In the ancient Hebrew community, age 12 was considered theage of majority, when youth freely chose to be presented in the Temple, to be Confirmed By God, through the priests, what the youth freely affirmed- his(now his & her) commitment to a deeper union with God.
For too long the United Methodist Church has witnessed a huge exodus of youth immediately following Confirmation. Perhaps the church community has failed to take seriously theneed of each young person to freely make the choice that he or she is ready to deepen the commitment to Christ within the Body of Christ.
Candidates for Confirmation must be in 7th grade or above. The first sign of desiring affirmation is the free choice by each young person to attend Worship Services on a regular basis.
Remember, parents and grandparents, Jesus as a lad of 12 went to Temple of His own free will. Ann and Joachim, the grandparents of Jesus, and Mary and Joseph waited upon God; their Son would show them by His actions when the time was right!
Candidates desiring confirmation should read the preceding paragraph carefully and with prayer and thoughtfulness. Then let each one decide whether or not they are ready to worship regularly. We believe that young people will more deeply appreciate theclasses for Confirmation when they know that they have freely chosen to enter upon this Rite of Passage in the journey of Faith that began at Holy Baptism.
Orientation for students, parents, and mentors will be held on February 21, 2010 at 3:00pm. Confirmation Classes will begin on February 28at a time decided upon by the participants. Young people who are interested in preparing to receive Confirmation should fill out the form below and mail/bring it to the church office so that preparations can begin.
I,_________________________, having read the above, seek to deepen my commitment to Christ, through regular attendance at worship and attendance at all classes and with God's help I will be presented to the congregation for confirmation on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2010.
