CONFIRMATION

At LUMC, Confirmation is typically part of the sixth grade experience, though it is open to older youth as well.  The purpose of confirmation is to provide an opportunity for our young people to explore the meaning of the Christian faith as understood in the Wesleyan Tradition. Central to this experience is building relationships, as well as study of the Bible, the basic tenets of the Christian faith, and United Methodist worship and polity. Additionally, students are asked to struggle with the question of what all of this means for them personally: "If I profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, what difference will it make in my life?"

Through thoughtful and caring leadership, we hope to create a safe place where our young people will feel free to ask their deepest questions, probing both their honest doubts as well as their growing faith. Our goal is to give these young people a comprehensive understanding of the Christian faith, along with a meaningful experience of the worship, study, mission, and fellowship life of the congregation.

It is our hope that these young people will be able to make an informed, committed decision regarding their relationship to Jesus Christ and the Church.

Confirmation is the follow-up to child/infant Baptism.  When the majority of children are Baptized in the Methodist church, they do not make this decision for themselves, but it is made by their parents for them.  Confirmation gives youth the opportunity to learn about what being a full member of the church means and to make that choice.  It is not a “graduation”, but a new beginning as they enter Youth Group and adulthood in the church.

CONFIRMATION ACTION STEPS (all dates are for 2013-14 school year and will likely see slight changes in the years to come, but the general concept will remain)
In order to grow in understanding and experience of worship, Confirmands will be expected to:

Attend youth activities and worship services regularly at LUMC
Anticipated Dates for Confirmation Class are from 4:30-6:30:  Sept 8, 15, 22, 29; October 6, 20, 27; Nov. 17  January 5, 12, 26; February 9, 23; March 2, 9, 16; May 4, 18
Attend the Fall Retreat (11/8-10) and Confirmation Retreat (April 4-6)
Participate in Youth Sunday (June 1) - all three services
Participate in at least one LUMC Youth service project (TOP; 11/3 and/or March 30)
Participate in the 30 Hour Famine (at least in some part) – March 21-22

Confirmation Service is Saturday, May 31 at 7:30 pm.

To register for Confirmation 2013-14, please add your name:  Confirmation 2014 (you need not have been baptized; anyone who has not been baptized will be given the opportunity to do so during the Confirmation Service on May 31.