Class Pictures:
Confirmation at Bethel UCC is a rite of the Christian church celebrated during worship. Those who affirm their faith through the rite of confirmation are those who have been led through a comprehensive faith formation experience. Confirmation class begins for those beginning 7th grade and ends the following year while in 8th grade. Class begins in September and concludes with the rite of confirmation taking place on Palm Sunday for those completing the course of study.
The curriculum used is entitled Affirming Faith. The intent of this curriculum is for youth to gain an understanding of the Christian faith and the movements of the Holy Spirit in order to affirm and renew their faith. It seeks to communicate the gospel message while striving to be contemporary in its outlook.
The sessions of Affirming Faith are based on the United Church of Christ Statement of Faith. This statement is a focal point for this faith formation program because of its unique role in the life of the church. The statement is a powerful expression of God’s saving acts and our invited response. Challenging Christians to “accept the cost and joy of discipleship, to be God’s servants in the service of others, to proclaim the gospel to all the world and resist the powers of evil” are important steps in discovering what it means to be a follower of Christ and a member of Christ’s church.
Affirming Faith uses a teaching-learning model that assumes that all persons involved in the teaching will also be learners—actively exploring faith and its meaning in the lives of each participant. It also assumes that the whole of a congregation’s life will contribute to the teaching and learning process.
The Bible is used throughout this curriculum. In keeping with more traditional confirmation programs, particular passages of scripture have been selected for each session, but the emphasis is an encounter with scripture rather than knowledge about scripture. The goal is life transformed through continuing exposure to the Word of God.
Currently, confirmation meets on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. It is here where we explore our faith; engage in exciting conversations about God and the face of Christ, and what it means to be Christian.
If this piques your interest as a parent, guardian, or youth we invite you to attend. If you have any questions, please call Pastor Sara at 565-2977. Hope to see you soon!