Confirmation Playlist #1 (for October 2021)
Updated: Oct 14, 2021
Welcome to our first Confirmation Playlist for 2021-2022!
Each month, the Confirmation Playlist will provide youth an opportunity to dig deeper into faith topics. Students complete the playlist at their own pace during the month. When you're finished, send an email to Pastor Andrea with your answers to the "Closing Reflections" questions. Closing reflections are due Wednesday, October 27, 2021.
OCTOBER PLAYLIST THEME:
The Bible is the source and basis for our Christian Faith. It's also an amazing story of God's love for God's people and creation, from the beginning of time and through every generation. Over the next year, Zion confirmation students will gain an overview of the Bible, equipping them to continue growing in faith with scripture for their whole lives.
The purpose of this playlist is to help students explore:
What is the Bible?
What do I already know about the Bible? What am I curious about? What would I like to learn?
OPENING PRAYER:
God revealed in the Word, Jesus Christ, open my ears to hear you. Open my mind to absorb the meaning of your sacred book. Open my eyes to see your living Word active in the world. Open my heart to courageously love you. Open my hands to serve you in others as I carry your word with me always. Amen.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW?
To begin, take this "Bible Check-Up" online quiz. Have a Bible handy? Feel free to use it! At the end of the quiz, review your results. Does anything about your results or the answers surprise you? Which questions were the easiest for you to answer? Which were more difficult?
WATCH "WHAT IS THE BIBLE?"
Questions to ask:
In your own words, try to describe how the Bible was written. Who were the people involved? How much time passed?
What is the basic structure of the Bible?
What is the value in God's revealing God's self through texts spread out over 1000 years and written down by different authors?
WATCH"THE STORY OF THE BIBLE"
Questions to ask:
What are some of the elements of the unifying narrative or plotline of the Bible?
What was/is the fundamental choice that human beings make at the beginning of the story (1:01 in the video)?
Who (or what) is the villain of the story? How do you see this showing up in the world today? Where do you see it in your own life?
COMPLETE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES:
Option #1: Interview a parent about the Bible
Here are some questions to guide your conversation:
What is the earliest memory you have of reading the Bible? How old were you? Where were you and what story were you reading?
What's one thing you believe to be true based on what you've read in the scriptures?
When did you receive your first Bible? Who gave it to you? Do you still have it? (If so, ask them to show you!)
What's one Bible verse that you know by heart? How/When did you learn it? What's its significance in your faith?
What's one thing you learned about the Bible (as a youth or later) that surprised you?
How and when do you read the Bible in your daily life now?
What's one thing you still wonder about the Bible?
Option #2: Explore this Bible Timeline
Take some time to explore this Bible Timeline generally, and then dig deeper into the following events:
"Judea during Roman Rule"
What are some ways that life and culture this time period were different from today? How were they alike?
How do you think the historical time period of Jesus might have shaped his ministry?
What was the role of the Romans in the Judean region?
What significant event happened in 70 CE?
"Jesus' Life and Death"
What year was Jesus probably born?
What were some of the common occupations in Jewish communities of this time?
What were some of the things Jesus became famous for?
What was he accused of, when he was arrested in Jerusalem?
Option #3: Explore these Bible Maps
Take some time to explore these Bible Maps generally, and then dig into the following maps:
"Exodus"
What are some of the cities included in the map?
Trace the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. Why do you think they might have taken such a long and indirect path?
Which modern countries now exist in the area covered by this map?
Which books of the Bible are associated with this map?
"First Century Mediterranean World"
Find the city of Jerusalem - this is where Jesus was crucified and first appeared to his disciples after the resurrection. In which modern country is Jerusalem today?
Locate the cities that are associated with these New Testament letters from the Apostle Paul: Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians.
Using the map's scale, how far apart are Jerusalem and Antioch? How long do you think it would take you to travel this distance by walking?
CLOSING REFLECTIONS:
Send an email to Pastor Andrea (pastor@zionluthlakecrystal.org) by October 26 that answers these three questions:
What's something that you found interesting in the videos you watched?
Which of the activity options did you complete? What are three things you learned?
What are some questions you have about the Bible and how we read it?
Good work! Remember