Confirmation
Grades 7-9
Confirmation meets on Wednesday evenings from September - May. Youth meet with caring adults in small groups to dig deep in faith through reading Scripture, asking hard questions, creative and fun activities, building safe relationships, and discovering what God means in our daily lives. Zion’s confirmation program also nurtures service learning in our congregation and community.
Goal: Each youth will grow in faith, claiming baptismal promises for themselves. The confirmation experience builds toward Affirmation of Baptism Sunday, on which each youth claims the promises of faith for themselves, celebrated by the congregation community.
Faith Statement Writing Retreat
Youth who have completed 9th grade will participate in a Faith Statement Writing Retreat this summer to reflect on their faith and what their faith means to them today. Two retreat dates will be offered: Wednesday, July 12th 2:30p-4:00p and Thursday, August 17th 5:30p-7p. Both retreats will be held at Zion. 9th graders should sign up for the retreat date they plan to attend.
Faith Statements are due on September 18th. Please email them to Pastor Ally.
10th Grade Interview Conversations
This year, each 10th grader preparing to affirm their faith will complete an interview either Pastor Ally or Pastor Tim or one of the small group leaders. Dates are to be determined. (September or October)
3 Pillars of Confirmation
Worship – Regular worship nurtures youth and families in God’s promises of forgiveness and salvation. Families are encouraged to worship together weekly.
Acts of Service – Discipleship is developed by following Jesus’ example of serving all people. Service takes place both within the church community and into the surrounding community (and world).
God’s Story – Through conversation with caring adults and peers, youth read Scripture together, ask important questions, and apply learning through activities.
Faith Development
Attend weekly confirmation class. Please contact the church office in advance to inform staff if your student will miss a class session.
7th grade
Church Service: acolyte twice.
Community Service: attend all service projects offered during confirmation classes. Students who are unable to participate in provided will need to complete one community service for each hour they miss on their own.
Sermon Notes: 5
7th Grade Retreat: Participate in a one-day retreat in the summer, reflecting on Jesus’ life of service to others and completing a written reflection on why service to others is an essential element of Christian faith. Dates TBA!
8th grade
Church Service: 5 hours.
Community Service: attend all service projects offered during confirmation classes + 5 hours additional community service of your choice
Sermon Notes: 10
8th Grade Retreat: Participate in a retreat, reflecting on how their experiences with service has expanded in the past year, completing a written reflection on one of their chosen acts of community service. Dates TBA!
9th grade
Church & Community Service: attend all service projects offered during confirmation class + complete 10 service hours total; must include at least 1 church and 1 community service hour; students individually choose service projects according to gifts and interests
Sermon Notes: 15
9th Grade Retreat: Participate in Faith Statement retreat and participate in a 1-on-1 interview with CYF staff before Affirmation of Baptism Sunday.