Confirmation class for 8th-9th Graders

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Welcome to space where...

  • Questions about God, faith, and the church are encouraged.
  • Learning how to closely read the Bible is just as important as reading it in the first place.
  • Connecting the church of today, tomorrow, and yesterday is key.
  • Peers listen, peers share, and confidentiality is paramount.
  • Exploring how faith is a part of every day life is the focus.
Welcome to Confirmation class at Excelsior United Methodist Church.

A faith program for 8th-9th Graders
Wednesdays at 6:45pm-8:30pm
September thru May
Register today

What does it mean to trust other people? To trust God?

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Each Confirmation class is broken up into two sessions:

In the large group session, we explore issues of faith, religion, the Bible, United Methodist history and theology, and the big issues of life like relationships, family, school, justice, and so on. We use the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV) and The Message Bible paraphrase.

In Covenant Group, a group of 5-7 Confirmands and 2 leaders meet in a quiet space in the church building. There they are able to practice healthy sharing and listening about life, all in confidentiality. It's a unique group that bares lifelong friendships. Covenant Group Leaders are young adults and senior high schoolers who have been through Confirmation.

What does it mean to be a United Methodist?

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Confirmation is a time and space to explore one's personal faith journey and discern one's Confirmation vows to become a member in the United Methodist Church.

We believe there is tremendous value in seeking one's own path(s) to God. We also believe there is necessary value in belonging to a body bigger than we are, that we didn't start, that others see value in, too.

We believe the United Methodist Church is a welcoming Christian denomination that allows room for individuals to each explore their faith journey while belonging to a body, a church, filled with other people. This in turn creates an appealing harmony that makes teens want to learn how to explore and articulate their faith

What does it mean to serve others in the name of God?

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How to live together in God's creation is one of our highest priorities we explore in Confirmation. Each student is challenged to live a life of service and is encouraged to partake in as many opportunities as possible to help someone in need.

In addition to service theory, the class practices service in several ways. Confirmation students serves meals at Simpson Shelter at Simpson United Methodist Church twice per year, participates at Feed My Starving Children, holds a service project lock-in, helps with the semi-annual church rummage sale, prepares three worship services, has sponsored children through various international Christian ministries, and more.

Confirmation instructors Rev. Kent Johnson and Nate Melcher are always looking for new ways for the class to serve. Please send them your ideas.