FUMC Marietta, GA- Church: Methodist, Local Church Service
Thursday, February 23, 2012

Confirmation 2012

  Confirmation is confirming the baptism in the faith that many of us had as an infant or a young child. It is also a chance for us to explore what it means to be a Christian, a Methodist and a member of a local church. Through the 18 sessions of confirmation classes, service projects, field trips, and a weekend retreat our youth will learn much about their religion and will be able to ask questions to help them better understand the life of faith God is calling them to.
   Confirmation is significant step in their journey of faith and one that is to be taken seriously. The students not only make a commitment to grow in their own faith but also make a commitment to their church family. Youth are invited to claim the name “Christian” for themselves.   

  To fully understand the commitment they are making to God, Confirmands need to attend as many classes as possible, which is why there is a strict attendance policy. Students can only miss 3 confirmation classes during the confirmation process. The Confirmation Retreat will consist of 6 sessions so it is very important that they attend the Confirmation Retreat the weekend of January 20-22nd. Because we understand busy schedules and students may have to miss a class, there will be three make up sessions; Wednesday February 15th from 6:30-7:30pm; Wednesday March 14th from 6:30-7:30pm; and Wednesday April 18th from 6:30-7:30pm.  

   Another important aspect of Confirmation is understanding our heritage. There will be three field trips to experience the worship of other faiths which is intended to deepen our understanding of God and our faith. Confirmands are asked to attend at least 2 of the three field trips. Dates and locations will be provided at the beginning of Confirmation.

  Service is another important component of Confirmation. Service is an essential part of Christian living. Performing service in the spirit of love of God and neighbor is important to our faith. There will be 5 opportunities for confirmands to be in service. Confirmands are asked to participate in at least 2 of the opportunities offered.

    Our Confirmation teachers this year are Gary and Kelly Lee. . In addition to the teachers, confirmands will be given a Confirmation mentor. The role of the mentor is to represent someone with a mature faith that can be open and honest about their own Christian journey. Mentors will participate in certain parts of the confirmation process and commit to sharing with the confirmand in learning and growing. Other leaders in our church will also participate in teaching some of the classes. 
    Confirmation classes will be held every Sunday during the Sunday School hour starting January 8, 2012. On Saturday April 21st there will be a special Confirmation Dinner for Confirmands, parents, and mentors. April 22, 2012 will be confirmation Sunday in both worship services and the confirmation students will be given the chance to come before the congregation and publicly declare their faith and be asked to join the church.
    Confirmation is an important part of being a youth and a wonderful tradition of the church. Please be in prayer for these youth as they begin this awesome faith journey. Contact
Josh Sweeny,Youth Director with any questions you may have regarding confirmation or the retreat and we look forward to seeing your youth in confirmation class!

Forms:

Medical Waiver and Consent Form

Behavior Contract

Whitewater Express Waiver

Retreat Registration and Permission Form