Frequently Asked Questions about Confirmation
at McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church
What is confirmation?
In the United Methodist Church, confirmation is the process through which young persons, usually as sixth-graders, make firm or solid their Christian faith. Once confirmed, they are full, voting members of the church in their own right. If they have not been baptized, they will be baptized as part of confirmation. If they have already been baptized (as infants, for example), they will not need to be re-baptized. Instead, they are asked to remember their baptism.
Does my child have to be confirmed?
No. Confirmation is voluntary.
Why should my child be confirmed?
Because he will receive in-depth instruction in his faith. He will be recognized as able to make some faith decisions on his own, to be accountable for his own faith and to contribute to the life of the congregation. Most importantly, he will accept and make his own the gift God offers us through Jesus Christ.
Confirmation is for sixth-graders?
Young persons are encouraged to go through confirmation as sixth-graders and the instruction is designed for their age group, but older youth who have not been confirmed may participate.
Confirmation is a process?
Yes. To be confirmed, a young person (known as a “confirmand”) attends a series of classes held at the church one evening each week for 12 weeks. Also, a confirmation retreat held off church campus one weekend during the 12-week period includes up to four more classes plus many other activities. At the end of the classes, the confirmand participates in a special worship service in which she affirms her beliefs and makes promises before God and the church.
What sort of promises will my child be asked to make?
Confirmands will be asked if they profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They will also be asked whether they will be loyal to the church and support it with their prayers, their presence, their gifts and their service. These promises are similar to those asked of new adult members who join the church.
What do the confirmation classes teach?
They cover the principles of Christianity, the history and beliefs of United Methodism, and background of McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church.
Who teaches the classes?
They are led by the Rev. Cindy Blocksidge, discipleship pastor; the Rev. Dr. Jim Higgins, senior pastor at McEachern Methodist; Andy Smith, director of middle school ministries; and other youth leaders.
Are parents involved in the classes?
Parents of confirmands are invited to attend a confirmation class just for them in which they will receive a condensed version of what their children are learning. For parents’ convenience, these classes will be held at the same time as the confirmands’ classes.
Are the confirmation classes all bookwork?
The classes consist of lecture, individual and group study, and fun activities designed to help the confirmands retain what they learn and to get to know one another better.
What is the schedule for the classes and the confirmation service?
Classes for both parents and confimands begin Aug. 27 and continue every Wednesday through Nov. 12. Times and locations will be announced. The confirmation service will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 16 in the sanctuary.
How much does confirmation cost?
A fee of $20 per confirmand pays the costs of a student workbook and a student’s New International Version of the Bible. Payment by check is preferred, and is due at registration or as soon as possible after registration. Online payment is not available.
Why should my child attend the confirmation retreat?
It provides more concentrated instruction than can be done in the weekly meetings. But the retreat isn’t all work. Fun activities give your child a chance to relax and enjoy himself, strengthen relationships he already has with other confirmands and build new relationships. If your child does not attend the retreat, he will need to make up the classes he misses.
Where and when will the retreat be held?
The retreat will be held at the Calvin Center, located in
Hampton, GA, about 45 minutes south of downtown Atlanta. Confirmands will leave the church after school on Friday, Sept. 26, and will return to the church in the afternoon of Sunday, Sept. 28. Exact departure and arrival times will be announced.
How much does the retreat cost?
This information is under review and will be announced as soon as possible.
How do I register my child for confirmation and the retreat?
You may click here to register online. You may also obtain a registration form from the youth office in Lula Dobbs Hall, or from the registration table in the second-floor lobby of the Christian Life Center. The table will be staffed before the 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m worship services each Sunday in August. Return the completed form to the registration table or the youth office. |
