March 8, 2010 by admin.

Because of the importance of the Sacraments to the Christian Faith, each year I have a “Communion Workshop.” This is generally a 3 hour workshop that I hold immediately after church.

It begins with lunch with parents. Then it goes into the special materials related to the Sacraments, especially Holy Communion. There are several breaks offered.

Of course, a Communion workshop can be included in a lock-in, retreat or other opportunity suited to your ministry.

And, yes, I require it for those being confirmed this year (8th Graders) as well as those who will be confirmed the next year (7th Graders). It’s an excellent review–and an important way to provide an indepth understanding of the “Real Presence” of Christ “in, with and under” the bread and wine.

God bless!

TF

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March 8, 2010 by admin.

At two-months prior to the end of each Confirmation Year, I make sure that I urge completion of assignments. For my program, completion of these assignments is required for successful completion of the year’s program.

I urge you to encourage your students to complete…
1) New Testament Bible Summaries: Many will procrastinate. Now’s a good time to encourage completion.

2) Series II Online Quiz/Lessons: If this is a requirement for your curriculum, be sure to encourage it now.

May God bless Your Catechesis!

TF

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March 8, 2010 by admin.

I always strongly encourage parents to attend catechism with their youth.  Because of the sensitity some parents have to Sixth Commandment issues, I require parents to attend.

Given the prevalence of cohabitation without marriage, premarital sex, sex education in the schools and the easy access to immorality on the internet, I want parents to be there so that there can be a common understand of God’s calling in the Sixth Commandment.

Parents have ALWAYS appreciated my “Special” invitation to this session. It also helps to build the trust required for pastoral ministry.

TF

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March 8, 2010 by admin.

The Ten Commandments are a fundamental basis for teaching Christian living. Last week I was teaching the Sixth Commandment.

 The flexibility of Series I Materials allows for a variety of creative learning experiences. For example, whenever I teach the Sixth Commandment, I always take the students (youth or adult) on a “Field Trip”…the the church kitchen to illustrate what “adultery” is (i.e. “to make impure”).

Here’s how I do the “Field Trip”.

First, I get a clear glass out of the kitchen cupboard. I fill it with clean, clear water. As I show it to the students I ask, “Would anyone like to drink this?” I then give it to a student to take a sip. “Nice, clean water, right?” I ask.

Second, I scrounge around the kitchen and add whatever I can find–coffee grounds, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, etc.–and mix it into the glass. The students usually demonstrate their distaste for what I’m doing with questioning looks on their face. After stirring it well I again ask, “Who would like a drink?” Of course, no one wants one. “Why not?” I ask. “Because it’s dirty!” they reply.

Application #1: Then I share how all our bodies are like the glass of clean water. God, in the Sixth Commandment, calls us to be clean. He doesn’t want us to pollute our bodies and lives by immorality, pre-marital sex, unclean thoughts, etc. It’s a good opportunity to review Luther’s meaning to the Sixth Commandment.

Application #2: Of course the other application relates to grace. “What does God do when we make our bodies dirty and defile His temple (i.e. our bodies)?” To demonstrate this, I dump the dirty glass, thoroughly washing down all the dirt. Then I thoroughlly clean the glass, dry it off, and fill it up again asking, “Would anyone like to drink this?” For all who say, “Yes,” they affirm what God’s forgiveness is: Thoroughly washing and cleansing us from all sin. This applies not only to the Sixth Commandment, but to ALL Commandments.

That’s what Law and Gospel are all about: Showing Our Sins and Showing Our Savior.

 TF

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March 8, 2010 by admin.

In the coming weeks www.SmallCatechism.org will take on a new, updated look. This update will help improve…

* Navigation
* Accessibility
* Username/Password Access
* New User Sign Up
* Purchaser Registration
* Easy Access To Materials
* Access To Other www.Inkrist.com Related Websites

Thanks for your patience as we continue to improve this website. Your comments are always welcome.

God bless!

Thomas F. Fischer,
SmallCatechism.org

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September 23, 2009 by admin.

How long should your sessions be?

The short answer is “As long as they need to be.”

Series I Lessons were originally developed in a class setting using a one-hour format. This format allowed 5 minutes for opening prayer and devotion, 5 minutes for memory and Sermon Report review, 5 minutes to review quizzes, 40 minutes for the class presentation outlines, and 5 minutes for closing prayer/devotion and casuistry.

Over the years, the material has been used with large groups, small groups and individuals. The strength of the materials is that they are FLEXIBLE while also providing a definite direction for teaching. That is my experience. It’s also what the majority of users also report as they use the materials.

Enjoy the direction, focus…and flexibility SmallCatechism.org offers!

SDG

Tom 

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September 23, 2009 by admin.

NT Bible Summaries are another important tool for spiritual transformation and growth.

Introduce these without legalism. Instead, take a few minutes of class time to do the first part of the Bible Summary for Matthew.

Remind confirmands they don’t have to read the entire Gospel. All that is needed is a short phrase (not even a sentence) which captures (in the shortest form possible) the content needed for the answer.

Each NT Bible Summary should take no longer than 10 minutes. The only up-front objective for NT Bible Summaries is to get confirmands comfortable with opening up a Bible and getting an initial exposure to its content. Let the Holy Spirit do the rest. As the Spirit works in the Word, you’ll be amazed how students will comment on their reading…or even begin reading the Bible on their own.

God bless your catechesis! 

SDG

 Tom

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September 17, 2009 by admin.

One of the objectives I have for confirmands is to build fellowship between them and their families.

Whether your confirmation classes are large or small, we all share this challenge.

I would like to suggest that, in addition to whatever youth activies you may have, that your confirmation ministry structure experiences for parents, confirmands and their families to build community in Christ. Such activies can range from mini-golf, bowling, or a Christian movie night. Of course, they can invite their friends (an opportunity for more ministry points!).

This can be easy to implement. At the Confirmation orientation meeting, simply ask parents to host one event each year. Parents can work in teams if they choose. Ask them to select a month in which they would like sponsor the activity.

Then, at least 4 weeks in advance, have them provide the location, time and nature of the activity for publicity. Be mindful of cost-prohibitive activities and of any travel liability that may be necessary. I generally have the activities held at or near the church to avoid travel liability. Participants, then, are “on their own” for travel.

Does it work? Of course! Parents don’t mind helping out on this one-time basis. The activities may be on Saturdays or Sundays and last about 1-1/2 to 2 hours.

Give it a try. It’s a real “Win-Win” for the families, your church and the Lord!

BTW, if you’d like a sample of the form I use, please feel free to contact me.

God bless your catechetical ministry!

Pastor Tom

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September 17, 2009 by admin.

One of the early lessons in SC.org’s “Series One” is the history of Luther. As Reformation approaches, perhaps you might take an opportunity to visit one of the historical Lutheran churches in your area.

Holy Trinity Lutheran is one of the historical churches of Detroit. Confirmands and families enjoy the field trip to this restored “mother Church” of Detroit. There are other old Lutheran churches and Lutheran sites in Detroit, too. The old West Bethlehem Lutheran Church, for example, is now the home site for LATINO, a Lutheran Hispanic Outreach to Michigan. This will be the site of our annual field trip this year.

Perhaps there are churches in your area (or perhaps your own) which have a rich history. I find that students appreciate knowing and exploring their Lutheran roots in a hands-on manner. It can be a great weekend experience!

Pastor Tom 

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September 17, 2009 by admin.

The online quizzes for the online lessons are in development. Access is free for 2009 subscribers. Thanks for your patience as we develop this exciting part of www.SmallCatechism.org.

 God bless your catechesis!

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