“…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 Central States Synod is putting together synod-wide confirmation. Details are in the works, but here are the basics. . .
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Classes will run from September 3 through April 15. We will meet via Zoom from 6:30 – 7:45 pm on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays.
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We will be on a two-year cycle. One year will be a Catechism year, and one will be a Bible year. We will be starting this fall with the Catechism year.
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Anyone of any age can participate. (It's not just for students)
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Each student will receive a Confirmation Kit containing items that will be used throughout the year.
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There will be a weekly homework assignment.
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Participants will be connected via GroupMe. Parents will need to give permission for this.
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There will be some in-person retreats and/or camps offered along the way to connect in person with the other students.
As we prepare, we are hosting orientation meetings for parents, pastoral leaders, and students. We will talk about expectations, logistics, and answer your questions. If you are thinking of participating in the synod confirmation, please join us for one of these two sessions!
RSVP is not required, but appreciated for the orientation sessions. Participation in the orientations does not create any obligation to participate in they confrimation. This is simply your opportunity to learn about the program and ask questions. The Zoom link will be made available by August 6.
Click to RSVP
Click to RSVP
While this program will be coordinated by Synod staff, we would love to have pastoral leaders join us in teaching the classes.
If you would like to offer to lead a class (or more), please contact:
Human Sexuality - Gift and Trust Reconsideration Process
In 2022, the Churchwide Assembly authorized two reconsiderations (see pages 4-5 and 11 of this Assembly action summary) of the Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust (2009) social statement:
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Reconsideration #1: A review of specific text references that “would consider the import that marriage legally is now a covenant between individuals;” review specific wording “in light of public acceptance of marriage of same-gender and gender-non-conforming couples;” and “consider references to diversity of family configurations;” and
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Reconsideration #2: A fresh consideration of the “church’s current concept of the four positions of bound conscience” found on pages 19-21 of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.
In Spring 2024, the ELCA Church Council Executive Committee seated a task force to lead work on both reconsiderations. The task force represents a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Click here to learn about task force members.
The first reconsideration process was completed at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Edits to Section IV were amended and adopted by a two-thirds vote (724-46). The task force has now started the process for the second reconsideration. Resources related to the reconsideration will be made available throughout the process. As with the first reconsideration, the task force will provide a draft statement for public feedback.
Hearts Across the Heartland and the synod staff invite you to participate.
The study is designed to foster conversation across this church and to generate feedback and invites reflection on agreement and disagreement in a church called to pursue justice and peace together through “the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3).
Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
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August 27
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September 3
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September 10
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September 17