Confirmation - for youth and adults

Lakeview United Church Confirmation January – June 2011

What is Confirmation?

In the United Church we practice infant baptism. Parents make the decision whether or not baptize their child and take a vow to raise them in the church and teach them about God and Jesus. Confirmation is a promise to follow the teachings of Jesus and continue to grow in your faith as members of the church. For those who have been baptized, they are agreeing with, or confirming, the vows their parents took years earlier on their behalf. If you were not baptized, you will baptized during the Confirmation  Service and, in that baptism you are agreeing to the same promises as your fellow confirmands.

This is an important step in a believer’s life because it marks the time when they are ready to claim their faith that they have chosen for their own. This is not the end of formal Christian education the way graduation marks the end of school. Instead, at confirmation, a promise is made to live as a Christian and continue to develop a personal relationship with God. In many ways it is just another step along your spiritual journey.
Thus:

Confirmation has no end
Confirmation is a way of living
Confirmation is not a reward for memorization
Confirmation is not the end of preparation for life -- silly thought! Who is ever fully prepared for    anything? at any age?
Confirmation is a process that builds a life based on the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Confirmation is not perfection
Confirmation does not lead to perfection
Confirmation is the process by which the person becomes confirmed in the truth of God's love
Confirmation is all this and more 

Why Do We Have Confirmation Class?

These are not really “classes” but an opportunity to talk, think, and explore what confirmation means to us as individuals. This is a special time, when our beliefs and their impact on our lives will be examined and discussed. 

Who Should Attend?

There is no right time or age limit for confirmation and you do not have to have been baptized. If you are in grade eight or older you may feel ready to take this step in your Faith Journey. At the basic level confirmation is a public declaration of your beliefs and intentions. It is personal, as is the decision whether or not to make this commitment.

Some people may not know whether or not they wish to be confirmed and become members of the United Church. That is OK! The classes will give you an opportunity to learn, and ask questions. Participating in the program does not mean you have already made your decision. Throughout this process, and beyond, the church is here to offer support, guidance and love. 

When and Where?

Classes will start in January and end with a Confirmation Service in June. We will meet at the church but will also have some planned outings

Meetings will be the following Sundays after worship:

• ·         February 6^th & 13^th
• ·         March 13^th & 27^th
• ·         May 1^st, 15^th & 29^th

If you have any questions or would like to register for the Confirmation program, please contact Vicki or the church office.

Confirmation Program Outline

God and You – A Friendship for Eternity.

I appreciate the hectic nature of our lives and the fact that it may not be possible to attend each week. Frequent absences may require “make-up” classes, or additional reading etc. to be done at home. Whenever possible please let me know in advance that you will be away.

Using videos, the worksheets, journals etc. we will explore a number of issues including:

• ·         The United Church – What is it?
• ·         The New Creed, Song of Faith
• ·         The Bible
• ·         Prayer
• ·         Faith in action – how we live our lives
  • o    Materialism, deciding what is right,  mission/outreach

I hope to arrange opportunities for us to visit the worship service at other churches in town. Possible dates: Buddhist Temple: January 27^th, Jewish Synagogue: January 28^th, Anglican or Baptist Church: February 6^th

Fellowship and faith sharing

This will be a time with parents and confirmands to both celebrate and share our faith. It is hoped that this could be done with a supper. The participants will have a role in preparing this event.

Confirmation Service:

The Confirmation Service is scheduled for June 5^th. More details will be available closer to this date.

Contact Information:

Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions, concerns or suggestions. I can be reached at the church Mondays and Wednesdays (242-5760 ext 224) or by email (lakeviewyouth@telus.net).