What is Own Your Faith?

Own Your Faith is the next step in your spiritual journey. If you have followed the typical path in the Lutheran Church then you have already passed through several milestones in your spiritual journey. When you were a baby your parents brought you to the baptismal font and made a promise to God and the congregation. They promised to raise you in a Christian home, teach you to pray and read the scriptures. They brought you to SONday school where you learned the stories of the Bible. During middle school they brought you to catechism where you learned about the Bible, the 10 Commandments, the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments.

Your parents did their part to the best of their ability. Now it’s your turn. In a sense, you have been “borrowing” your parents’ faith while you’ve been a child. Now that you are entering high school it is time for you to step back from it all and ask yourself a very important question, “Is this really MY faith?” “Do I really believe this, or is this just something my parents wanted me to do?

During your freshman year we want you to do three things:

1. Push back and ask the big questions.  

When you stand up at Confirmation you will tell the world, Yes, I affirm (agree to) the promises made at my baptism to: live among God’s faithful people, to hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper, to proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, to serve all people, following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.” The question you have to ask yourself is, “do I understand this, and do I mean it?”

In order to help you answer those questions you will partner with a trusted and caring adult (your mentor) with whom you can really talk. This is your chance to examine what you believe closely and get some genuine one-on-one time.

2. Get Connected to your High School Youth Group.

The upperclassmen are excited to meet and welcome you into our community. Throughout the school year you are invited to attend our weekly youth group meetings on Sundays at 3:00pm. As part of the OYF program you will be required to attend at least one youth group meeting per month. During that time you will get connected to other students and learn what it means to be part of an active spiritual community of people just like you.

3. Prepare for Confirmation Sunday.

There are four parts to the actual event of Confirmation:

• an overnight retreat on April 27-28;
• an interview with a pastor scheduled between April 29 and May 12;
• the rehearsal dinner on May 19;
• and the big day -- Confirmation Sunday, May 20.

Welcome!

This truly is an exciting year for you and your family. We hope that you encounter God in a deep and significant way as you move through this journey. Please know that the Youth Ministry staff is here to assist you, encourage you, and pray with you every step of the way.

Renee Miller - Own Your Faith Coordinator

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | (612) 382-5335

Pastor Steve Thomason - Pastor of Spiritual Formation and Youth Ministries

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 763-421-6520 x.100

Tom Baker - Coordinator of Youth Ministries

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