Confirmation Information 2026-2027
Confirmation at Shepherd of the Sierra
Confirmation is a time for middle school youth to grow in their understanding of the Christian faith, explore God’s Word, learn Luther’s Small Catechism, and grow in their life as baptized children of God.
Confirmation is not graduation from church. It is one part of a lifelong life of faith centered on Christ, His Word, and His gifts.
This year, Shepherd of the Sierra is partnering with Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Trinity Lutheran Church for a shared two-year confirmation program. Students from all three congregations will learn together, build relationships, and gather throughout the year for teaching, discussion, fellowship, and prayer.
Guided by Truth
We use Lee Hopf’s Guided by Truth: Enduring Faith Confirmation Journal from Concordia Publishing House along with Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation.
Guided by Truth is designed as a journey through Scripture and the Catechism rather than a traditional weekly classroom curriculum. Students work through the journal regularly at home, reading Scripture, reflecting on what they are learning, and discussing the Christian faith with their families.
Parents and guardians are an important part of this process. Confirmation is a partnership between the church and home as we help our young people grow in their faith and learn to connect what they believe with worship and daily Christian life.
Two-Year Program
Our confirmation program follows the eight units of Guided by Truth over two years.
2026-2027: Units 1-4
2027-2028: Units 5-8
Rather than meeting for a traditional class every week, students will work steadily through their journals and gather periodically with the pastors and other confirmation students for check-ins.
2026-2027 Confirmation Check-Ins
Our shared check-ins will be held at Shepherd of the Sierra at 11:30 a.m. following Sunday worship.
September 27, 2026 – Unit 1 Check-In
November 15, 2026 – Unit 2 Check-In
January 31, 2027 – Unit 3 Check-In
April 18, 2027 – Unit 4 Check-In
These gatherings bring together students from Shepherd of the Sierra, Bethlehem, and Trinity for teaching, discussion, questions, prayer, fellowship, and reviewing what they have been learning in their journals.
Unit Check-In Questions
Before each confirmation check-in, students should review the questions for that unit and be prepared to discuss what they have been learning. These questions will help students review the material, think more deeply about the unit, and prepare for our time together.
Click for Check-In Questions
Confirmation Retreat
We will also gather for a Confirmation Retreat in May 2027.
The retreat will bring students from all three congregations together for a focused time of worship, teaching, fellowship, and reflection as we bring together what students have been learning throughout the year. Additional information, including the date and location, will be shared with families as plans are finalized.
Worship and the Life of the Church
Confirmation is about more than completing a journal or knowing the right answers. Students learn the Christian faith by living within the life of the Church.
Regular worship is therefore an important part of confirmation. Here we hear God’s Word, receive His forgiveness, pray and sing together, and gather around the gifts Christ gives His people.
Our goal is not simply for students to finish confirmation. We want them to know whose they are, to trust the promises Christ has given them, and to continue following the Good Shepherd throughout their lives.
Questions?
For more information about Confirmation or Middle School Youth at Shepherd of the Sierra, contact Pastor James Cleland at pastorjames@sotsl.org.
