Suggestions for the Opening Ritual
Opening Ritual
Each session begins with an opening ritual based on John 15:1-11. Before classes begin, work with the confirmands to create a vine or tree trunk. You may do this by drawing or painting the vine or trunk on a wall or a large sheet of paper; or you might create a three-dimensional vine or trunk using wood or other building materials. As much as possible, allow the confirmands to guide the process; encourage them to be creative.
During the sessions in the “Know Your Story” unit, confirmands will add branches to the vine or trunk; during the “Confirm Your Faith” unit, they will add leaves; during the “Live Your Commitment” unit, they will add fruit. They will write on the branches, leaves, and fruit something they have gained from the confirmation experience. Branches may be drawn or painted or may be fashioned from sticks or dowels; leaves and fruit may be drawn or painted, cut from colored paper, or purchased from craft stores.
Here are some places where you can find tree, leaf, and fruit stencils and templates:
