Welcome to the BreakThru Learning Hub – home of all things confirmation and catechism at Epiphany Lutheran Church! Here you’ll find program resources, like the handbook, worship reflections form, and service hour reporting, as well as make-up assignments to download for any missed Learning Events.
2023-2024 Program Schedule
(Coming Soon!)
Epiphany’s confirmation program is designed to prepare students for the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism and to help them grow in knowledge, understanding, and relationship with Jesus Christ and God’s people. This meaningful program combines worship, learning events, outreach and service, and fellowship to strengthen the faith journey of young people. By connecting with Christ and each other, our students learn fundamental Biblical principles and teachings based on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism including the Lord’s Prayer, Ten Commandments, Apostles’ Creed, sacraments, and other faith topics. Students deepen their knowledge and relationships and make a positive difference in their homes, communities, and the world. Students are challenged to live their faith through service to others. At BreakThru, students are challenged to understand Christianity as a way of life, not just a Word.
Confirmation at Epiphany begins in the sixth grade with a bridge year, then continues with the core curriculum in the seventh and eighth grade, and finishes with preparation for the confirmation celebration that takes place for ninth graders on Reformation Sunday, the last Sunday in October.
Program Resources
BreakThru Program Handbook (2023-2024)
This handbook for parents and students includes everything you need to know for your confirmation journey at Epiphany.
The Family Digest is a new resource for 2023-2024 designed to help families track their yearly progress through the program and to put important information at your fingertips (or at a glance at the refrigerator!).
Worship Reflection
Capture important notes and reflections from worship services. Students in grades 6-8 are expected to complete 30 worship reflections during the course of the program, or 10 per year.
Service Hours
Document and reflect on service experiences to receive service hours. Students in grades 6-8 are expected to complete 30 service hours over the course of the program, or 10 per year.
Make-Up Assignments
Students are allowed one excused absence per year from Learning Events. After one missed Learning Event, students are expected to complete an at-home assignment with a parent for any additional missed Learning Events. Make-up assignments will be linked in parent e-mails, and can also be downloaded below.
Bridge Year (6th Grade)
2023-2024 Program Year
9/17/23
10/1/23
10/22/23
11/5/23
1/14/24
1/28/24
2/11/24
2/25/24
3/3/24
3/17/24
4/7/24
4/21/24
2022-2023 Program Year
9/18/22 – Orientation (Meet w/Erin)
10/2/22 – Intro to the Bible
11/6/22 – Gospel According to Whom
1/8/23 – Service Project w/Parents
2/12/23 – Faith Webbing
2/26/23 – Small Catechism
3/5/23 – Lutheran Worship
3/19/23 – Intro to Prayer
4/16/23 – Sabbath
4/30/23 – Doubts & Questions
7th/8th Grade (2023-2024)
Year A Curriculum
9/17/23
10/1/23
10/22/23
11/5/23
1/14/24
1/28/24
2/11/24
2/25/24
3/3/24
3/17/24
4/7/24
4/21/24
9th Grade (2023-2024)
9/17/23
10/1/23
10/22/23
7th/8th Grade (2022-2023)
Year B Curriculum
9/18/22 – Apostles’ Creed
10/2/22 – Lord’s Prayer
11/6/22 – Sacraments
1/8/23 – Service Project w/Parents
2/12/23 – Everyday Sam: Hello
2/26/23 – Everyday Sam: Human
3/5/23 – Everyday Sam: Hurt
3/19/23 – Everyday Sam: Help
4/16/23 – Everyday Sam: Hands
4/30/23 – World Religions
According to the ELCA’s Task Force on Confirmation Ministry, “Confirmation ministry is a pastoral and educational ministry of the church that helps the baptized through Word and Sacrament to identify more deeply with the Christian community and participate more fully in its mission.” Confirmation, also known as Affirmation of Baptism, marks the completion of the congregation’s program of confirmation ministry, a period of instruction in the Christian faith as confessed in the teachings of the Lutheran Church. Those who have completed this program were made members of the church in baptism. Confirmation includes a public profession of the faith into which candidates were baptized, underscoring God’s action in their baptism. If you want to learn more about baptism, please contact one of our pastors at (937) 433-1449.
Learning Events (September-April)
The core of our confirmation program runs from September through April along with service and fellowship events throughout the year. Students gather together on select Sundays for a time of thought-provoking teaching, authentic community in small groups, and lots of fun in a safe and encouraging environment. Learning events feature music, skits, quiz/game shows, snacks, and an educational presentation. The students then divide into small groups, led by trained small group guides for discussion and sharing. Service, Worship, Education and Fellowship
Service, Worship, Education and Fellowship
As part of our integrated program, students are involved in the life of the church in a variety of service opportunities including serving in the Child Care Center, serving Communion, ushering for worship, and much more.