Confirmation
Confirmation is a process that youth, typically middle school youth, take part in to prepare them for membership in the Church. It is a time when the basic doctrines of faith are reinforced. It is also a time, especially in the United Methodist Church, to explore our particular faith history and heritage. The responsibilities of membership are explained, and those who will be confirmed are prepared to answer for themselves the questions of membership.
Confirmation is an important time in the lives of youth and adults in a faith community. Through the bridges of faith and Christian education, it allows those who have come before us to continue to shape and form the lives of the next generation. To ‘confirm&rsquo' something is to make it firm. In this case, we seek to make firm the faith of our youth - the faith into which they were baptized, the faith that they have already received and shared throughout their lives to this point. Confirmation becomes a call to Christian discipleship and an opportunity for them to ‘claim the name’ of Jesus for themselves, to publicly say that they are Christian and followers of the risen Christ.
A crucial aspect of confirmation is mentoring. When students begin classes, they are assigned mentors who take part in the journey with them. These mentors are present not only in classes on Sunday mornings, but also covenant to be in relationship with the youth outside of church. This mentoring relationship helps to strengthen and encourage both the youth and the mentor.
Confirmation at St. Luke
At St. Luke, confirmation classes are offered to 8th graders. Classes begin in January and end on Pentecost Sunday, which will be the Sunday that youth are confirmed. Confirmation classes are taught by the pastor and associate pastor, with support from other staff members. In addition to the classes, there are other activities such as trips, service projects and retreats that help make up the confirmation process. Youth are also encouraged to attend conference events designed for middle schoolers and confirmands, such as the Bishop's Confirmation Celebration and Kaleidoscope.