing faith for your child(ren) by registering them for OASIS! Thank you for entrusting the teaching of that faith to Bethesda Lutheran - ELCA who continually strives to partner with you in the proclamation of the Gospel. If you ever have questions about the content, do not hesitate to contact Pastor Jonathan at
or call the office at (515)-232-6256. We can't wait for your child(ren) to join us this year for OASIS Confirmation where through the power of the Holy Spirit, they will learn about the profound love God has for us as exemplified through the work of Jesus Christ!
