Intro | Springfield, Ill. | Watertown, Wis.

Confirmands Find Fullness of Life in Christ

Patrick Galati, Donald Dieterle, Andrew Fabian, Douglas Schlender, Robert Bortz & Claude Monck - Watertown, Wis.

Bethesda's Watertown, Wis., Campus has existed for nearly one hundred years, and many of those years have brought with them a new class of confirmands. Each class consists of individuals who are unique in both personality and learning needs, and this year's class of six men was no exception.

"We've always been able to adapt our instruction to the needs of people in the class," says Watertown Campus Chaplain Rev. Michael Schempf. "Some who communicate verbally may use question-and-answer instruction while others who don't read or speak may use communication boards and props to show their understanding. Doug cannot hear, so the use of sign language, word-matching, and pictures were natural tools for his instruction."

Rev. Schempf credits Deaconess Doris Timmer as Doug's primary teacher who developed these techniques in response to his needs. "Each person is blessed with his own unique characteristics, and it is our job to respond to that with instruction that works for the individual," reflects Rev. Schempf. "Deaconess Doris did a great job of that with Doug."

Rev. Schempf notes that this was also a unique confirmation class because two of the gentlemen have since left the campus to live and worship in nearby communities. Don has moved to Bethesda's group home in Hebron, and worships at St. John Lutheran Church in Sullivan along with a housemate who is also a Bethesda confirmand. Doug has moved into a new Adult Family Home in the Watertown community and will attend services at his home church, Zion Lutheran Church in Clyman.

"As people leave (the campus), we're working to get them involved in congregations so the church can continue to provide them with spiritual nurture," says Rev. Schempf. "Our parish ministry consultants are there to support the congregations as they open their doors to people who have developmental disabilities."

The men in this class have been receiving formal confirmation training for approximately one year, though they've each had years of Bible study. "Each of these men was part of Bethesda's religious life program here for some time, with years of training in Bible class and daily worship. So, the material we studied as a confirmation class was not new to them. They were already very well-prepared," says Rev. Schempf.

The material covered in confirmation instruction is based on the catechism: the Ten Commandments, the Apostle's Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, and the Office of the Keys and Confession providing for the forgiveness of sins as it is given to the church to administer. These materials help students learn what our Christian faith is all about.

"Some people may wonder why we feel it is so important to provide religious instruction for people who have disabilities," remarks Rev. Schempf. "We do this to fulfill The Great Commission with which we have been charged by our Lord and Savior. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus instructed us to teach all people "…to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The fruits of the labor of these students and their teachers were realized when the confirmation ceremony took place on August 25 of this year. Family members and friends from as far as Arizona traveled to Watertown for the service. "Everyone was so supportive and excited to see these men be confirmed," says Rev. Schempf. "Confirmation is a significant milestone in our Christian development; a public confession of faith."

And, according to Rev. Schempf, that faith is a living entity that must be fed in order to thrive. Therefore, religious nurture for these students will continue in the form of Bible classes or Sunday school and regular worship services. "The time spent in confirmation instruction is a relatively short period, but is hardly the end of the spiritual nurture these men will receive. This will ensure that their Christian growth may continue as they press onward toward their goal of living life to its fullest in a relationship with God, both here on earth and in eternity," he says.

As James, Patrick, Donald, Andrew, Doug, Robert, and Claude continue their lives and relationships with God, they have reason to be thankful and proud of their achievement. As they strive toward fullness of life, the benefits of their work, and that of their teachers and pastors, are evident.

Bethesda Chief Religious Life Officer Rev. Earl Bleke, sums up: "The pastors, teachers and deaconesses that have served at Bethesda over the years, along with local parish pastors and lay people have demonstrated great diligence in ensuring that people with developmental disabilities are nurtured in the Christian faith. The people we support, as well, have demonstrated perseverance and maturity as they grow in their faith and knowledge. It is with great joy that we celebrate with them and their families as they mark this milestone in their spiritual journey through life led to its fullest with God."

Confirmands Find Fullness of Life in Christ

• Intro
• James Cooper - Springfield, Ill.