The Basics
Every few weeks an infant is baptized at DOWNTOWN CHURCH during worship. The whole church celebrates this rite of passage with the family. We publicly make a commitment to nurture the faith of the child so they are prepared to confirm the public profession of faith that their parents made on the day of their baptism with a profession of their own.
When you consider the process; classes, examinations by elders, a final ceremony where your favorite people come dressed up, confirmation is kind of like church graduation. In spite of the similarities, to be confirmed doesn’t mean you are done, you know the answers, and you are now employable in the kingdom of God.
Confirmation is not the end of one thing and the beginning of another. It is one more step on a journey you’ve been on since the church welcomed you at baptism, since God separated the dry land from the water at creation, since you first noticed that we aren’t alone.
One word of caution
A public profession of faith that Jesus Christ is Lord shouldn’t roll of the tongue. We should stumble on the words, fearful of what following the way of Jesus will demand from us and overwhelmed that God still remains present with us.
Borrowing from the graduation analogy again, our graduation rate might not be 100%. After six weeks of exposure to the essential parts of faith you should have questions that can’t be answered before it’s all over. And maybe those questions will necessitate more time, prayer, and conversation than the formal confirmation process allows for. Even if you are alone, wait. Keep exploring the edges of your evolving spirituality. When it is time to say it out loud, like your parent’s said when you were baptized, God will confirm it.
Our confirmation experience is designed for 9th–12th graders who have made a conscious decision to explore their own proclamation of faith.
Below is our plan right now. But the world is changing, and this might have to change as well. Flexibility might not be a fruit of the spirit, but it’s important.
Cost: $80 for food and supplies. If cost is an issue please email lucas@downtownchurch.me to get information about a scholarship to cover the cost.
The 2020 Schedule
| Date | Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Session 1 | Walking The streets with Jesus | October 25 | 5-7 pm |
| Session 2 | What is the church? | November 1 | 5-7 pm |
| Session 3 | What's with the Bible? | November 8 | 5-7 pm |
| Session 4 | God our Creator? | November 15 | 5-7 pm |
| Session 5 | What's your Confession? | November 22 | 5-7 pm |
| Session 6 | Meet the Elders | TBD | |
| Confirmation Sunday | December 6 | TBD |
More Details
- We will meet at CE, except for session 4
- We will expect you to come and wear a mask, we will stay 6 feet apart and meet outside as much as possible
- We will always have food
- We will always start and end on time
FAQs
Can I participate in confirmation even if I’ve never been baptized? Yes.
Do I have to be a member for my children to participate? No. But we do hope that you’ve spent enough time with us for you and your confirmation-bound teenager to make an informed and purposeful decision about whether or not this is the right time for YOU.
How will the sessions be structured? The lessons will have a balance of information sharing, small group activities, and group discussion.
Is this an introvert-friendly experience? YES! At least 50% of our fearless leaders consider themselves introverts. You will not be forced to sit in a prayer ring, hold hands, and make a public declaration of your gratitude. We promise.
Registration
Confirmation has begun for 2020 — if you have any questions or want to get involved with yOUTH at DOWNTOWN CHURCH email lucas@downtownchurch.me.